Vice President of Facilities & Capital Projects

Santa Barbara Zoo•Santa Barbara, CA

38d•$160,000 - $171,600

About The Position

The Vice President of Facilities & Capital Projects (VP–FCP) is a senior executive leader responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and lifecycle management of all Zoo facilities, infrastructure, capital projects, safety, security, and physical assets—on campus and offsite locations. This role directly supervises the Director of Safety & Security and the Director of Facilities & Horticulture, ensuring integrated oversight of facility operations, safety programs, and campus wide risk management. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, and working in close partnership with the President & CEO and the Executive Leadership Team, this role ensures that the Zoo’s physical environment advances animal welfare, guest experience, staff effectiveness, sustainability goals, operational excellence, and long-term financial stewardship. This leader leads current and future capital development, including major campus transformations, infrastructure modernization, preventative and predictive maintenance systems, and off-site initiatives and partnerships (including academic and research collaborations such as those with California State University Channel Islands) while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, inclusivity and continuous improvement. The VP-FCP provides executive direction and coaching to both the Director of Facilities & Horticulture and the Director of Safety & Security to ensure alignment with zoo-wide operational standards and strategic priorities. This is a hands-on, strategic operator role—equal parts builder, steward, and systems leader—designed to support the Zoo’s growth trajectory, master planning vision, and AZA-level excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Facilities Management, or a related field required.
10+ years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, capital planning, capital project delivery, infrastructure operations, and/or construction project management, including leadership of multi-million-dollar capital programs in public-facing environments.
5+ years of senior-level leadership experience supervising managers, multidisciplinary teams, and external consultants/contractors.
Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with finance, operations, animal care, and executive leadership.
Experience in zoos, aquariums, museums, universities, healthcare systems, cultural institutions, campus environments, or similarly complex multi-facility operations (nonprofit or public-sector/public‑private partnership environments preferred).
Working knowledge of applicable building codes, permitting process, safety regulations, ADA requirements, environmental regulations, and relevant AZA accreditation standards.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex capital projects from concept through completion on time and within budget.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, board presentations, and briefings for executive leadership and external stakeholders.
Effective leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to mentor, coach, and develop staff.
Ability to think strategically and translate organizational goals into actionable facilities and capital project plans.
Ability to manage multiple, concurrent projects and competing deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make data-informed decisions under pressure and in complex stakeholder environments.
Commitment to equity, sustainability, animal welfare, and the Zoo’s mission, with the ability to integrate these values into facilities and capital planning decisions.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
Familiarity with AZA standards, animal habitat construction, and/or specialized life-support systems preferred.
Demonstrated experience managing public-sector or nonprofit capital projects, including familiarity with public procurement, permitting, and regulatory compliance processes preferred.
Professional licensure or certification preferred, such as: • Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (R.A.) • Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Facilities Management Professional (FMP), or equivalent • Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent project management certification preferred.
LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) or demonstrated experience with sustainable design and green building standards strongly preferred.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record (required for travel between sites and off-site meetings).