Vice President of Technology and Digital Strategy

Monterey Bay Aquarium • Monterey, CA

117d • $210,000 - $270,000

About The Position

This is a pivotal moment for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, as it expands its reach globally, deepens digital engagement, and modernizes enterprise systems to better connect people with its mission to inspire conservation of the ocean. The Vice President of Technology and Digital Strategy will lead this transformation by strengthening the systems, tools, and culture that support conservation, science, education, and public engagement, in alignment with the Aquarium's strategic plan. As a large nonprofit with global impact, the Aquarium combines the complexity of a multifaceted institution with the need to work lean. The right leader will bring focus and adaptability to accelerate progress. Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Vice President serves as a transformational leader who bridges operational excellence with visionary innovation. This role advances the Aquarium's digital presence and technical foundation while reimagining how emerging technologies and platforms can expand engagement and amplify conservation impact. The Vice President oversees digital platforms, enterprise systems, cybersecurity, business intelligence, and data architecture. They ensure dependable operations while driving innovation that enhances experiences for staff, visitors, and worldwide audiences. From ticketing and fundraising systems to websites, mobile, and immersive engagement, the Vice President stewards a dynamic ecosystem that balances stability with experimentation. As a collaborative partner across all departments, the Vice President champions digital-first strategies that expand audience connections, create an inclusive and effective hybrid workplace, and position the Aquarium as a leader in experimenting with new technologies. They are both a visionary who inspires stakeholders and a pragmatic executor who delivers results.

Requirements

• Ten or more years of progressive leadership experience in digital transformation, digital strategy, enterprise technology operations, and public-facing digital innovation.
• Experience in nonprofit, cultural, government, education, or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex organizational change with confidence and empathy.
• Strategic thinking and digital fluency, with the ability to translate emerging technologies into actionable, mission-aligned initiatives.
• Proven track record of linking digital initiatives to measurable mission and business outcomes.
• Collaborative leadership style with a record of building and leading high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing and modernizing enterprise systems such as HRIS, finance platforms, CRM systems, and productivity tools in hybrid environments.
• Strong technical fluency across enterprise platforms, cloud infrastructure, and data governance.
• Experience partnering with marketing and digital engagement teams to design and deliver innovative public-facing digital experiences.
• Experience operating effectively in mission-driven environments that require strategic focus, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for the organization's technology and digital strategy, aligning tools, platforms, and capabilities with the Aquarium's strategic commitments and objectives.
• Develop and implement a long-term technology roadmap that advances conservation, education, public engagement, and revenue, grounded in user insights and service design.
• Collaborate with the CMO and leadership team to integrate technology into organizational priorities.
• Stay attuned to emerging technologies and trends, evaluating their potential to deliver mission-aligned value.
• Lead a cross-functional team spanning digital platforms and products, enterprise systems, data, and business intelligence.
• Ensure dependable, secure, and cost-effective technology operations that meet the needs of staff, visitors, and global audiences.
• Oversee enterprise systems that support ticketing, fundraising and membership, customer relationships, human resources, finance, and productivity.
• Strengthen the Aquarium's cybersecurity posture.
• Establish governance practices that promote data integrity, operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and user-centered design.
• Apply strong business acumen to connect technology decisions with broader organizational strategy.
• Anticipate future organizational needs by planning for scenarios, managing risk, and aligning technology with long-term institutional resilience.
• Lead a digital and technology team that is accountable, curious, and adaptive.
• Set clear goals while fostering a culture of learning, equity, and continuous improvement.
• Approach conflict as a natural part of collaboration, guiding the team to surface different perspectives and resolve disagreements.
• Ensure team roles, skills, and structures evolve with organizational priorities.
• Partner with leaders across the Aquarium to support an inclusive, effective hybrid workplace.
• Champion accessible and equitable digital experiences for both internal and external audiences.
• Drive innovation while focusing on practical, mission-driven outcomes through cross-functional collaboration.
• Translate digital trends into initiatives that improve staff effectiveness, deepen public engagement, and generate mission-aligned revenue.
• Lead change with transparency and empathy as the organization modernizes systems, adopts new tools, and strengthens digital governance.
• Anticipate and manage resistance by equipping teams with the training, resources, and support they need to adapt successfully.
• Build trust through clear communication, early stakeholder engagement, and ongoing feedback loops.
• Model resilience and adaptability, partnering with executives and ensuring leaders at every level are aligned and empowered to champion change.
• Balance experimentation with stability to ensure innovation supports long-term impact.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $210,000 - $270,000.
• Generous benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions