About the Organization

Founded in 1999, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (GWDC) is an AZA-accredited not-for-profit wildlife park and educational facility located in West Yellowstone, Montana. GWDC provides lifelong care for non-releasable grizzly bears, gray wolves, river otters, birds of prey, and other native species of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Serving approximately 200,000 visitors annually, GWDC offers immersive exhibits and year-round educational programming that focuses on wildlife ecology, conservation, and human–wildlife coexistence. With an annual operating budget of $4–5 million, the organization is financially sound and well-managed, having recently invested in capital improvements for animal habitats, educational facilities, and visitor amenities.

GWDC is deeply committed to animal well-being, conservation education, community engagement, and long-term ecosystem stewardship.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the strategic leader of GWDC. The Executive Director advances the organization’s mission, ensures excellence in animal care and AZA accreditation, leads fundraising and financial stewardship, and oversees a staff of approximately 40 full-time and seasonal employees.

This role requires visionary, yet hands-on leadership suited to a small, high-profile nonprofit in a remote, tourism-based community.

Core Responsibilities

• Implementation of the strategic plan aligned with the mission and AZA standards.
• Ensure exceptional animal care, enrichment, habitat management, and conservation programming.
• Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors and provide timely strategic, operational, and financial reporting.
• Oversee annual operating and capital budgets, financial controls, audits, and long-term planning.
• Lead fundraising strategy, including major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and campaigns.
• Provide executive oversight of all departments, including animal care, education, facilities, guest services, retail, marketing, and finance.
• Hire, mentor, and evaluate senior staff; foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and accountability.
• Serve as primary spokesperson and ambassador, strengthening partnerships across the conservation and tourism sectors.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Executive leadership experience in a nonprofit, zoological, conservation, or related organization.
• Demonstrated success working with a Board of Directors.
• Proven fundraising and revenue diversification experience.
• Strong financial management and budgeting expertise.
• Experience leading multi-department teams and developing senior staff.
• Knowledge of captive wildlife management and AZA standards.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work onsite with flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive senior leadership in an AZA-accredited zoo, aquarium, or wildlife organization (or comparable executive experience).
• Direct experience with large carnivores and aquatic systems in a zoological setting.
• Experience maintaining or advancing AZA accreditation.

Living and Working in West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone offers unparalleled access to wildlife and public lands within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Candidates should understand the realities of living in a remote mountain community, including seasonal tourism fluctuations, limited housing availability, higher living costs, and long winters.

GWDC provides onboarding support, including housing search assistance and community integration resources.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Disability insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Professional development support
• Relocation assistance may be available