Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The Asia Conservation Program Director leads DZCA’s field conservation program in Asia, driving strategic conservation efforts with in-country partners to maximize impact and reach while aligning the program with DZCA’s mission and field conservation strategy. Program leadership will include scoping and maintaining productive in-country partnerships, leading and collaborating on research and conservation impact priorities, and aligning and integrating field work with DZCA programs and personnel. The Asia Conservation Program Director strengthens DZCA’s role as an international conservation leader while fostering a culture of teamwork within the Wildlife Health and Field Conservation Department and across One Zoo Team.

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. DZCA is unable to sponsor work visas.

Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Oversight   

• Direct the Asia Field Conservation Program, leading the creative vision and program strategy to achieve conservation impact through Science, Community, and Action.
• Contribute to the strategic vision for DZCA’s Field Conservation team, particularly within the Asia region.
• Under the direction of the Senior Director of Wildlife Health & Conservation, develop new projects and partnerships that align with DZCA’s mission and goals

Research & Project Management

• Lead DZCA’s field conservation activities in Asia, targeting strategic focus areas and species, including Asian elephants
• Develop and implement internationally appropriate research initiatives, ensuring scientific integrity and best practices.
• Establish monitoring and evaluation protocols to track project success.
• Oversee data management and ensure timely, rigorous analysis.

Partnership & Resource Development

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external partners.
• Develop robust, mutually productive Asia-based partnerships and collaborate to develop and sustain regional networks of expertise.
• Collaborate with the DZCA Philanthropy team to support fundraising by securing grants and engaging with donors.
• Ensure project alignment with partners' goals and best conservation practices.

Leadership, Administration, & Safety Oversight

• Develop, track, and manage program budgets and contracts to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, including international travel, in collaboration with the Human Resources department and the Director of Occupational Health and Safety.
• Share program progress, results, and developments through DZCA communication channels, professional conferences, and/or publications.
• Ensure integration of Asia program work with DZCA programs, personnel, and exhibits.
• Participate in Asia-aligned conservation professional organizations and initiatives as appropriate.
• Provide subject matter expertise for Asia field conservation topics as appropriate.
• Participate in zoo-wide committees, task forces, and initiatives.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Other assistance, as designated by the Senior Director of Wildlife Health & Conservation, to support the overall goals of the department and organization.  DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not directly supervise others; however, this position will facilitate internal and external collaborations and working relationships.
• Budgetary/Fiscal Responsibilities: Work with DZCA Field Conservation team to develop, track, and manage the annual Asia-based conservation program budgets. Acts as a good steward of DZCA’s resources.
• Responsibility for Confidentiality: The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
• Contact with Others: This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public. This position has a high level of contact with researchers, universities, NGOs, local communities, and national and local governments.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a conservation-related discipline or in a related field (i.e., biology, ecology, natural resources, wildlife management), or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience. 
• Requires a minimum of 5 years of experience leading or supporting international projects; Preference for candidates who have worked in Southeast Asia and have experience in the care, biology, ecology, or conservation of Asian elephants; Experience working within zoo-based conservation organizations and with local conservation organizations is strongly preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:     

• Expertise in international conservation project management, strategic planning, and achieving conservation success.
• Critical thinker with superior organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to communicate conservation goals effectively to lay and expert audiences and to represent DZCA in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Must be a developer of programs who is comfortable working and collaborating with a broad cross-section of people of different cultures in direct and matrixed relationships to drive programs to meet strategic goals.
• Expertise in teaching, conducting public outreach programs, and leading groups and community members in the field.
• Experience in setting, managing, and adhering to budgets.
• Experience with formal evaluation of conservation impacts (such as Conservation Standards or similar planning tools), adaptive management, and project monitoring.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in remote locations and work irregular hours under physically demanding conditions.
• Committed to forward-thinking justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts.
• Excellent negotiation skills and ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy. 
• History of fundraising success through grants and/or individual donors preferred.

Position Conditions

• To support our operations, candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Ability to pass a background check and a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Mobility is essential for accessing diverse work environments and performing physically varied tasks across different terrains and settings.
• Schedule Availability: Schedule Availability: Monday-Friday, with the ability to work occasional irregular hours, including travel.
• Work Location: This position is based on campus in Denver with regular travel to Asia.
• All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. DZCA is unable to sponsor work visas.

Compensation
The range for this position is $5,529 - $6,911 (monthly). Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits

Join our One Zoo Team and enjoy a full spectrum of competitive benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family-Plus DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
• Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
• And so much more!