Lead the Future of Conservation, Community & Growth

Executive Director Search | Albany, Georgia

Chehaw Park & Zoo invites visionary, results-driven leaders to apply for the role of Executive Director. This is a unique opportunity to guide a vital regional resource through its next chapter of innovation, sustainability, and impact.

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer responsible for the strategic leadership, financial health, daily operations, and community engagement of Chehaw Park & Zoo. This individual will serve as the face of the organization, advancing its mission and strengthening relationships with stakeholders, donors, city officials, and the broader community.

Who We Are

Located on 800 acres in Albany, Georgia, Chehaw Park & Zoo combines adventure, conservation, education, and recreation. Chehaw is home to more than 230 animals and serves thousands of visitors annually. From wildlife encounters and youth programs to camping, trails,  Chehaw is a beloved destination and an essential community asset.

Chehaw has a rich history, a unique setting, a skilled and diverse staff, strong city support, an outstanding support organization, and a new vision for the future. This vision encompasses the principles on which Chehaw was founded… conservation, education, and preservation.

First developed as Chehaw State Park in 1937, the property consisted of 586 acres donated to the state of Georgia by private landowners in Dougherty and Lee Counties. It is enclosed on two sides by a large, clear water bayou formed by the conjoining of the Kinchafoonee and Muckalee Creeks. The property has expanded to nearly 800 acres and consists of moss-covered cypress swamps, hardwood forests, and a well-maintained wiregrass habitat.

The Park was named after the Chiaha, or Chehaw, a tribe of Creek Indians who lived throughout the property and befriended white settlers. Artifacts such as arrowheads, spearheads, tomahawks, hoes, drill, scrapers, clay pipes and stone celts were commonly found during original park development. Variations in artifact design show the land was used by distinctly different tribes over several hundreds of years.

In 1974, the city of Albany leased 100 unused acres of Chehaw from the state of Georgia with the intent to develop a wild animal park where exotic and indigenous animals would be displayed in their natural habitats. With the inception of the wild animal habitat, the State donated the entire Chehaw acreage to the city to further development. The City of Albany with Chehaw commissioned Jim Fowler, a native of Albany and host of the popular television show Wild Kingdom, to design and supervise the construction of the wildlife area.

The original animals were moved from the Tift Park Zoo in Albany to their new home at Chehaw between 1975 and 1977. Chehaw Wild Animal Park was officially dedicated and opened to the public in October of 1977. Accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) was achieved in 1997. Between 1997 and 2002, the then Parks at Chehaw began to examine other park venues that would be a valuable asset to the community. The Wild Animal Park became The Zoo at Chehaw in 2016.

What We Need in a Leader

Chehaw seeks a professional with strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and a collaborative leadership style. What we need is a leader who:

• Brings financial and operational management strength
• Demonstrates honesty, transparency, and accountability
• Builds and values a high-functioning team
• Communicates clearly and involves staff in decision-making
• Inspires trust and can deliver both quick wins and long-term improvements

Challenges & Opportunities

Challenges:

• Overcoming stagnation and re-energizing long-time staff
• Establishing trust and credibility through action and consistency

Opportunities:

• Rapid improvement across departments
• Build organizational systems for budgeting, planning, and performance
• Reinforce Chehaw as a key destination and community partne

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement a long-term strategic vision
• Lead a collaborative and empowered senior management team
• Serve as Chehaw's external ambassador to the community and stakeholders

Operations Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the park and zoo
• Ensure compliance with legal, safety, and accreditation standards
• Monitor and evaluate performance metrics and service delivery

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget
• Maintain sound financial practices and reporting
• Lead all fundraising, grant writing, and donor development initiatives

Human Resources

• Oversee staffing, hiring, and staff development
• Foster an inclusive, mission-driven organizational culture
• Ensure compliance with HR laws and best practices through a third-party administrator

Public Relations & Community Engagement

• Act as the organization’s chief spokesperson
• Cultivate relationships with government, donors, and community partners
• Drive public engagement and marketing strategies to raise visibility

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum 5-7 years of senior-level leadership experience in a nonprofit, zoo, park, or public service organization
• Strong skills in operations, budgeting, and team management
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Commitment to conservation, education, and public service

Preferred:

• Experience with AZA-accredited institutions
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in zoology, nonprofit management, public administration, or related field
• Successful track record in fundraising and strategic planning

Why Join Chehaw?

• Lead a one-of-a-kind facility with deep community roots
• Guide impactful conservation and education programs
• Work with a dedicated team and passionate supporters
• Help shape the future of one of Georgia’s most treasured public spaces

Salary Range & Benefits

Chehaw Park & Zoo offers a competitive salary in the range of $75,000 to $125,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package includes health and dental insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions.