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Buffalo Zoo
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Director of Guest Experience
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Basic Purpose and Responsibilities:
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The Director of Guest Experience provides strategic and operational leadership for all guest-facing functions at the Buffalo Zoo, ensuring an efficient, safe, and high-quality experience from arrival through departure. This role leads a high-volume operation and is responsible for service excellence, revenue performance, operational efficiency, and team culture across the Guest Experience Department. The Director oversees Admissions, Amenities, Attractions and Rides, Switchboard, Guest Relations, Birthday Parties, Parking, and Clean Team janitorial and support services, and manages key contracted vendor relationships. This position reports directly to the President/CEO, serves on the Zoo's Leadership Team, and collaborates closely with all departments to ensure seamless campus-wide operations and alignment with organizational strategy.
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The Buffalo Zoo:
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As one of the crown jewels of Western New York's cultural and recreational attractions, the Buffalo Zoo welcomes 400,000+ guests on an annual basis. The Zoo sits on 23.5 acres and is home to over 850+ animals, supports many conservation programs, and is a highly regarded educational facility. Being the third oldest zoo in the country, the Buffalo Zoo is proud to have several buildings of historic significance on its campus. The Zoo is operated by the Zoological Society of Buffalo, Inc., under a lease agreement with the City of Buffalo. Our mission of Building Community Creating Connections Saving Wildlife is guiding our strategic plan and campus development plan - both updated in 2025. These plans will guide the growth and development of the Zoo for the next ten years.
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Essential Functions:
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Department Director Competencies & Expectations
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All Department Directors are expected to:
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People & Culture
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Operations & Safety
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Finance, Revenue & Technology
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Guest Experience, Engagement & Events
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Professional Responsibility & Organizational Impact
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Other:
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Physical Demands:
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While this job description attempts to describe the essential functions of the position, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. It does not restrict management's right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time. The employee is expected to adhere to all policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies.
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The Buffalo Zoo is an At Will employer and all Buffalo Zoo employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.
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Equal Opportunity Employer
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Experience Required
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To perform at a proficient level and be fully qualified, a person would expect to have: \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tEducation (Minimum Desired)-Associate's degree required. Bachelor's degree (preferred). Experience (Minimum Desired)-5+ years progressive experience in high-volume guest-facing operations. 5+ years of leadership experience, including supervision of managers (required) and large seasonal teams (desired). Demonstrated experience managing department budgets and revenue operations. Experience administering POS/ticketing systems and cash control processes required. Experience working cross-functionally in a complex organization. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tCore Competencies-Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams while maintaining high standards. Friendly, outgoing, and proactive approach. Possess strong communications and interpersonal skills with an ability to offer positive and constructive feedback to team members. Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills. Sound judgement and calm decision-making in high-pressure situations. Quick adaptation and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise good judgment and a professional and poised attitude in changing and sometimes stressful environments. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Proficiency in Microsoft office suite of programs desired. \t\t\t\t\t
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Perks
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Some of the benefits available include health plan, HRA/HSA, FSA, life insurance, long term disability insurance, dental, vision, 403B retirement plan, annual leave, holiday, and sick time benefits. Benefits are available the month following the successful completion and passing of a probationary period review at 60 days of work (sick time available upon hire).
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Salary
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Full-time, exempt position. Annual salary range is $65,000-$80,000 commensurate with experience.
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How to Apply
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To apply, please send resume and cover letter in Word document or PDF using subject line: GE Director by email to: buffalozoojobs@buffalozoo.org
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No telephone calls please. Position open until filled. For more information about the Buffalo Zoo, please visit our website by the following link: http://www.buffalozoo.org
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Buffalo Zoo
300 Parkside Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14214
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| Location | Buffalo, NY |
| Salary | $65,000–$80,000 Per Year |
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