Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield, Illinois, United States
(on-site)
Posted
10 hours ago
Salary
$275,000 - $325,000
Salary - Type
Yearly Salary
Category
Finance
Description
Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC) seeks a dynamic, analytically rigorous, and enterprise-minded executive to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is a compelling opportunity for an accomplished fiscal strategist to partner with a highly engaged and collaborative leadership team, guiding a mission-driven organization through a period of significant growth, investment, and transformation. The CFO will play a central role in shaping and executing a forward-looking financial strategy that strengthens the Zoo's long-term sustainability, enables continued excellence in conservation, education, and guest experience, and advances its ambitious Next Century Plan as it approaches its centennial celebration in 2034.
Nestled within the greater Chicago metropolitan region, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has stood as a beacon of innovation, compassion, and conservation leadership since its founding in 1934. Established during the Great Depression through the visionary philanthropy of Edith Rockefeller McCormick and the leadership of pioneering conservationist William Temple Hornaday, the Zoo was conceived not simply as a place to exhibit animals, but as a sanctuary of learning, inspiration, and hope for the people of Chicago and beyond. Today, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is one of the nation's leading zoological institutions and a globally recognized center for animal care, conservation, education, and immersive guest experiences. Located on more than 235 acres just west of downtown Chicago, the Zoo welcomes millions of guests annually and serves as both a beloved regional destination and an institution with international conservation impact.
Operated by the Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo Chicago connects people to wildlife and to one another through extraordinary experiences that inspire wonder, curiosity, and care for the natural world. The BZC's work extends far beyond its campus-from field conservation partnerships across the globe to groundbreaking animal welfare science, youth education programs, and community engagement initiatives that help shape the next generation of conservation leaders.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is in the midst of one of the most significant transformations in its 90-year history. Guided by the Next Century Plan, a bold, long-term vision leading to the Zoo's centennial celebration in 2034, the organization is reimagining its campus, experiences, conservation impact, and business model to position Brookfield Zoo Chicago among the world's leading zoological institutions for generations to come. The Next Century Plan is more than a capital improvement strategy-it is an enterprise-wide roadmap that integrates exceptional animal care, innovative guest experiences, environmental sustainability, education, conservation leadership, and long-term financial stewardship. Through a phased approach, the plan aligns strategic investments with operational excellence, ensuring the Zoo continues to advance its mission while creating new opportunities for earned revenue, philanthropy, community engagement, and organizational growth.
The Chief Financial Officer will be a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the President & CEO. The CFO will oversee all financial operations of the organization, including financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury, budgeting, procurement, and compliance. Beyond stewardship, this leader will serve as a trusted partner to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Trustees, bringing analytical insight, strategic perspective, and disciplined financial planning to guide major institutional decisions, particularly as the Zoo undertakes a significant capital agenda and evolves its financial model.
This is a particularly exciting moment for the organization as it advances a portfolio of major capital initiatives and works to modernize its financial systems, processes, and capabilities. The CFO will build on a strong accounting and budgeting foundation to elevate the finance function into a more strategic, forward-looking partner, introducing multi-year financial planning, strengthening capital and cash flow management, and enhancing data-driven decision-making across the organization. The CFO will also play a critical role in diversifying revenue streams, strengthening alignment between financial strategy and mission priorities, and ensuring the Zoo is well-positioned to support its long-term aspirations.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic and hands-on financial leader who balances analytical depth, operational acumen, and collaborative leadership. The executive will have a demonstrated ability to lead through complexity, develop high-performing teams, and translate financial insight into actionable strategy. Experience in financing capital projects, overseeing complex financing structures, and working in partnership with executive leadership and governing boards will be essential. The successful candidate will also be adept at building relationships across a diverse organization, communicating complex financial concepts clearly, and operating effectively in a dynamic, mission-centered environment.
A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field is required; an MBA, CPA, or other advanced credential is preferred. Significant senior leadership experience in finance is expected, ideally within a complex nonprofit, cultural, or similarly mission-driven organization.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV/resume and a letter of interest. Review of applications has begun and will continue until the position is filled.
Benefit Offerings: Brookfield Zoo Chicago Benefit Offerings (please refer to the non-union, full-time employee section and other benefits)
The Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, color,religion, national origin, gender, age, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability that does not preclude performance of essential job duties, or any other status protected by law. The Society supports and promotes workforce diversity and strives to foster a work environment of respect and inclusiveness where the contributions of all workers are valued and recognized. All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted, unless they request and receive a religious or medical exemption.
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Job ID: 85062385
