Cooper Coleman Announces CFO Search for Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

National search seeks a financial executive to support the Zoo’s continued growth and long-term sustainability.

CHICAGO, IL – Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc. has partnered with Cooper Coleman LLC to conduct a national search for its next Chief Financial Officer. The next CFO will support the Zoo’s continued development as it invests in its campus and advances its mission of connecting communities with wildlife and wild places.

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has been part of Northeast Florida’s community since 1914. Its campus along the Trout River brings together animal care, horticulture, conservation, and education through experiences that connect visitors with the natural world. The Zoo has maintained accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1987 and supports wildlife conservation regionally and globally.

The CFO will join the organization as it modernizes its financial systems and operating practices and plans for future campus investment. Reporting to President and CEO Dr. Jeff Ettling, the CFO will lead the finance function and work closely with executive colleagues and the Board to align organizational priorities with a sustainable financial strategy.

“Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an ambitious vision for its future, and its next CFO will help shape how those plans move forward,” said Johnny Cooper, Founder and CEO of Cooper Coleman. “We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships across the organization and bring clear financial judgment to decisions that affect both its daily work and long-term impact."

Candidates should bring senior financial leadership experience, a record of managing an eight-figure budget, and demonstrated success developing teams and improving financial systems. Nonprofit financial experience is preferred. Experience in zoos, aquariums, or comparable institutions is valuable but not required.

The position is based in Jacksonville, Florida. To review the position prospectus and application instructions, visit coopercoleman.com/current-searches.

About Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens connects communities with wildlife and wild places through animal care, conservation, education, and horticulture. Founded in 1914 and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1987, the Zoo serves Northeast Florida through its public campus and broader conservation and learning programs.

Learn more at www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

About Cooper Coleman LLC

Cooper Coleman is a leading national executive search firm serving mission-driven organizations across the nonprofit and social impact sector. The firm partners with arts and cultural institutions, museums, zoos and aquariums, public health organizations, educational and research institutions, associations, and social service organizations nationwide. A member of The Giving Institute and the Network of Nonprofit Search Consultants, Cooper Coleman is ranked by Forbes among America’s Best Recruiting Firms, and Hunt Scanlon Media among the Top 250 recruiting firms and the Top 75 nonprofit executive search firms in the United States.

Founded by nonprofit leaders and executive search professionals, Cooper Coleman brings decades of firsthand sector experience to every engagement. We approach executive search as stewardship, representing organizations and their missions with care, rigor, and integrity. Cooper Coleman is often selected by boards and senior leaders when the stakes are unusually high, and leadership decisions carry lasting organizational consequences.

For more information about Cooper Coleman LLC, visit www.coopercoleman.com or connect on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/coopercoleman.