About Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Founded in 1914, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens (JZBG or the Zoo) occupies 128 acres along the Trout River, bringing together animal care, horticulture, conservation, research, education, and visitor experiences. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1987, the Zoo serves the community through its public campus and broader conservation and learning programs.
The Zoo’s mission is connecting communities with wildlife and wild places. It envisions a vibrant community energized by a connection to nature that enriches lives and inspires all to preserve and protect our natural world. Four core values guide that work: culture, conservation, education, and innovation. They inform how the Zoo supports its people, protects wildlife and natural resources, creates opportunities for learning, and develops new approaches to advance its mission.
The opening of the J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River Habitat and VyStar SkyScape Entrance in March 2026 marked a significant milestone in the campus’s development. As the Zoo looks ahead, its next CFO will help shape what comes next, working with the CEO, executive team, and board to align long-term strategy and campus master planning with the resources needed to bring those plans to life.
This includes evaluating and sequencing capital projects, developing funding and financing strategies, partnering with development on philanthropic campaigns, and identifying opportunities to strengthen earned revenue. By accounting for both the investment required and the ongoing needs of an evolving campus, the CFO will help translate the Zoo’s ambitions into achievable plans that extend its reach and impact.
The Opportunity
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens seeks a Chief Financial Officer to help advance its mission through strong financial leadership. Reporting to the President and CEO, the CFO will lead the finance function, partner with the executive team, and provide the analysis and judgment needed to strengthen financial resilience and support the Zoo’s continued development.
The organization is modernizing its financial systems and operating practices while expanding what it offers to guests and the community. The next CFO will help shape how the Zoo plans, invests, measures performance, and puts its resources to work.
This opportunity calls for an executive who understands nonprofit stewardship, brings commercial insight, and can turn financial information into practical guidance for decision-making. The CFO will help evaluate revenue opportunities and capital priorities while ensuring dependable accounting, sound controls, and disciplined cash management.
The CFO's effectiveness will also depend on their ability to work collaboratively across the organization. They will need to build trust, explain tradeoffs, challenge assumptions, and help department leaders take informed ownership of their financial performance.
Position Summary
The CFO is responsible for the organization’s financial policies and provides strategic direction for accounting, budgeting, credit, insurance, tax, treasury, and financial planning.
The position reports directly to the CEO, leads the finance function, and serves as a liaison to the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee. The CFO is ultimately responsible for financial leadership of an eight-figure budget and significant growth trajectory aligned with the Zoo’s revised master plan.
Working with executive colleagues, the CFO will connect operating plans, workforce decisions, philanthropy, and capital investment to a sustainable financial strategy. The role requires a leader who can move comfortably between long-term planning and implementation, exercise independent judgment, raise difficult questions, and develop practical solutions with colleagues. Priorities for the next CFO include:
Strengthen financial resilience
Build a clear view of cash requirements, operating performance, and future commitments. Improve forecasting and scenario planning for seasonal attendance, variable earned revenue, public funding, and unexpected operating costs.
Develop a realistic approach to reserves, liquidity, financing, and investment oversight with the CEO and appropriate board leaders.
Support informed departmental ownership
Lead a collaborative budgeting process with clear assumptions, timely decisions, and useful reporting.
Help colleagues understand the financial implications of their plans and make appropriate tradeoffs. Establish consistent follow-up on results so accountability rests on information that leaders understand and can act on.
Advance financial systems and reporting
Guide the continuing modernization of accounting systems, purchasing workflows, and management reporting.
Assess system implementation and data quality, validate accounting processes and internal controls, and ensure staff use the tools effectively. Develop reliable financial and operating information that connects finance with departments and executive leadership.
Improve operating performance
Partner with operations and other leaders to evaluate pricing, attendance and membership trends, special events, partnerships, vendor agreements, and new business opportunities.
Assess financial contribution, return on investment, and mission value together. Help leadership determine which initiatives can be strengthened, funded differently, or deferred.
Plan responsibly for capital investment
Connect capital priorities with funding availability, reimbursement timing, financing, and the ongoing cost of operating and maintaining new facilities.
Work closely with development and public partners on restrictions, reporting, and stewardship.
Essential Responsibilities
The CFO will lead the following areas of responsibility, working closely with the CEO, executive team, and board to support the Zoo’s mission, financial performance, and future growth.
Financial management and stewardship
Direct all finance and accounting functions and establish financial policies that support organizational strategy and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and contractual requirements.
Generate and examine monthly financial statements, oversee annual accounting projects, and ensure timely, accurate reporting.
Lead external audits and required financial, tax, and charitable reporting, coordinating the implementation of auditor recommendations.
Maintain accurate nonprofit accounting and appropriate treatment of restricted contributions, grants, public funding, pledges, and releases from restrictions.
Monitor the accounting control environment and maintain effective policies, approval processes, and internal controls.
Oversee accurate, timely payroll and related financial processes in collaboration with People and Culture.
Manage financial risk and remain current on relevant regulations.
Planning and financial strategy
Develop a long-term financial sustainability plan aligned with the Zoo’s mission and values.
Direct preparation of annual operating and capital budgets with meaningful participation from department leaders.
Provide forecasting, scenario analysis, and recommendations that support organizational planning and informed decisions.
Establish useful financial and operating metrics, monitor performance, and help leaders address variances.
Evaluate revenue trends, expenses, proposed programs, partnerships, and investment opportunities.
Advise the CEO and board on capital budgeting priorities, financial capacity, reserves, and investment considerations.
Cash management and institutional relationships
Manage cash, treasury, banking relationships, and credit arrangements.
Forecast cash requirements across operations, philanthropy, and capital projects.
Evaluate financing alternatives and monitor repayment obligations, reimbursement schedules, and related costs.
Maintain contract files, secure and maintain appropriate insurance policies, and ensure compliance with financial obligations.
Work effectively with bankers, auditors, vendors, donors, public partners, and other external stakeholders.
Serve as a liaison to the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee, providing clear analysis and timely reporting.
Financial systems and operating information
Oversee effective financial software, reporting processes, and related controls.
Guide system implementation and improvement, including reconciliation, data quality, integration, and staff adoption.
Work with internal colleagues and operating partners to ensure accurate revenue reporting, settlement, and reconciliation.
Develop accessible reporting that helps executive and department leaders understand financial performance and manage their responsibilities.
Identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary manual work and improve the reliability of financial processes.
Executive leadership
Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a collaborative member of the executive team.
Work with colleagues to make timely, informed decisions and translate organizational priorities into financially sound plans.
Identify opportunities and risks arising from market, industry, technology, economic, political, and social developments.
Communicate financial strategy so employees understand how their work contributes to organizational goals.
Lead through change with clear expectations, effective communication, and support for employees.
Represent the organization when appropriate and develop relationships that advance its mission and institutional priorities.
Team leadership and organizational culture
Build and engage a high-performing finance team.
Mentor and coach direct reports and other leaders, ensuring they have the skills and resources to succeed.
Set clear goals, provide feedback, measure performance, and recognize employee contributions.
Hold regular department meetings and individual meetings with direct reports.
Manage schedules, time off, timecard approvals, and other employee administration.
Promote physical and psychological safety and a workplace where employees feel respected, valued, motivated, and engaged.
Use feedback from employee Pulse surveys to inform workplace improvements.
Partner with People and Culture on recruitment, performance management, employee development, and succession planning.
Support conservation, education, and interpretation initiatives.
Encourage employees to contribute ideas, experiment responsibly, and continue learning.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will bring the following experience and qualifications, along with the judgment, curiosity, and collaborative approach needed to lead finance in a complex, mission-driven organization.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, or business.
At least 12 years of progressive financial experience, including substantial responsibility for financial strategy, accounting, planning, and organizational performance.
At least ten years of experience managing teams.
Proven experience in a senior executive role, with demonstrated strategic and innovative thinking and the ability to execute and deliver results.
Proven experience managing an eight-figure budget.
Extensive experience with accounting and financial modeling software.
Experience leading financial systems implementation, improving integration and reporting, and supporting staff through change.
Experience using financial analysis to improve revenue, operating performance, vendor arrangements, and investment decisions.
Preferred Qualifications
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential and/or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
Substantive nonprofit financial leadership experience, including nonprofit accounting, restricted funds, internal controls, and financial reporting.
Experience with public funding, appropriations, grants, and related reporting.
Experience with zoos, aquariums, museums, botanical gardens, or comparable institutions that combine earned revenue, philanthropy, capital investment, and public partners.
Direct zoo or aquarium experience is valuable but not required. Candidates should demonstrate an informed interest in the institution’s mission and a willingness to learn the operational realities of the Zoo.
Leadership Attributes
Strategic. Connects long-term goals with practical plans and follows through on execution.
Sound judgment. Balances financial performance with animal care, conservation, education, community access, and guest experience.
Effective communicator. Explains complex financial information clearly and makes it useful to colleagues.
Collaborative. Builds trust across departments and respects colleagues’ expertise.
Constructively candid. Challenges assumptions and works through difficult conversations with confidence and diplomacy.
Principled. Maintains independent financial judgment and takes responsibility for decisions and results.
Empathetic. Works thoughtfully with people from varied backgrounds and perspectives.
Adaptable. Responds effectively to changing needs and helps colleagues navigate change.
Curious. Asks informed questions, continues learning, and seeks to understand the zoo’s mission and operations.
Committed to developing others. Coaches colleagues and builds a team culture grounded in respect, kindness, and accountability.
Reporting Relationships
The Chief Financial Officer reports directly to the President & CEO and has the following supervisory responsibilities:
Director of Accounting
Senior Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant II
Accounts Payable Coordinator
The CFO serves as a liaison to the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee and works closely with the COO and executive colleagues responsible for animal and plant care, education, conservation, philanthropy and marketing, and People and Culture.
*Bold indicates a direct report within the current structure.
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for this position is approximately $205,000 to $215,000. JZBG offers a comprehensive benefits package supporting employees’ health, financial wellbeing, and professional development. Benefits include:
Health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision coverage available beginning the first of the month following 60 days of employment.
Retirement: A 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match equal to 35% of employee contributions, up to a maximum employer contribution of 5% of salary. Matching begins after one year of employment and is contributed each pay period.
Vacation: 18 days annually, increasing with tenure to a maximum of 30 days.
Additional paid leave: Eight recognized holidays, a paid birthday off, and sick leave that increases after the first year.
Life and disability insurance: Employer-provided long-term disability coverage, group term life and accidental death insurance valued at twice annual salary, up to $300,000.
Employee wellbeing: A free, confidential EAP, wellbeing activities, and additional wellness resources available through health coverage.
Professional development: Paid training opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and membership dues for industry associations required for the role.
Zoo benefits: A complimentary family membership, discounted education and camp programs, and discounts on restaurant and retail purchases.
Additional options: Voluntary supplemental insurance, legal services, pet insurance, and discounts through participating businesses and attractions.
Submission Instructions (read carefully)
Cooper Coleman is leading this search on behalf of Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens. To apply, please click Apply Now and complete the simple application. All expressions of interest should be made only through the online application, and all inquiries will be held in confidence.
A cover letter is not required with your initial application but is welcome to help us understand your interest in this role during our initial evaluation. Candidates invited for interviews will be asked to provide a thoughtful letter of interest indicating their specific qualifications for the opportunity, desire to join JZBG, and connection to its mission.
Cooper Coleman LLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or identity, age, ability, veteran status, or any legally protected basis.
Location & Work Expectations
This is a full-time, exempt position based in Jacksonville, Florida. The successful candidate must live in or relocate to the Jacksonville area. The Zoo offers a hybrid work environment with a minimum of three to four days on campus each week. Chiefs are expected to lead by example through regular campus presence, including attendance at team meetings and participation in donor, board, employee, and community events. The role requires a flexible schedule that may include extended hours, holidays, weekends, and availability for disaster-response duties. Travel may be required, at 10% or less.
Physical Requirements and Work Conditions
The role requires clear verbal and written communication with staff, board members, auditors, and external partners, together with the visual and auditory acuity needed to perform its responsibilities. Work at the Zoo involves exposure to weather, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind, with potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases, and injuries from animals. Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a drug-free workplace and participates in E-Verify. Responsibilities and requirements may change to meet organizational needs. This prospectus is not an exhaustive list of duties.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants regardless of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, weight, or height. JZBG is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Background Checks & Credentials Verification
Before submitting your resume, please review it for accuracy. Cooper Coleman verifies candidates’ employment and academic credentials at the time of offer. JZBG requires a standard background check, credit check, and drug screening, including marijuana, as conditions of employment. Required screenings must be completed before the start date.
About Jacksonville
Jacksonville combines the professional opportunities and cultural life of a major metropolitan area with the appeal of coastal Florida. Its diverse economy, distinctive neighborhoods, and access to Atlantic beaches and the St. Johns River make it an attractive place to establish a career, put down roots, and enjoy life beyond work. The river and ocean shape life here. Beach communities, historic neighborhoods, and waterfront gathering places offer a range of settings to call home. The region provides opportunities for boating, kayaking, fishing, and exploring coastal marshes and nature preserves.
For someone drawn to the Zoo’s mission, Jacksonville’s connection to nature adds to its appeal. Wildlife and wild places are part of the surrounding landscape, and the Zoo plays an important role in helping residents understand, enjoy, and protect them.