Are you passionate about creating a culture of integrity, accountability, and safety? The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking an experienced Director of Compliance, Safety, and Risk Management to lead enterprise-wide compliance, safety, and risk initiatives that support our mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.

About the Role

The Director of Compliance, Safety, and Risk Management plays a critical leadership role in ensuring that the Zoo operates ethically, safely, and in compliance with all legal, regulatory, and accreditation standards. This position partners with leaders across departments-including operations, human resources, animal care, guest services, and education-to identify risks, develop solutions, and foster a culture of excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Zoo's compliance program and ensure alignment with federal, state, local laws, and AZA accreditation standards.
• Oversee OSHA and safety compliance programs, including inspections, training, emergency preparedness, and incident response.
• Develop and manage an enterprise risk management framework to mitigate organizational, legal, reputational, and operational risks.
• Conduct and oversee internal investigations, audits, and corrective actions.
• Deliver compliance and risk training programs that promote ethics, accountability, and transparency.
• Provide regular reports and updates to executive leadership and the Board of Trustees.

What We're Looking For

• Education: Bachelor's degree required in Safety, Public Administration, Law, Risk Management, Business Administration, or related field. Master's degree, JD, or professional certifications (CCEP, CHC, CRM) preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in compliance, safety, or risk management. Nonprofit, zoo/aquarium, museum, higher education, or healthcare experience strongly preferred.
• Skills & Attributes:
  • Strong knowledge of employment law, safety regulations, and nonprofit governance.
  • Proven ability to manage sensitive investigations with discretion.
  • Exceptional communication and collaboration skills.
  • High integrity and alignment with the Zoo's mission.

Working at the Indianapolis Zoo

As a key leader, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our organization, our employees, our animals, and the guests we serve. This is a full-time, exempt position based onsite at the Indianapolis Zoo, with occasional evening or weekend work required for investigations or Zoo events.

Why Join Us?

At the Indianapolis Zoo, we are one team working together to accomplish remarkable things. We care for each other, our animals, our guests, and our community. We welcome everyone, act with integrity, and strive for excellence in all we do.

If you are ready to make a difference by advancing safety, compliance, and ethical practices at one of the nation's leading zoos, we encourage you to apply.

Apply today and help us create a safer, stronger Zoo for our people, our animals, and our community.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.