Zoo Director

The City of Bern is seeking a new

Zoo Director, 80-100% (m/f/d)

to replace the current Zoo Director, who will be retiring at the end of 2021.

We are seeking a communicative, visionary and entrepreneurial person with enthusiasm and motivation to make the Berne Animal Park (Dählhölzli Zoo and Bear Park) attractive and popular throughout Switzerland.

Your duties:

· Responsibility for a team of 50 employees

· Responsibility for the design of the largest leisure facility in Bern with a clear vision for the future

· Promote Berne Animal Park as a leisure experience with the highest reputation and best practice animal husbandry

· Develop strategies and concepts including investment planning and budget responsibility

· Promote the image and presence of Berne Animal Park throughout Switzerland including media and public relations

· Responsibility for overall operational management: management and coordination of the various departments? of the zoo

· Responsibility for employee management and development

· Acquire third-party funding and fundraising to finance Berne Animal Park and its projects

· Ensure and promote scientific work at Berne Animal Park and contacts with scientific institutions

· Responsibility for drawing up species collection plans as well as species and nature conservation programmes

What you bring:

· Degree in business administration / marketing or natural sciences (veterinary medicine / biology / zoology) as well as continuing education qualifications in the other field

· Several years’ experience in the management and further development of a comparable organisation

· Entrepreneurial and decision-making skills, including the ability to make unpopular decisions

· Enthusiasm and skill at networking with politicians, the media, sponsors and donors

· Passion for people and animals as well as a vision for a common future

· Empathetic and appealing personality

· Motivational, self-critical, discerning leadership style

· Excellent communication skills, proficiency in German and English

· Knowledge of French is a plus

What we offer:

This position involves considerable variety, responsibility and creative freedom, backed by a well-qualified and committed team.

Starting date: 1 August 2021 or by arrangement.

Please send your application to: Bewerbungen.sue@BERN.CH until the 22 of November 2020

Contact: City of Bern, Department of Security, Environment and Energy, Désirée Jakubowitz, Head of HR, Email:desiree.jakubowitz@bern.ch, Tel: +41795189992.