Program Assistant, Animal Wellbeing

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Program Assistant, Animal Wellbeing to support the Conservation, Management, & Welfare Sciences (CMWS) department. This role provides administrative and programmatic support for AZA’s animal wellbeing initiatives, including the implementation of AZA’s Strategic Framework for the Wellbeing of Animals, and program support to the Animal Health and Welfare Committees. The position serves as a key point of contact for AZA members, partners, and the public, and works closely with internal teams, committees, and advisory groups.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Director, Animal Wellbeing. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and programmatic support to the implementation of AZA’s Strategic Framework for the Wellbeing of Animals, including initiatives related to advancing science, communications, population management, fundraising, and partnership building; this includes composing minutes, compiling information collected at workshops, data analysis, drafting surveys and presentations, drafting and distributing communications, and scheduling meetings. 
• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and promotion of new/revised animal wellbeing documents and related resources, maintain a centralized system for and support the Animal Care Manual, Ambassador Animal Guideline, and Welfare Indicator Guide submission, review, and dissemination process, review draft documents, track status through the review process, coordinate open comment periods, and track accountability for these publications.
• Provide administrative support to the Animal Health and Welfare Committees and related working groups, including reviewing and posting documents, administrating surveys, composing minutes, scheduling meetings, and maintaining records. 
• Provide administrative support to the Animal Care and Wellbeing Grants Fund program.
• Maintain AZA website pages and areas of departmental databases related to animal wellbeing.
• Collaborate with other AZA departments to develop resources, write and review education, training, and media content, and disseminate information related to animal wellbeing initiatives.
• Assist with the solicitation and editing of bimonthly Animal Wellbeing spotlight articles and feature article submissions from the community for AZA’s Connect publication; ensure articles are submitted to the Communications team on schedule.
• Manage email communications for animal wellbeing resource accounts, and answer general inquiries related to AZA’s Strategic Framework for Animal Wellbeing.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for the development and maintenance of Animal Wellbeing processes.
• Assist departmental staff with special projects and clerical duties.
• Attend AZA conferences and related meetings to support departmental responsibilities which may include presenting information, assisting with sessions, or coordinating activities.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school degree or GED required
• Bachelor’s degree and/or experience in animal science, biology, environmental science, zoology, or other related field is preferred.
• Previous experience with zoos and aquariums or related organizations is a plus.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, prioritize projects, and coordinate with others to provide deliverables on an agreed upon deadline
• Ability to think critically and demonstrate time-management skills 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey scientific information clearly and concisely; effectively edit and proofread work
• Highly self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and members of the AZA community.
• Strong computer literacy; experience with database management, Microsoft suite, internet resources, and online databases
• Ability to travel required.

The starting compensation range for this role is $40,000 - $45,000. AZA considers a candidate’s previous experience, skills, education, and relevant qualifications, as well as internal consistency with salaries of current employees when making employment offers.

AZA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to health insurance options, life and disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. To encourage work/life balance, AZA also offers a variety of paid time off plans including vacation, sick, and personal time; holidays; and parental leave. AZA also offers hybrid work schedules and flexible work weeks for eligible positions. We regularly review our benefits to ensure they remain competitive and responsive to employee feedback.

AZA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic. We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.