| Location | Baltimore, MD |
| Salary | $200,000–$250,000 Per Year |
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The National Aquarium
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Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium's award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.
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Senior Vice President, Chief Mission Officer
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Job Title: Senior Vice President, Chief Mission Officer
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Posting Date: August 2026
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Job Department: Animal Care and Welfare
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Schedule: Full Time
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Job Type: On-site
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Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202/ACRC 901 E. Fayette St Baltimore, MD 21202/Candler 111 Market Pl Suite 800 Baltimore MD 21202
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JOB SUMMARY:
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The National Aquarium is seeking a Senior Vice President, Chief Mission Officer (SVP, CMO) to serve on the Leadership Team and lead the National Aquarium's animal care and welfare, conservation engagement, and scientific research work. This role advances evidence-based practices that improve animal well-being, strengthen conservation outcomes, and enhance the Aquarium's position as a leader in aquatic wildlife conservation.
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Reporting to the President & CEO, the SVP, CMO leads mission-critical programs that integrate animal welfare, conservation science, operational excellence, and strategic relevance to advance the Aquarium's mission of inspiring compassion and care for our ocean planet.
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This role serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors and represents the Aquarium with professional organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, conservation and community partners, and philanthropic audiences.
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Organizational Leadership
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As a member of the Leadership Team, the SVP, CMO helps set organizational priorities, shape long-term strategy, allocate resources, manage institutional risk, and advance the Aquarium's mission, vision, and strategic plan.
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This role helps to foster a collaborative culture grounded in connection, optimism, operational integrity, learning and growth, and shared accountability.
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Areas of Responsibility
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The SVP, CMO provides executive leadership for Animal Care, Animal Health, Animal Welfare Science, Animal Rescue, Dive Safety, Mission-Related Programming, and Wildlife and Conservation Partnerships.
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The SVP, CMO works closely with other teams including Strategy, Guest Experience, Planning & Design, Philanthropy, Marketing & Communications, Government Relations, and Operations to ensure mission alignment across the organization.
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PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Strategic Leadership
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Animal Care & Welfare
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Conservation & Mission Programming
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Organizational Culture & Talent Development
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Capital Planning & Infrastructure
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Financial Stewardship & Fundraising
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Guest Experience
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Leadership Competencies
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QUALIFICATIONS:
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Required
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Preferred
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TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION:
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About the National Aquarium
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Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium's award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.
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More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.
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Our Mission and Goals
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The Aquarium's mission-to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet-begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals-to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.
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Our Values
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At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
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Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
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Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
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Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
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Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
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Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.
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Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
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National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.
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In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.
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Experience Required
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Animal Care
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Perks
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Medical, Dental, Vision, Parking, 401K match, Family Membership, Development Reimbursement, and MORE!!
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Salary
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$200,000-250,000 Annual
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How to Apply
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Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org or calling 410-576- 8532.
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The National Aquarium
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 4106594281
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Visit our website
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