This position description has been abbreviated for LinkedIn posting length. Please visit www.coopercoleman.com/current-searches to view and download the complete prospectus.

ABOUT EAST COAST ZOOLOGICAL FOUNDATION

Established in 1986, the East Coast Zoological Society, d.b.a East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF), is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Melbourne, Florida. It encompasses the Brevard Zoo, Restore Our Shores, and the forthcoming Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center. Each working in collaboration to advance our mission of sharing the joy of nature and helping wildlife and people thrive.

Since its inception, the community has been an integral part of the Zoo, with the Brevard Zoo recognized as the largest community-build worldwide and supported by nearly 16,000 volunteers. Located 55 miles outside central Orlando, the Brevard Zoo has become the largest zoo in East Central Florida, caring for nearly 800 animals, 200 species, and welcoming more than 550,000 guests a year, with 44% of guests from outside the county.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Brevard Zoo has earned consistent recognition as one of the nation’s top zoos, including repeated honors from USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

POSITION SUMMARY

East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF) seeks a mission-driven, strategic, and innovative financial executive to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is an incredible opportunity for a CFO to join ECZF at a once-in-a-generation inflection point as it embarks on a transformational expansion with the creation of the new Bowen Aquarium and Conservation Center. You’ll have the rare opportunity to shape the financial strategy and infrastructure of a beloved, award-winning institution as it evolves into a nationally recognized dual-campus organization.

The CFO will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer, with a dotted-line relationship to the Chair of the Finance Committee. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and a strategic advisor to the Board of Directors, the CFO will provide visionary financial leadership and guidance to advance ECZF’s ambitious growth agenda. They will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, investments, internal controls, and compliance. This transformative leader will also play a critical role in evaluating and aligning operational functions with financial goals, ensuring the long-term financial health and sustainability of ECZF across both its current Zoo operations and future Aquarium campus. The CFO will be a collaborative partner in shaping ECZF’s strategic vision and will bring the financial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset necessary to support the organization’s continued innovation and impact.

The ideal CFO is a strategic thinker and collaborative partner who brings deep financial expertise, sound judgment, and a passion for mission-driven work. They will possess a track record of success in nonprofit or complex multi-entity organizations, with experience in capital planning, investment strategy, risk management, and optimizing financial systems, controls, and reporting. A clear and effective communicator, the CFO will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and fellow executive leaders to ensure alignment of financial strategy with organizational priorities. This individual will be comfortable navigating ambiguity, driving data-informed decision-making, and leading with both accountability and empathy. As a vital member of the Executive Leadership Team, you’ll bring a big-picture perspective to the CFO role—collaborating across departments, promoting transparency, and helping to shape and advance ECZF’s long-term vision for conservation, education, and community impact.

In addition to strategic leadership, the CFO will assume direct oversight of the Finance Department, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of daily accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance with GAAP and nonprofit financial standards. The CFO will be responsible for ensuring full compliance with all local, state, and federal financial regulations, including those related to tax, insurance, and charitable reporting. This individual will lead or support the development and management of financial contracts, requests for proposals (RFPs), and vendor qualification processes. As a senior leader, the CFO is expected to model integrity, transparency, and collaboration, actively contributing to a unified leadership approach. Decisions will be made with consideration for the organization as a whole, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all ECZF departments, programs, and strategic objectives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS + QUALIFICATIONS

For a comprehensive list of the Essential Job Functions + Qualifications, please visit www.coopercoleman.com/current-searches to view and download the complete prospectus.

Position Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or related field; master’s degree in a similar field preferred.
Minimum fifteen (15) years progressive financial experience, including at least 5–7 years in a senior financial leadership role (e.g., CFO or VP of Finance).
Experience as a senior-level administrator in a matrixed environment.
Current Certified Public Accountant certification, CMA, and/or MBA, preferred.
Experience in a not-for-profit organization and in-depth knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and internal controls, preferred.

While direct knowledge and experience in a Zoo, Aquarium, or environmentally focused mission area are not required, the ideal candidate will be passionate about animal well-being, education, conservation, and our environment and will understand the value proposition of our organization, our local communities, and the global community of conservationists.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The CFO reports directly to the CEO with a dotted-line relationship to the Chair of the Finance Committee, and has the following direct reports:

Director of Finance *

-Accounting Manager

-Senior Accountant

-Accounts Payable Clerk

-Accounts Receivable Specialist

-Cash Room Clerk

*Bold indicates direct report to CFO

LOCATION

This position is based in Brevard County, FL. The successful candidate must reside in or relocate to the Brevard County region.

COMPENSATION + BENEFITS

The salary for this position is approximately $190,000-$210,000.

Benefits include:

Medical insurance
Dental and Vision insurance
Life and Short-term disability insurance
Voluntary long-term disability, accident, critical illness options
Voluntary term life and AD+D coverage
Health Savings Account (HSA) for eligible employees
403(b) retirement plan with a discretionary match up to 3% of base salary
Paid time off accrues at 5.23 hours per pay period for a total of 136 hours or seventeen (17) days per year for employees in their first three years; in months 36-71, a total of 184 hours or twenty-three (23) days per year are accrued at 7.07 hours per pay period; beginning at 72 months, employees accrue a total of twenty-eight (28) days per year; maximum carryover is 160 hours.
Bereavement leave offered in the event of the loss of a family member, a companion pet, or a Zoo animal in an employee’s direct care
Employee assistance program
Zoo membership and tickets
Admission to local attractions through AttractionShare

As a reflection of our firm’s commitment to equity and equal pay for all, Cooper Coleman requires that salary ranges or salary starting points be published for every search we conduct.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Before sending your resume for this position, please read it over for accuracy. Cooper Coleman verifies its candidates’ employment and academic credentials at the time of offer.

Note: ECZF performs drug screening and background checks on all staff members as a condition of employment and must be completed before the start date.

EEO + DIVERSITY, EQUITY, + INCLUSION

ECZF provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Brevard Zoo complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS (read carefully)

Cooper Coleman is leading this search on behalf of ECZF. To apply, please visit this link(www.coopercoleman.com/current-searches). Inquiries and nominations of qualified candidates can be sent to:

Kathy Kraushar

Vice President, Executive Search

kathy.kraushar@coopercoleman.com

Kindly use the position title as the subject line of your email. All inquiries will be held in confidence.

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 other legally protected basis.

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