Vice President, Animal, Science & Environment

The Vice President, Animals, Science & Environment is a highly visible global leadership position within Disney Experiences, responsible for setting and executing the company’s vision for animal wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and conservation impact. This leader is a strategic partner across The Walt Disney Company, optimizing synergies, protecting and building Disney’s reputation, and delivering exceptional Guest experiences across theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, and signature experiences worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Inspirational Leadership & Business Results

• Partner across all levels of The Walt Disney Company to drive business growth, foster environmental sustainability, and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Develop and operate high quality Guest Experiences across multiple locations that are efficient in labor, provide excellent animal welfare, and are highly utilized

• Identify and implement new revenue-generating opportunities and business optimization practices.

• Optimize business unit synergies—leveraging our creative content and operational footprint to protect wildlife and habitats while sharing compelling stories with Guests.

• Protect and build Disney’s reputation, both proactively and reactively.

Environmental Sustainability

• Partner with Disney Global Public Policy to development and implement environmental goals and targets for The Walt Disney Company and Disney Experiences.

• Lead strategy development for environmental goals across Disney theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, and consumer products.

• Lead Environmental Governance process for Disney Experiences.

• Collaborate on sustainability tactics relating to infrastructure and operations across all global parks and resorts.

Conservation & Philanthropy

• Co-develop and implement meaningful conservation strategies with Enterprise Social Responsibility.

• Align conservation initiatives with corporate philanthropic priorities.

• Leverage Disney Intellectual Property for conservation impact.

• Develop and maintain partnerships with leading external zoological and conservation organizations.

• Serve as a board member and representative with key conservation entities.

Reputation Management & Content Integrity

• Serve as primary executive contact for animal welfare agencies, external partners, and media on animal and nature issues.

• Oversee responsible and accurate portrayal of animals and nature in Disney productions across all platforms (Disney+, National Geographic, Marvel, Pixar, etc.).

• Lead risk management for animal and nature-related issues, including content assessment and environmental impact of new developments (e.g., Shanghai Disney Resort, Disney Lookout Cay).

• Oversee assessment of third-party animal and nature experiences for Guest excursions.

Animal Care, Welfare & Guest Experience

• Provide strategic vision and direct leadership for all animal areas in Disney Parks & Resorts, ensuring safety, inclusion, and exceptional Guest experiences.

• Lead two AZA-accredited zoological institutions, and ensure Disney’s recognized leadership status in the zoological profession (AZA/WAZA).

• Represent Disney on relevant boards and industry associations.

• Oversee the production of key nature-focused media content to drive awareness and advocacy and build the Disney brands.

Collaboration & Business Integration

• Liaise with film studios, National Geographic Partners, and related channels to align content, partnerships, and business opportunities.

• Align National Geographic excursions and Adventures by Disney Guest offerings with animal wellbeing best practices and conservation impact.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience with at least 7 years of demonstrated executive leadership in animal science, environmental sustainability, or related fields—ideally within a global, high-profile organization.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute large-scale environmental and conservation strategies.

• Strong experience with cross-functional team leadership and external stakeholder management.

• At least 15 years of deep experience with zoological operations, animal welfare, and Guest experience delivery with proven business results.

• Track record of building organizational reputation and managing sensitive media/agency relationships.

• Success in leveraging brand and intellectual property for social and environmental good.

• Board-level or executive experience with leading industry or conservation organizations preferred.

• Bachelor’s Degree or advanced technical degree in animal science or related field is required.

The hiring range for this position in Florida is $236,000 to $316,500 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.