Director, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust

Director

The primary aims of the Croc Bank are to promote the conservation of reptiles and their habitats through education, scientific research and captive breeding. Our work is focused on Indian species and ecosystems and includes both in-situ and ex-situ components. The Croc Bank currently consists of a large reptile zoo near Chennai, South India, and several field projects. We have two permanent field bases, one on the Chambal River and one in the Andaman Islands. The zoo sees close to half a million visitors per year making it one of the most popular tourist attractions along the East Coast Road.

Due to the rapid growth in the zoo and in the number and size of our field projects, the Croc Bank is currently looking to appoint a new Director.  As the new ‘face’ of Croc Bank, the responsibility of the Director will be to provide leadership and support to the zoo and the field projects. This support will include: 

• Directing all aspects of the organisation including the management and administration of both in-situ and ex-situ components
• Develop and oversee strategic planning for the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, including the elaboration of Terms of Reference, implementation plans and budgets for new projects
• Oversee the development of new projects including execution of the Croc Bank Masterplan, drafting of implementation plans, drafting project documents and submission of grant proposals.
• Review operational protocols and provide technical assistance to staff and project personnel where necessary.
• Ensure compliance with donor and government requirements and regulations in the execution of projects.
• Coordinate reporting from staff to insure quality and punctuality of performance.
• Coordinate program operations and logistics
• Interface with a diverse group of stakeholders ranging from high level dignitaries to rural communities

 Key Qualifications

• An advanced degree in wildlife biology/conservation AND/OR advanced degree in management or field relevant to Director responsibilities
• At least five years field experience in the developing world at the level of senior management.
• Excellent people skills with the ability to merge seamlessly with a wide range of social and cultural situations
• Substantial experience in project or program management, personnel management, administration, and fundraising
• Knowledge and awareness of practical conservation issues and the function of zoos
• Commitment to reptile conservation and enthusiasm about a career in zoo management
• Excellent spoken and written English. Tamil or Hindi would be a distinct advantage

Terms of Employment

The position is permanent, conditional on performance and based at the Croc Bank near Chennai. A competitive salary and a generous benefits package.  The position reports to the MCBT board of Trustees. 

Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications should apply by sending an application letter and CV together with the names and contact information of three references to gowri@madrascrocodilebank.org with copies to patrick@madrascrocodilebank.org. Shortlisted candidates will be flown to Chennai for final interviews shortly after the closing date.

For more information about the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and associated projects please visit our website: www.madrascrocodilebank.org