JOB DESCRIPTION

WILDLIFE DISCOVERY CENTRE MANAGER

The Wildlife Discovery Centre (WDC) Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management and commercial performance of the GRI-Wildlife Discovery Centre in Lusaka National Park. The role is responsible for ensuring the Centre delivers an exceptional visitor experience while advancing Game Rangers International’s mission of wildlife conservation, environmental education and community engagement.

The Manager will oversee the daily operations of the Centre, lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, ensure the delivery of high-quality visitor services, support  educational programming, manage commercial activities and develop sustainable revenue streams. The post holder will also be responsible for fundraising, partnership development, stakeholder engagement and the delivery of an engaging annual events programme.

Under your leadership, the Wildlife Discovery Centre will continue to grow as Zambia’s leading wildlife education attraction, recognised for excellence in visitor experience, conservation education, customer service and financial sustainability.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and personal attributes:

• • Proven management and leadership experience, preferably within a conservation, tourism, education, hospitality or non-profit environment.
  • Experience managing a visitor attraction or other customer-focused operation, ensuring high standards of visitor experience, service delivery and operational performance.
  • A successful track record of leading, mentoring and developing multidisciplinary teams.
  • Excellent leadership, communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to build productive partnerships and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
  • Experience in fundraising, sponsorship, partnership development and identifying opportunities to generate sustainable income.
  • Strong commercial awareness and financial management skills, including experience managing budgets, monitoring performance and supporting organisational growth.
  • Experience planning and delivering public events, visitor experiences and community engagement initiatives.
  • Knowledge of wildlife conservation, environmental education and the Zambian tourism and community context.
  • Strong organisational, planning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and make effective decisions under pressure.
  • A proactive, resourceful and results-oriented approach, with a commitment to continuous improvement and delivering exceptional visitor experiences.
  • A keen eye for detail and presentation.
  • High standards of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality.
  • Competent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and visitor management or booking systems.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• • Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the Wildlife Discovery Centre.
  • Lead, motivate and support the WDC team, including  educators, reception staff, café staff, grounds staff, volunteer supervisors and interns.
  • Develop, implement and regularly review operational policies and procedures.
  • Foster a positive,  collaborative and high-performing workplace culture.
  • Recruit, induct, train, mentor and evaluate staff to ensure consistently high standards.
  • Conduct regular staff meetings and performance reviews.
  • Ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet operational requirements.
  • Promote continuous improvement across all areas of the Centre.
  • Ensure the Wildlife Discovery Centre maintains its reputation as a Centre of Excellence for conservation education and visitor engagement.

Visitor Experience

• Lead the delivery of an outstanding visitor experience across all areas of the Wildlife Discovery Centre, ensuring all visitors receive a safe, welcoming, informative and memorable experience.
• Oversee Front of House operations, including admissions, reception, visitor enquiries and bookings.
• Ensure the highest standards of customer service are maintained at all times.
• Oversee the delivery of engaging interpretation during elephant viewing sessions by Front of House staff.
• Coordinate bookings and visitor logistics for Behind-the-Scenes Experiences in collaboration with the Elephant Orphanage Project team.
• Respond promptly and professionally to visitor feedback, complaints and enquiries.
• Develop new visitor experiences that encourage repeat visitation and increased visitor satisfaction.
• Monitor visitor feedback and implement continual improvements.

Operations and Facilities Management

• • Plan, organise and oversee the daily operation of the Wildlife Discovery Centre.
  • Ensure buildings, grounds, exhibits, equipment and facilities are maintained to exceptional standards.
  • Manage Centre assets, supplies and operational resources efficiently.
  • Coordinate maintenance schedules with the Operational Support Manager.
  • Ensure a clean, safe and welcoming environment for visitors, volunteers and staff.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, health and safety, safeguarding and environmental regulations.
  • Conduct regular operational inspections and risk assessments.

Education Support

• Work closely with the Education Rangers to support the planning and delivery of high-quality educational programmes.
• Assist in evaluating educational activities through visitor feedback and programme outcomes.
• Support the continual development of engaging interpretation, displays and educational resources.
• Promote conservation awareness through high-quality visitor engagement.

Commercial Operations and Financial Sustainability

• • Develop and implement strategies to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Wildlife Discovery Centre.
  • Prepare and manage annual operational budgets.
  • Drive revenue generation through admissions, memberships, retail, commercial partnerships and visitor experiences.
  • Identify and develop new commercial opportunities to diversify income.
  • Monitor commercial performance and prepare regular financial and operational reports.
  • Introduce new exhibits, displays and visitor experiences that encourage repeat visitation.

Fundraising and Partnership Development

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to secure financial support for the Wildlife Discovery Centre.
• Identify grant opportunities and prepare funding applications.
• Develop sponsorship opportunities with corporate partners and conservation organisations.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, supporters and funding partners.
• Ensure donor recognition and acknowledgements are maintained appropriately.

Community Engagement, Tourism and Marketing

• • Develop strong relationships with local communities, schools, tourism operators, government agencies and conservation partners.
  • Promote the Wildlife Discovery Centre as a premier visitor attraction and conservation education facility.
  • Work closely with the Communications Director and Media Team to increase visitor numbers and community engagement.
  • Coordinate stakeholder visits that strengthen partnerships and increase visitation.
  • Promote membership schemes and community participation.
  • Oversee and develop commercial partnerships associated with the café, retail shop and Conservation Huts.

Events and Visitor Experiences

• Work closely with the Fundraising Manager, Education Team and Media Team to develop and deliver an engaging annual programme of Centre based public events and activities.
• Coordinate workshops, community events and fundraising activities that generate additional revenue.
• Develop bespoke visitor experiences and packages in partnership with the tourism industry.
• Build partnerships with local businesses to maximise participation and event visibility.
• Further develop the ‘Lusaka ParkRUN’ event, brand and sponsorship opportunities to maximise exposure for the Park, promote the Centre and ensure revenue generation.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor visitor numbers, customer satisfaction and operational performance.
• Prepare monthly operational, financial and visitor reports.
• Monitor progress against budgets and operational objectives.
• Monitor expenditure and ensure effective allocation of resources.
• Analyse visitor trends and identify opportunities for continual improvement.
• Report regularly to senior management on Centre performance.

Professional Conduct

• Represent Game Rangers International professionally, ethically and courteously at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
• Demonstrate the organisation’s values through leadership, professionalism and integrity.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the successful operation of the Wildlife Discovery Centre and the wider objectives of Game Rangers International.

Reporting Line

1. Country Director
2. CEO

Working Closely With

1. 1. Operational Support Director
   2. Communications Director
   3. Education Team
   4. Elephant Orphanage Project Team
   5. Media Team

Working Conditions

• Remuneration, benefits and allowances as detailed in the Offer Letter.
• Based at the Wildlife Discovery Centre, Lusaka National Park, Lusaka.
• Monday to Friday as normal working rota, with the flexibility to work weekends/evenings/public holidays if and when required.
• Flexible working hours based on an average of eight hours per day between 08:00 and 17:00.
• Two leave days accrued per calendar month.
• Project laptop and smartphone provided.
• Allocation of a GRI vehicle with driver for project-related travel.
• Uniform provided.

• A cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
• An up-to-date CV



• Contact details for three professional referees.

Applications should be sent to [email protected] by 20th July 2026.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Game Rangers International is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates who share our commitment to wildlife conservation, education and community engagement.