About the California Academy of Sciences

Founded in 1853, the California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned, AZA-accredited non-profit scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, rainforest, research institute, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our living collection reflects Earth’s vast biodiversity, consisting of nearly 60,000 animals representing over 800 species. Our research collections are the largest west of the Mississippi, spanning nearly 46 million plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. Our diverse team includes leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who are passionate about advancing knowledge and catalyzing action through science and storytelling.

Whether you're conducting research behind the scenes or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

The Steinhart Aquarium is currently seeking a Registration and Operations Manager to join our team. Reporting to the Curator of Aquarium Operations, this position is split between registration and recordkeeping (approximately 60% of duties) and managing departmental operations (approximately 40% of the role). As the lead registration staff member, you will oversee the Institutional Recordkeeping Program for the Steinhart Aquarium, and ensure that all records are kept up to date and in accordance with the best practices and industry standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Working with minimal oversight and supervision, you will be accountable for managing and maintaining the collection inventory, animal transactions (loans, acquisitions and transfers), births and deaths, transfers between enclosures, behavioral and reproductive notes, and similar program elements. This role ensures that our record-keeping system provides sufficient detail to enhance husbandry, breeding, conservation and medical health advancements to move forward the critical knowledge of species through permanent, retrievable documentation. Operational duties include tracking safety and compliance programs, scheduling meetings and staff training sessions, and coordinating the recruiting and onboarding of departmental volunteers. Work schedule may include weekends, evenings and holidays.

Organizational Culture

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation, and celebrates its accomplishments together. Staff share a commitment to executing a new strategic plan that will strengthen the organization's financial foundations, cultivate a vibrant internal culture, and foster smart growth to secure the Academy’s future.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are motivated to contribute to our mission. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. The specific onsite/hybrid schedule for this position is listed below.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by Cal Academy Workers United, and will be subject to the terms and conditions of that contract.

About the Steinhart Aquarium Team

Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums on Earth. Home to more than 60,000 live plants and animals, representing more than 1,000 unique species, it offers guests an unprecedented view of underwater and terrestrial habitats.

Key Responsibilities

A critical aspect of this position is maintaining the Steinhart Aquarium Institutional Recordkeeping Program, and assisting departmental managers in maintaining all protocols, procedures, recordkeeping and standards. Responsibilities related to managing the Steinhart Aquarium’s animal database, digital workflow, and federal and state permits are expected to account for approximately 60% of the role. These include:

Animal Records Database – independently responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our animal collections data in the ZIMS global database, tracking the daily ins and outs of the collection through departmental systems such as PI Reports and Mortality Reports. Trains and onboards all new staff to our recordkeeping systems, policies, and standards, and activates/deactivates staff ZIMS accounts. Ensures that all records are kept up to date and in accordance with the best practices and industry standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Permits – independently responsible for ensuring that all departmental state and federal permits are accurate, up to date, and renewed on schedule, and that all annual reporting requirements are completed on schedule.
Formstack – independently monitors, maintains, and updates our digital workflow and permissions systems in the Formstack software platform.
Google Suite – independently monitors, maintains, and updates our Google sites page, team drives, and Google email groups.
Graphics – processes new graphic ID requests for the Steinhart Aquarium and Rainforest exhibits. Collaborates with the Steinhart biologists, IBSS scientists, and Experience Studio to create and produce both digital and printed graphics.

Duties related to departmental operations and administration are expected to account for approximately 40% of the role. These include:

Safety & Compliance – supports the Curator of Aquarium Operations to ensure that we are operating within all safety and regulatory guidelines (Academy, AZA, OSHA, USDA, etc.). Onboards new staff members, manages key and badge access for the department.
Departmental Administration – schedules and tracks our departmental meetings, ensures timely competition of all safety training, takes and distributes meeting minutes, as necessary, tracks key departmental assets (computers, radios), coordinates the onboarding of new aquarium staff, and manages departmental accounts with vendors (e.g. FedEx).
Volunteer Management – coordinates volunteer recruitment and placement, tracks check-ins and maintains training logs, and serves as liaison between the aquarium and volunteer services.
Participates in relevant Academy committees and workgroups, professional associations and partnerships with outside organizations.
Presents science and educational programs to the general public, media and in professional meetings.
Interacts with professional colleagues, guests, the media and the general public in a professional manner.
Follows all Academy safety regulations.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Experience and/or Education:

Required:

Must have completed three (3) years in a paid full-time registration role, or similar position(s) in a public aquarium or zoo.

Preferred:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine or Aquatic Biology or a related field.

A successful candidate will have the following:

Advanced working knowledge of public aquarium and zoo operations, including record keeping, and permitting.
Knowledge of concepts, principles, and practices of professional museum and zoo registration methods and standards.
Knowledge of inventory accession and record-keeping practices.
Knowledge of zoological nomenclature, zoology and taxonomy.
Knowledge of the laws regulating animal acquisition, disposition, exhibition, husbandry standards, and transportation into California, within the U.S., and abroad is desirable.
Knowledge of statistics and population management skills is desirable.
Experience with computers, Google suite and similar workplace applications, and animal recordkeeping software (especially ZIMS).
Ability to collect and collate information from a variety of sources into concise and accurate reports.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
Working knowledge of USDA and AZA standards for animal care and welfare.
Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Effective organizational and problem solving skills.
Ability to multitask, adapt, and prioritize.
Ability to work as a member of a team and engage in a culture that promotes trust, respect, and accountability.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as departmental protocols, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to utilize web-based communication and collaboration applications.

Physical Environment:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Ability to perform repetitive motions 75% of the time.
Requires the ability to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
Must be able to work a computer.
Must be able to climb stairs and ladders.

Compensation and Benefits:The salary for this position is $82,202.00. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications and aligned with the internal peer group. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule: Full-Time/On site, 40 hours per week

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and application through our Careers Page portal.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of theSan Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).

About the company

The California Academy of Sciences operates a science campus in San Francisco that combines an aquarium, a planetarium, and a natural history museum under one roof. It conducts biodiversity research and shares findings through exhibits, live displays, digital content, and educational programs. Visitors experience hands-on exhibits, tours, planetarium shows, and live webcams while researchers maintain extensive collections and citizen-science programs. Its goal is to explain and sustain life on Earth by advancing science, educating the public, and promoting conservation.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

1853

Get referred to California Academy of Sciences

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

September 4, 2026 Timescapes and September biodiversity programming refresh attendance and sponsorships.
California approved $10 million for natural science collection digitization, funding long-term research access.
Reimagining San Francisco and 30x30 partnerships keep the Academy central to state conservation policy.

What critics are saying

April 28, 2026 layoffs cut 53 staff after a $7.3 million FY25 cash deficit.
June 12, 2026 audit pressure threatens over $9 million in city aquarium funding.
Union conflict and executive turnover since May 2026 undermine operations; prolonged distrust risks institutional decline.

What makes California Academy of Sciences unique

Golden Gate Park’s single-roof aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum uniquely cross-sells experiences.
The 2026 strategic plan centers on collections digitization and biodiversity regeneration, not generic exhibitions.
Academy scientists anchor California conservation through 30x30 partnerships and the California Biodiversity Data Exchange.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Hybrid Work Options

Company News

California Academy of Sciences

Oct 6th, 2026

California Academy of Sciences welcomes three 2027 Osher Fellows who use photography, journalism, and art to strengthen communities' connections to nature.

California Academy of Sciences welcomes three 2027 Osher Fellows who use photography, journalism, and art to strengthen communities' connections to nature. Fellowship includes a coyote storytelling series and community art sessions. SAN FRANCISCO, CA (October 6, 2026) - The California Academy of Sciences, in partnership with The Bernard Osher Foundation, is pleased to announce the appointment of three 2027 Osher Fellows: photojournalist Loren Elliott, who will document San Francisco's coyotes, and artists Dev Heyrana and Josué Rojas, who will engage communities with science through art. The Osher Fellowship attracts "thinkers-in-residence" from the fields of science, art, design, and policy to elevate Cal Academy's public engagement and science learning programs. Visitors can meet the Fellows and take part in hands-on community art sessions at the museum, and follow Elliott's coyote storytelling on the Academy's blog, Phenomena. "We are delighted to welcome our 2027 cohort of Osher Fellows to the California Academy of Sciences," says Amber Mace, Academy Interim Executive Director. "Dev, Josué, and Loren each use storytelling to help people see themselves in the natural world. Whether it's a striking photograph of a city-dwelling coyote, a vibrant mural in a neighborhood alley, or a nature drawing made in a community art session, they each use art as a conduit for connecting people to nature. Their resonant and community-focused work reminds us that science is stronger when it is shared with, and shaped by, the communities we serve. We look forward to the stories, conversations, and connections that will emerge from their yearlong fellowship." Meet the 2027 California Academy of Sciences Osher Fellows Loren Elliott During his Osher Fellowship, photojournalist Loren Elliott will produce a multi-part series in the Academy's Phenomena blog centered on coyote-human coexistence and conflict in San Francisco. Working closely with Academy Research Associate and wildlife ecologist Christine Wilkinson, PhD, Elliott will engage readers across the world with the stories of the city's coyotes, the experts who study and manage them, and the residents who live alongside them. He will also create a photographic library for future display in the museum, as well as an educational feature for wildlife photographers on the importance of ethical wildlife photography practices. Loren Elliott is a conservation photographer and journalist covering environmental stories across the American West. A regular contributor to The New York Times, Elliott collaborates with biologists, ecologists, and other wildlife specialists to tell stories about human-wildlife conflict and coexistence. His work has documented threatened mountain lions in California, the rollout of a bird flu vaccine in California's elephant seals and Hawaii's endangered monk seals, and urban coyotes in San Francisco. The Coyotes of San Francisco, his two-year body of work on the subject, was awarded first place in the Environmental Vision category of Pictures of the Year International in 2026. Elliott earned the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography for his work at Reuters documenting Central and South American migrants crossing the U.S. border. He is an FAA-licensed drone pilot, specializing in aerial, camera trap, and remote camera photography, and is passionate about promoting ethical wildlife photography practices. Read Elliott's inaugural Phenomena story, "San Francisco Coyote Myths: Busted," where he dispels common coyote misconceptions alongside conservation scientist Christine Wilkinson, PhD. Dev Heyrana and Josué Rojas Throughout the 2027 Osher Fellowship, artists Dev Heyrana and Josué Rojas will work alongside the Academy's Education Division on a pilot program of art-based community engagements designed to welcome Bay Area Filipino and Latino residents. Using art as a universal medium to welcome all backgrounds, sessions will take place at the California Academy of Sciences and will invite participants to explore the value of community, share how the Academy can better serve San Francisco as a convener, and connect with the natural world. Read on to learn about each fellow. Dev Heyrana is a first-generation Filipina American artist based in the Bay Area whose paintings, murals, sculptures, and community projects explore intergenerational stories, cultural memory, and its connection to nature. Heyrana's work has been exhibited at the de Young Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and featured in public spaces including the San Francisco Ferry Building and Union Square. She co-created a best-selling children's art kit with artist and presidential portraitist Kehinde Wiley, and was recognized by the State of California for her role in restoring the historic mural Ang Lipi ni Lapu Lapu in San Francisco. In 2025 Heyrana was selected as the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation's Large Heart Artist, a project that culminated in the iconic heart sculpture at the Embarcadero. She is also an Artist in Residence with ABS-CBN Foundation International, which uplifts San Francisco's Filipino community. Josué Rojas is a Salvadoran-American painter, muralist, educator, and visual storyteller based in San Francisco. Rooted in the Mission's mural tradition, his work blends painting, graffiti, comics, folklore, and satire into layered, narrative-driven images that explore identity, migration, community, and resilience. Rojas often remixes contemporary and traditional imagery, pairing emojis, tropical birds, and abstraction with Central American folkloric patterns and storybook illustration. His work has been exhibited at SFMOMA's Koret Education Center, Incline Gallery, Arion Press, and Acción Latina's Juan R. Fuentes Gallery, and featured in Juxtapoz, Hyperallergic, the San Francisco Chronicle, El Tecolote, and Mission Local. He produced murals on portions of the Great Highway as part of the Sunset Dunes Park project. His public murals can be found throughout San Francisco, and he is working with the San Francisco Arts Commission on a piece for the Potrero Yard Modernization Project. Heyrana and Rojas will lead community art sessions at the California Academy of Sciences throughout their yearlong Osher Fellowship. See schedule below. Attendance included with museum admission. All ages welcome; no experience necessary. * Sun & Bloom with Dev Heyrana Monday, Oct. 12 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. * Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day by crafting flower crowns and making cyanotype sun prints, which use sunlight to transfer the silhouettes of native wildflowers into paper. * Nature Drawing with Josué Rojas Monday, Oct. 12 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. * Learn nature drawing tips and create sketches inspired by touchable specimens, Academy nature playspace Wander Woods, and local field guides. * Marigold & Frames with Dev Heyrana and Josué Rojas Saturday, Oct. 24 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. * Decorate a picture frame for Día de los Muertos, a day for celebration and for setting out photos and marigold flowers to honor loved ones. * Dia de los Muertos: Claude Forever with Josué Rojas Saturday, Oct. 24 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. * Share memories of Claude the albino alligator through art and writing, and add them to a large Claude cut-out at the Academy's annual ofrenda in the museum. * Artistic Exploration with Josué Rojas Saturday, Nov. 21 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. * Connect with the landscapes of California and beyond through art exploration. Details to be announced. * An Artist Walk with Dev Heyrana Sunday, Dec. 20 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. * Explore Cal Academy through the lens of an artist and learn how to communicate science through art. Participants will make an original creation following the inspiration walk. * In Your Own Light: A Teen Portrait Workshop with Dev Heyrana and Priscilla Gragg Tuesday, Dec. 22 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. For ages 12-19 * Explore portraiture, self-expression, and the ways its surroundings shape how Calacademy feel in a creative workshop with Osher Fellow Dev Heyrana and guest photographer Priscilla Gragg. Designed for teens, this program invites participants to slow down, notice, and express themselves in their own way. MEDIA INQUIRIES Please reach out to [email protected] for any media inquiries or interviews. PHOTOS High-resolution photos for press use can be found here. About the California Academy of Sciences The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution dedicated to exploring, explaining, and sustaining life. Based in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, it is home to a world-class aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum, as well as innovative programs in scientific research and education - all under one living roof. When opened, its hours are 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Saturday, and 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on Sunday. Admission includes all exhibits, programs, and shows. For reopening information and daily ticket prices, please visit www.calacademy.org or call (415) 379-8000 for more information. Press contacts. If you are a journalist and would like to receive Academy press releases please contact [email protected]. Digital assets. Hi-res and low-res image downloads are available for editorial use. Contact Calacademy at [email protected] to request access.

California Academy of Sciences

Aug 27th, 2026

California Academy of Sciences brings California's Biodiversity to life throughout September.

California Academy of Sciences brings California's Biodiversity to life throughout September. New original planetarium film, community science events, Nature Festival, 30x30 Partnership Summit, and more celebrate the natural wonders of the Golden State. SAN FRANCISCO, CA (August 27, 2026) - This September, the California Academy of Sciences is celebrating California's remarkable biodiversity with a robust slate of activities, including a free Nature Festival in Golden Gate Park, community science bioblitzes, the premiere of a new original planetarium film about California's natural history, and the Academy's hosting of California's 30x30 Partnership Summit. "California is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, with an extraordinary range of landscapes and ecosystems," said Amber Mace, Interim Executive Director of the California Academy of Sciences. "For more than 170 years, the Academy has been documenting and deepening our understanding of California's plants, animals, and ecosystems, and putting that knowledge to work to help conserve and regenerate the natural world. It is especially meaningful to welcome conservation leaders from across the state for the 30x30 Partnership Summit later this month, while also inviting our community to connect with California's nature firsthand through hands-on community science and stunning visual storytelling." Celebrate California Biodiversity Day with Community Science Bioblitzes, Sept. 5 + 12 From September 5-13, the Academy invites the community to celebrate California Biodiversity Day with two free community science events: Visit the Academy's Phenomena blog to meet a few of the Academy's community science superstars and learn how they're helping people connect with the world around them through the hands-on exploration of nature. Explore California's Natural History and Future with Timescapes, a New Original Planetarium Film, Debuting Sept. 4 In the Academy's new original planetarium film Timescapes, premiering Friday, September 4, audiences will journey into California's deep past, diving into prehistoric seas patrolled by giant marine reptiles, traveling alongside herds of migrating mammoths, and soaring with ancient winged giants. The film explores how California has changed over millenia, the ways humans have shaped California, and how understanding the past can help shape a healthy, resilient future for the place Calacademy call home. Narrated by actress, director, and Bay Area native Aisha Tyler, Timescapes will be shown in Morrison Planetarium and is free with museum admission. Savor Biodiversity on Your Plate with the Cal Academy Crunch Salad at MIXT, Sept. 8-Oct. 18 From September 8 through October 18, Bay Area diners can celebrate California's penchant for produce and receive $5 off museum admission when they purchase a limited-time Cal Academy Crunch salad using their MIXT account at any Bay Area location. The salad features MIXT greens, spicy pickled shimeji mushrooms, tamari salmon, and more. Connect and Conserve with Golden Gate Park Nature Festival, Sept. 27 On Sunday, September 27, the Academy will host the first ever Golden Gate Park Nature Festival, a free public event celebrating California biodiversity and the state's 30x30 movement to conserve 30% of California's lands and coastal waters by 2030. Presented in partnership with the California Natural Resources Agency, California Volunteers, San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, and Reimagining San Francisco, the festival will spotlight organizations, community leaders, and local initiatives working to restore and protect biodiversity in San Francisco. Visitors can connect with local organizations and conservation resources, participate in volunteer opportunities and bioblitzes, explore biodiversity spotlights, and get inspired to care for local nature. * Sunday, September 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. * 55 Music Concourse Drive (entrance of California Academy of Sciences) * Free and open to the public California Academy of Sciences Hosts 30x30 Partnership Summit, September 29 On Tuesday, September 29, the Academy is honored to host California's 30x30 Partnership Summit, which brings together conservation leaders in a shared mission of conservation, action, and partnership to achieve California's 30x30 vision. Since its establishment six years ago by Governor Newsom to conserve 30% of California's land and coastal waters by 2030, the 30x30 initiative has conserved millions of acres, expanded Tribal stewardship, and positioned California as a global conservation leader. Today, Academy scientists are applying the institution's deep knowledge to conservation challenges across the state in support of the 30x30 initiative. Including efforts to help bring the critically endangered sunflower sea star back to California's coast, sharing millions of community-collected biodiversity observations with the state through the California Biodiversity Data Exchange to inform conservation and decision-making tools, driving equitable access to local urban biodiversity projects through the Reimaging San Francisco coalition, and developing the Early Warning and Forecasting System, which is designed to help scientists better predict how climate change might shape the future of California's biodiversity and inform conservation efforts. Registration is required for the 30x30 Partnership Summit, and a virtual livestream of the plenary sessions will be available VISUAL ASSETS: * Community Science images available for use * Timescapes still images and trailer video available for use About the California Academy of Sciences The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution with a mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. Based in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, it is home to a world-class aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum, as well as innovative programs in scientific research and environmental education - all under one living roof. Museum hours are 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Saturday, and 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on Sunday. Admission includes all exhibits, programs, and shows. For daily ticket prices, please visit www.calacademy.org or call (415) 379-8000 for more information. Press contacts. If you are a journalist and would like to receive Academy press releases please contact [email protected]. (415) 379-5130 Digital assets. Hi-res and low-res image downloads are available for editorial use. Contact Calacademy at [email protected] to request access.

Hunt Scanlon Media

Jun 9th, 2026

Cook Silverman Search retained by the California Academy of Sciences.

Cook Silverman Search retained by the California Academy of Sciences. June 9, 2026 - Greenbrae, CA-based Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by the California Academy of Sciences to lead in its search for a director of leadership philanthropy. is a pivotal leadership role within the Advancement Department at the California Academy of Sciences. Reporting directly to the chief advancement officer and working closely with the executive director and board of trustees, this individual will serve as the lead architect of the Academy's individual giving strategy. The director is responsible for securing transformational philanthropic support that fuels the Academy's scientific and educational mission. This role carries both frontline fundraising and team leadership responsibilities. The director will personally steward a portfolio of 75-100 major and leadership donors while managing a team of four, with the goal of achieving $10 million-$12 million in annual fundraising from the leadership gifts program. With a future capital campaign on the horizon and a supportive infrastructure that includes a dedicated prospect research team and an incoming coordinator, this is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned development professional to make lasting impact. The organization is seeking a seasoned major gifts fundraiser with 10+ years of non-profit development experience, including a strong track record in large, complex institutional environments such as universities or science and cultural institutions. They are looking for a confident and inspiring leader who builds high-performing teams and fosters a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and accountability. With the help of Cook Silverman, the Academy is hoping to find a strategic thinker who can design and execute sophisticated donor engagement strategies, including planned and legacy giving, while managing a portfolio of 75-100 high-capacity donors. They are seeking a skilled communicator who can translate complex scientific concepts - including climate resilience, regeneration, and sustainability - into compelling philanthropic narratives. The California Academy of Sciences is a non-profit scientific and educational institution located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Founded in 1853, it is one of the world's largest natural history museums and research organizations, encompassing an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and living rainforest under one roof. The Academy is dedicated to advancing scientific research, environmental conservation, and public education through its exhibits, field studies, collections, and educational programs. Its scientists conduct research across a wide range of disciplines, including biodiversity, marine biology, anthropology, geology, and climate science, while the institution serves millions of visitors annually through exhibitions, community outreach, and educational initiatives. Cook Silverman Search focuses on many senior positions include but not limited to: development, CEO/COO/executive director and CFO's for non-profit organizations, predominantly in Northern California. Its client base represents a broad span of organizations, including social service, museums, science. independent schools, universities, conservation, health care, and culture. The firm has placed advancement executives for Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, Children's Council of San Francisco, Eviction Defense Collaborative, The Unity Council, Earth Island Institute, among others. Victoria L. Silverman is managing founder of the search firm. She has more than 30 years of experience in the philanthropic sector. Throughout her career, Ms. Silverman has worked in senior fundraising, advancement, and management positions at Stanford University, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of California, the American Film Institute, and the Buck Institute for Age Research, among others. Her search work focuses on higher education, the arts, biotech and environment sectors. She has been speaker for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and has served on fundraising advisory committees for several non-profit organizations. Common Sense Media Search Cook Silverman Search was recently retained by Common Sense Media to lead in its search for a chief development officer. This executive provides strategic leadership and guidance for the development department, while supporting the president and board chair. As the executive search industry faces mounting pressure to improve performance and consistency, firms are increasingly reevaluating how recruiters are trained and developed. Hunt Scanlon and HSiQ are launching a new Recruiter Performance Training Program designed to bring greater structure, commercial rigor, and scalability to recruiter development in an industry long driven by apprenticeship-style learning. The initiative aims to help search consultants evolve from transactional recruiters into strategic advisors equipped to compete in a market shaped by AI, data, speed, and rising client expectations. They are responsible for building a multi-year sustainability strategy to deepen, diversify, and support the organization's $35 million annual budget. This executive-level role involves managing and motivating a team of skilled fundraising staff, developing both existing and new relationships and strategic partnerships, and ensuring the achievement of Common Sense Media's mission and goals. Common Sense Media is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. They rate, educate, and advocate for policies to protect and prepare kids online. Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor - Hunt Scanlon Media

American College of Surgeons

May 20th, 2026

Informational notice - Learning Pathways.

Informational notice - Learning Pathways. Posted: May 20, 2026 As part of the CA Office of Data & Innovation (ODI), CalAcademy, is partnering with InnovateUS to pilot Learning Pathways. This AI-powered tool is designed to give employees a personalized learning plan based on their learning goals. After answering a few questions about their goals, Learning Pathways will recommend at-your-own-pace courses and workshops delivered by expert faculty for them. If they don't have a specific goal in mind, they can also explore popular pathways for public servants. Popular learning paths include topics on: * Responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) * Upskill for leadership roles * Specific challenges in the public sector ODI will be launching a pilot of this initiative with a group of users statewide. After the pilot phase is complete, a secondary notice will be provided to labor partners regarding the official launch of the initiative. ODI welcomes your engagement and dialogue as they move forward with this initiative. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting to discuss this further, please feel free to contact Jeff Keil, CalHR Labor Relations Officer, at [email protected] or call (916) 796-5889. No comments.

The San Francisco Standard

May 14th, 2026

California Academy of Sciences chief Scott Sampson abruptly resigns.

California Academy of Sciences chief Scott Sampson abruptly resigns. The departure follows layoffs of 53 workers earlier this year at the Golden Gate Park museum. Updated May 14, 2026 - 7:41pm Published May 14, 2026 - 6:47pm Scott Sampson, the paleontologist turned museum leader who has been in charge of the California Academy of Sciences since 2019, is stepping down as executive director, the institution announced Wednesday. Sampson's resignation comes at a time of unprecedented crisis for the academy. In the last two years, the museum has lost around 100 roles due to resignations, layoffs, and voluntary buyouts. "It has been a privilege to serve the academy and work alongside such talented staff, scientists, and educators," Sampson said in a statement. "I've decided that it is the right time to step aside. I plan to spend the next several months completing my new book, 'Superbloom,' before considering what comes next. I remain very grateful for my time here and optimistic about the institution's bright future." Sampson will step down as executive director May 29 but will remain in an advisory capacity until June 30. The academy's board of trustees has appointed Amber Mace, the museum's inaugural managing director and chief strategy officer, as interim executive director. Mace, who joined in 2023, was previously CEO of the California Council on Science and Technology, a nonpartisan body that advises state lawmakers on scientific matters. Have thoughts on this story? Sampson, much like his predecessor, Jonathan Foley, was hired by the board of trustees in part to boost the academy's international profile, according to former employees who served in leadership roles. His priorities included an initiative to boost the study and conservation of island ecosystems and global reefs. But his tenure came at a difficult time for the academy, and his leadership has faced questions. In 2024, 38 employees took voluntary buyouts, while a handful of others resigned, and last month, 53 workers were laid off. The academy has spent several years in a budget deficit, while attendance - in line with museums nationwide - has dropped dramatically since the pandemic. Declines in annual revenue have led to historic programs such as the planetarium and the Bayview Science Institute teacher training program being paused or cut back significantly. "Scott guided the academy through a turbulent and pivotal period, and we are deeply grateful for his leadership, vision, and many contributions to the academy and its mission," board of trustees Chair John C. Dwyer said in a statement. Sampson helped establish several major partnerships for the institution, such as Reimagining San Francisco, a coalition of more than 60 organizations collaborating on urban people-and-nature issues, and One Galápagos, a cross-organizational effort aimed at restoring ecological health throughout the Galápagos Islands.

California Academy of Sciences

Registration and Operations Manager - Registration and Aquarium Operations

About the job

About the company

Get referred to California Academy of Sciences

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

What critics are saying

What makes California Academy of Sciences unique

Benefits

Company News