Curator

Overview

Panthera is the only organization in the world devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 40 wild cat species and their ecosystems. Panthera develops and implements global strategies for imperiled species in collaboration with local and international NGOs, scientific institutions, local communities, governments, and concerned citizens. Panthera Corporation consists of Panthera Corporation- USA and several foreign legal entities and foreign branch offices. For more on Panthera, visit

In 2022, Panthera began a project on the operation of a captive breeding facility of the Arabian Leopard in Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (the Project). Panthera is seeking to recruit a Curator for this project.

Role and Responsibilities

The Curator provides strategic direction and management oversight of the Arabian Leopard Breeding Facility. They will ensure that the facility is sourced and operated to high standards and will manage the senior staff employed for the project. The Curator is responsible for organizing animal care and habitats, maintaining exhibits, and supervising Senior Veterinary and Head Keeper staff. Specifically, the Curator will:

• Act as Panthera’s institutional representative in Saudi Arabia to manage government, non-governmental, and business relationships for the project.
• Collaborate with Panthera’s Financial Management Team to manage the facility budget, ensure accurate and timely reporting of expenses.
• Prepare and oversee annual workplans for the project and all personnel.
• Line-manage the Panthera team at the Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Center and oversee strategic recruitment in consultation with Panthera’s Human Resources team.
• Manage HR activities (working schedule, hours, leave, contracts, payroll) and conduct annual job evaluations with staff.
• Oversee daily operations at the Center, including animal observation and keeper activities.
• Produce technical and financial reports as required by the donor.
• Ensure procurement operations and all required reports comply with local regulations, donor requirements, and Panthera policies.
• Coordinate the development and update of the site masterplan (5-year horizon) with annual investment plans and timelines, in consultation with the Project Director, donor, and other stakeholders.
• Produce and update site blueprints.
• Lead regular meetings with senior staff to assess progress and set plans for the following week and month.
• Ensure assets provided by the donor are maintained, inventoried, and recorded.
• Coordinate with local authorities in emergencies and for site security as needed.
• Organize animal transfers and manage related documentation in coordination with the donor.
• Develop and update policies, protocols, and procedures (daily work schedule, feeding plan, husbandry, enrichment, emergency, risk assessment, etc.) in collaboration with the Senior Veterinarian and Head Keeper.
• Lead the implementation of the site breeding program and oversee regular animal record keeping (e.g., ZIMS) for transfers and identification data relevant to global collaborations.
• Participate in animal inspection rounds with veterinary staff and head keeper to plan treatments and enrichment programs.
• Lead the accreditation process for EAZA and support WAZA membership as needed.
• Serve as the site focal contact for external communications with EAZA, IUCN Cat Specialist Group, ZIMS, studbook keepers, and other groups; provide updates to coordinators and keepers to maintain transparency with regional and international colleagues.
• Conduct research, document findings, and publish in peer-reviewed journals and other publications as appropriate.

Qualifications & Experience

• 6+ years of curatorial experience in zoological parks, with at least three references.
• University degree (MSc or higher) in zoology, animal behavior, biology, or animal science.
• Exceptional project planning and management skills.
• Proven ability to manage interdisciplinary and multicultural teams, both large and small.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills with staff and external parties.
• Member of one or more industry organizations.
• Willingness to travel regularly and work outside conventional hours/environments.
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

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