The mission of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive. The vision of the DZS is to be a force for positive change in a world where animals and nature are valued, understood and protected by all people. The DZS operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center.
Executive compensation, broken down
Form 990 · Part VII & Schedule J · 12 reported individuals · Filing year 2023
Percentile bands compare each position's total pay with the same role at Animal-Related organizations nationwide.
- Base
- $448k
- Bonus
- $64k
- Other
- $5k
- Benefits
- $20k
- Base
- $241k
- Bonus
- $22k
- Other
- $5k
- Benefits
- $20k
- Base
- $211k
- Bonus
- $17k
- Other
- $5k
- Benefits
- $20k
- Base
- $177k
- Bonus
- $14k
- Other
- $5k
- Benefits
- $20k
- Base
- $170k
- Bonus
- $14k
- Other
- $5k
- Benefits
- $20k
- Base
- $172k
- Bonus
- $14k
- Other
- $5k
- Benefits
- $8k
- Base
- $153k
- Bonus
- $13k
- Other
- $5k
- Benefits
- $20k
- Base
- $149k
- Bonus
- $12k
- Other
- $5k
- Benefits
- $9k
- Base
- $143k
- Bonus
- $3k
- Other
- —
- Benefits
- $16k
- Base
- $130k
- Bonus
- $10k
- Other
- $4k
- Benefits
- $15k
- Base
- $120k
- Bonus
- $8k
- Other
- $5k
- Benefits
- $20k
- Base
- $131k
- Bonus
- —
- Other
- $5k
- Benefits
- $18k
| Position | Base | Bonus | Other | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Executive Director/ceo Above 90th percentile | $448k | $64k | $5k | $20k | $550k |
Chief Financial Officer Above 90th percentile | $241k | $22k | $5k | $20k | $299k |
VP of Development Board Vice President 75th to 90th percentile | $211k | $17k | $5k | $20k | $263k |
Chief Operating Officer 75th to 90th percentile | $177k | $14k | $5k | $20k | $224k |
VP of Guest Services, Communications, and Marketing Board Vice President 75th to 90th percentile | $170k | $14k | $5k | $20k | $218k |
VP of Education Board Vice President Median to 75th percentile | $172k | $14k | $5k | $8k | $207k |
Associate VP of Life Sciences Board Vice President Median to 75th percentile | $153k | $13k | $5k | $20k | $199k |
VP of Human Resources Board Vice President Median to 75th percentile | $149k | $12k | $5k | $9k | $182k |
Director of Individual Philanthropy Highest Compensated Employee Median to 75th percentile | $143k | $3k | — | $16k | $168k |
VP of Life Sciences Board Vice President Median to 75th percentile | $130k | $10k | $4k | $15k | $162k |
VP of Diversity and Community Engagement Board Vice President Median to 75th percentile | $120k | $8k | $5k | $20k | $157k |
Chief of Staff Highest Compensated Employee Median to 75th percentile | $131k | — | $5k | $18k | $155k |
Plus 49 unpaid individuals.
Top pay as a share of expenses
In 2023, the highest total compensation at DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY equaled 1.0% of the organization's total expenses. The median for animal-related organizations is 8%.
Based on 3,692 animal-related organizations, each measured at its most recent filing year with reported expenses and compensation.
Funded by
Private foundations whose Form 990-PF Part XV grants matched this organization.
Among peers
Revenue and top compensation, plotted against similar organizations. This organization is highlighted in cyan.
Common questions about DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
What does the Director (Operational) of DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY earn?
In 2023, the Director (Operational) of DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY received $550,350 in total compensation. This pay is in the top 10% for Director (Operational) roles among Animal-Related organizations nationwide: at least 9 in 10 comparable filings report less. Based on IRS Form 990 data.
How does Director (Operational) pay at DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY compare with similar nonprofits?
Compared with the same role at Animal-Related organizations nationwide, the 2023 pay of the Director (Operational) at DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY falls in the top 10%. In 2023, the highest total compensation at DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY equaled 1.0% of the organization's total expenses. The median for animal-related organizations is 8%.
What are DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY's revenue and expenses?
In 2023, DETROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY reported $54.3M in total revenue and $56.2M in total expenses on its IRS Form 990.
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