Chief Philanthropy Officer

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all fundraising activities at DZCA, overseeing a comprehensive program across individual, corporate, foundation, planned giving, and events.
• Serve as a key strategic partner to the President and CEO to shape and execute an ambitious, forward-looking philanthropic vision.
• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens annual giving while significantly expanding major and principal gifts.
• Build and personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, leading cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts to secure transformational gifts.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the philanthropy team, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and alignment while fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture aligned around clear goals and shared success.
• Partner with the Board of Governors to enhance engagement in fundraising, support board member activation, and strengthen a culture of philanthropy across leadership.
• Translate organizational priorities, including conservation, education, and capital initiatives, into compelling funding opportunities and donor-facing cases for support.
• Prepare DZCA for capital campaigns and a robust pipeline of naming, sponsorship, and multi-year investment opportunities tied to DZCA’s master plan and conservation agenda.
• Lead early planning and feasibility for a future capital campaign, including case development, prospect strategy, and lead gift cultivation.
• Oversee donor experience and stewardship efforts, ensuring meaningful, personalized engagement that drives long-term retention and lifetime value.
• Represent DZCA externally in the community, serving as a visible and compelling ambassador to donors, partners, and key stakeholders.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Provide strategic leadership for all fundraising activities at DZCA, overseeing a comprehensive program across individual, corporate, foundation, planned giving, and events.
• Serve as a key strategic partner to the President and CEO to shape and execute an ambitious, forward-looking philanthropic vision.
• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens annual giving while significantly expanding major and principal gifts.
• Build and personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, leading cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts to secure transformational gifts.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the philanthropy team, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and alignment while fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture aligned around clear goals and shared success.
• Partner with the Board of Governors to enhance engagement in fundraising, support board member activation, and strengthen a culture of philanthropy across leadership.
• Translate organizational priorities, including conservation, education, and capital initiatives, into compelling funding opportunities and donor-facing cases for support.
• Prepare DZCA for capital campaigns and a robust pipeline of naming, sponsorship, and multi-year investment opportunities tied to DZCA’s master plan and conservation agenda.
• Lead early planning and feasibility for a future capital campaign, including case development, prospect strategy, and lead gift cultivation.
• Oversee donor experience and stewardship efforts, ensuring meaningful, personalized engagement that drives long-term retention and lifetime value.
• Represent DZCA externally in the community, serving as a visible and compelling ambassador to donors, partners, and key stakeholders.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.

Compensation

The range for this position is $240,000 to $285,000 (annually).

Position Conditions

• A Truly Wild Workplace With Competitive Benefits
• Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
• A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
• Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
• And so much more!

Application Process & Timelines

Open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately. To express your interest and explore this opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter via the Maneva website: https://www.manevagroup.com/currentsearches

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org