Director, Development

About the role

The Director of Development provides direction and manages workflow for all fundraising and donor relations supporting Oakland Zoo's mission. This position is responsible for managing, building, and diversifying Oakland Zoo's base of contributed revenue, driving sustainable revenue growth across major gifts, annual giving, and institutional funding, and ensuring an exceptional donor experience. The Director manages a team of four development professionals and collaborates closely with CCEO, and multiple departments.

Responsibilities

• In partnership with CCEO, develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with organizational goals and mission
• Lead annual planning process, including goal-setting, budget development, and campaign calendar creation
• Analyze giving trends, donor data, and the philanthropic landscape to inform strategic decisions.
• Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects.
• Develop and maintain gift acceptance policies, donor stewardship standards, and recognition frameworks.
• Lead annual campaign initiatives as needed in consultation with the CCEO.
• Develop and manage department budget, including staff, fundraising campaigns, and vendor contracts
• Track and report on budget performance, ROI, and key performance indicators in partnership with Senior Manager Development Services.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with consultants and donor database vendors.
• Support the CEO and CCEO in fulfilling their responsibilities to the Board Development Committee, including preparing materials, coordinating agendas and follow-up items, and advancing committee priorities in alignment with fundraising strategy.
• In partnership with the CEO and CCEO, oversee donor relations strategy and serve as point of contact for high-level donor stewardship and recognition with CEO & CCEO.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key donors, philanthropic advisors, and community stakeholders
• In partnership with CCEO, drive strategies to increase major gifts, annual giving, and planned giving revenue
• Align annual fundraising campaigns with mission and conservation work.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications team on donor-facing campaigns and engagement content.
• Collaborate with Membership and Admissions team to develop a pipeline of donors.
• Oversee grant strategy, proposal development, and compliance/reporting in coordination with program staff
• Hires, supervises, develops and oversees performance management of the Individual Giving Manager, Philanthropy Officer, Individual Giving Coordinator,