Director, Development

Position Summary

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.

Essential Job Duties

• Strategic Leadership
  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.

• Major & Principal Gifts
  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.

• Budget & Resource Management
  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.

• Board & Donor Relations
  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.
  Partner with the CEO and CCEO to 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.

• Revenue Growth
  Partner with CCEO to 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.

• Partnership Development
  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, and Senior Manager, Development Services.

Who You Are

• Minimum of 9 years of progressive development experience, including 5 years managerial experience managing people and projects in development
• Demonstrated success developing and executing major gift and campaign strategies
• Proven team leadership and people management experience, including experience coaching and developing staff to build technical and interpersonal skills
• Budget management and vendor negotiation experience
• Proficiency with donor CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge, prospect research tools, and fundraising analytics platforms
• Able to work flexible hours on occasion, including weekends, evenings and holidays

Work Environment

Primarily office-based with occasional Oakland Zoo grounds visits. Some travel for conferences and professional development. Standard business hours with some flexibility. Limited remote work may be available after an evaluation period and is dependent on ongoing performance assessments.

Physical Considerations

Sustained computer-based administrative and analytical work, using standard or assistive technology for extended periods every day. Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively and to review, interpret, and work with digital or written materials, using verbal, written, or assistive methods as appropriate. Ability to navigate Zoo grounds.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities

• Analytical and Conceptual Aptitude
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Data Analysis
• Impact
• Leadership
• Relationship-Building
• Solution-oriented
• Sustainability
• Wildlife Aware

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Retailer plan
• Paid time off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Zoo Membership options

Salary Description

$111,970.71 - $122,908.72 annually