Sr. Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships

General

Summary:

The Maryland Zoo is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and relationship-focused Senior Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships to lead the Zoo’s fundraising efforts and corporate engagement strategy. This senior-level position plays a crucial role in advancing the Zoo’s mission by developing and executing comprehensive fundraising campaigns, securing philanthropic and corporate support, and cultivating a culture of giving throughout the organization and the community.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this individual will lead a skilled development team, work in close partnership with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and Zoo leadership, and represent the organization in a wide range of community and professional settings. The Senior Director will also support the Zoo’s capital campaigns and generate funding for key DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) and Conservation initiatives.

Additionally, the Senior Director will support the Zoo’s mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise, mentor, and inspire a high-performing Development team, fostering a collaborative, goal-oriented, and mission-driven culture.
• Serve as a key leader within the organization, working closely with the COO, CEO, and senior leadership on strategic planning and financial goals.
• Serve as staff lead for the Development Committee of the Board, as well as the Zoo’s Emerging Leaders group.

Fundraising Strategy & Capital Campaigns

• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies and multi-year campaigns that include annual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation support, and planned giving.
• Lead and support capital fundraising campaigns, ensuring alignment with the Zoo’s long-term vision and strategic priorities.
• Identify creative, mission-aligned revenue-generating opportunities to support conservation, education, and guest experience initiatives.

Corporate & Individual Fundraising

• Build and maintain a strong portfolio of corporate sponsors and individual donors.
• Proactively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with new and existing supporters.
• Create compelling donor materials and write high-quality proposals tailored to the interests of funders and partners.
• Secure funding for key DEAI initiatives, including new programming and accessibility improvements.

Community Engagement & Networking

• Represent the Zoo at external meetings, conferences, networking events, and community gatherings to build relationships and visibility.
• Maintain a robust networking presence with business leaders, philanthropists, community influencers, and potential partners.
• Present on behalf of the Zoo at events including the Lunch & Learn series and other engagement forums.
• Donor Engagement & Events
• Oversee the planning and execution of donor and partner cultivation events.
• Lead and support the Zoo’s major fundraising events, working collaboratively with internal departments and external partners.
• Develop and manage creative engagement opportunities to strengthen donor and sponsor loyalty.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience, including leadership roles in nonprofit development.
• Proven success in managing fundraising campaigns, major gifts, and corporate partnerships.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Strong writing abilities with experience crafting persuasive proposals, reports, and campaign materials.
• Strategic, analytical…