Senior Director of Philanthropy

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA)is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

DZCA honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe:
Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of:
Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.

The Senior Director of Philanthropy will serve as a key member of the Philanthropy leadership team, responsible for providing strategic and tactical leadership across major and principal gifts, annual and mid-level giving, planned giving , corporate and foundation partnerships, donor engagement, and campaign readiness. This role leads and develops fundraisers and philanthropy support staff, maintains a portfolio of major and transformational donors and prospects, and partners closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, executive leadership, Trustees, and colleagues across the organization to grow philanthropic revenue and deepen donor relationships.

The Senior Director will also bring demonstrated campaign experience and help position Denver Zoo for future comprehensive fundraising efforts.

Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!

• Develop and implement comprehensive philanthropy strategies aligned with the organization's mission, vision, strategic priorities, and long-term goals.
• Partner with the Chief Philanthropy Officer to establish annual fundraising goals, priorities, portfolio strategies, and performance expectations for the philanthropy team.
• Provide leadership, coaching, feedback, and direction to fundraisers and philanthropy support staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, professional growth, and fundraising excellence.
• Provide guidance to gift officers on prospect strategy, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, proposals, and relationship management, and help remove barriers to successful fundraising.
• Model behavior expectations aligned with the Zoo's core values and promote teamwork, forward planning, productivity, inclusion, and clear communication across the department and organization.
• Lead integrated fundraising strategies across major and principal gifts, annual and mid-level giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, sponsor ships, and other philanthropic revenue opportunities.
• Maintain an active portfolio of major and transformational donors and prospects, building relationships and moving donors through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Support the Chief Philanthropy Officer's portfolio (when needed) of major and transformational relationships and partner on high-level donor, Trustee, and community engagement.
• Set ambitious but achievable fundraising goals, monitor performance and pipeline metrics, and use data to strengthen strategy, forecasting, and results.
• Ensure strong donor stewardship and engagement strategies that deepen relationships, increase retention, and build the pipeline for future major and transformational gifts.
• Represent Denver Zoo in philanthropic, civic, and community settings and build relationships with key donors, prospects, partners, and community leaders.

• Partner with the Chief Philanthropy Officer and organizational leadership to prepare for and execute future comprehensive fundraising campaigns, translating institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
• Apply successful campaign experience to campaign strategy, prospect development, gift planning, volunteer and Trustee engagement, fundraising materials, reporting, and donor recognition.
• Coordinate with colleagues across the Zoo to ensure campaign priorities are well defined, fundable, donor-centered, and supported by accurate information and compelling cases for support.

• Participate in overall Philanthropy Team strategy development, annual planning, budgeting, and organizational priority setting.
• Develop and manage assigned philanthropy budgets and resources…