Chief Development Officer; CDO

Chief Development Officer (CDO)

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for the planning, implementation, and growth of a comprehensive philanthropic program to support the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). This includes leading efforts to secure funding from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government grantors in alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities, including capital campaigns, programs, endowment, and unrestricted support.

This position is part of a thoughtfully designed leadership transition plan. The selected candidate will initially join DZS in a transitional capacity, working closely alongside the current Chief Development Officer to ensure a smooth and effective handoff. Following this transition period, the individual will formally assume the role of Chief Development Officer and will be fully responsible for leading the DZS’s fundraising strategy and development department.

The Chief Development Officer will manage a portfolio of the organization’s most significant donors and will collaborate with Board members in advancing their philanthropic support. In addition, they will oversee and coordinate efforts among development staff engaged in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors, sponsors, and grantors.

The Chief Development Officer will represent and support the mission and values of the Detroit Zoological Society, both publicly and internally. They are expected to model the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and alignment with DZS policies and culture.

This job description is by no means all-inclusive and may be subject to change during a performance period due to the needs of the DZS and its leadership. This document will be reviewed on a continual basis and will be modified as needed.

• Collaborate with the current Chief Development Officer, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors during a structured transition period, ultimately assuming full responsibility for directing the DZS’s fundraising strategy and leading the development program to ensure long‑term growth and sustainability.
• Plan and execute activities to secure philanthropic commitments to support the Detroit Zoological Society’s strategic plan, high‑priority initiatives and ongoing operations
• Demonstrate passion, enthusiasm and integrity while representing and advocating for the DZS mission, vision and purpose with donors and prospects and while in the community
• Engage, cultivate and solicit prospects and donors through meetings, tours and experiences; arrange opportunities for donors and prospects to meet with other DZS representatives (including Board members, the CEO and other leaders) in order to advance relationships and solicitations
• Meet established benchmarks in prospect management, face‑to‑face meetings, solicitations, stewardship actions, and in gifts secured
• Ensure the coordination of all fundraising efforts and donor communications among the development staff and other departments
• Ensure that communications and materials prepared by team members are of the highest quality and consistent with DZS voice and branding
• Exercise sound judgement in the use of DZS resources to achieve goals and appropriately manage expenses
• Maintain the integrity of the DZS donor database by ensuring the complete and accurate recording of donor information, contacts, pledges, and gifts.
• Participate in DZS activities and events as required.
• All other responsibilities and tasks assigned by the DZS CEO/Executive Director.

The Chief Development Officer must be an experienced fundraising professional with a proven record as a strategic and capable leader. The position requires broad knowledge in development including capital campaigns, annual giving, individual philanthropy, corporate and foundation relations (including sponsorship and grants) planned giving, prospect research and development operations.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Philanthropic Studies, Communications or a related field
• Minimum of fifteen years’ fundraising experience including at least five years in a senior leadership role
• Demonstrated…