Director of Development

Located in Tyler, Texas, The Caldwell Zoo strives to connect people with the wonders of wildlife to cultivate an appreciation for the natural world. For over seven decades, the zoo has invited residents of East Texas to witness the spectacular diversity of animals from all around the globe. The zoo does all it can to share the magnificence of nature through unforgettable experiences and educational programs to inspire others to take action to ensure the vitality of the animal kingdom for generations to come.

The Caldwell Foundation, as a former trustee of its physical and financial assets, worked as a key partner institution. After years of study and deliberation, the Foundation Board of Trustees launched an initiative to set The Caldwell Zoo up as a fully independent nonprofit with refined strategic and operational plans beginning in 2025.

Beyond managing the evolving physical infrastructure and daily operation of the Caldwell Zoo on an ongoing basis, The Caldwell Foundation has launched a transformational chapter to establish the Zoo as a public charity. As outlined in the 2023 Caldwell Foundation Master Plan, the multi-year process of transferring all assets from The Caldwell Foundation to Caldwell Zoo, Inc. (CZI) will position the Zoo for financial and capital success while gradually sun setting the Foundation.

With Caldwell Zoo, Inc. becoming operational on January 1, 2025, all physical assets of the Foundation were transitioned to the Zoo while it continues to receive financial support from the Foundation’s financial assets. With its new structure, the executive leadership reports to the President/CEO of Caldwell Zoo, Inc. At the appropriate time, Caldwell Zoo, Inc. will be the sole beneficiary of assets managed by the D.K. & Lottie Caldwell Irrevocable Trust.

Furthermore, the Zoo will begin supplementing its existing revenue streams with private support from individual and institutional donors.

With an annual budget of around $10 million, Caldwell Zoo benefits from stable revenue streams that include earned revenue (approximately 50%) and Caldwell Foundation contributions (approximately 50%). In advance of establishing the irrevocable trust, Zoo leadership will develop additional revenue streams such as events and private support. The Foundation is currently governed by a seven-member board, two of whom joined the board of Caldwell Zoo, Inc.,

along with three additional community members. Over time, the board will grow to no more than 15 members.

As a highly regarded and well-loved cultural attraction in Tyler, Texas, The Caldwell Zoo is seeking a Director of Development (DOD) to bring experience in fundraising practices to initiate a brand-new development program. After decades of service, the leadership of The Caldwell Foundation has launched a deliberate transition plan to preserve its assets while setting the Zoo up for perpetual success.

With the launch of Caldwell Zoo, Inc. in January 2025 as a public charity, the DOD will build a culture of philanthropy and capitalize on its upcoming 75th anniversary. Anticipated milestones for the advancement program are as follows:

• Devise and implement a plan to thoughtfully enhance the zoo’s membership program by focusing on stewardship, retention, and growth.
• Plan and develop strategies for other fundraising programs, including annual solicitations, planned giving, sponsor ships, grants, and capital campaigns;
• Begin implementation of other fundraising programs;
• Implement the first capital campaign in 2027 in conjunction with the 75th Anniversary of Caldwell Zoo.

Reporting to the President & CEO of CZI, the DOD will grow the relatively new Development Program to broaden the zoo’s philanthropic support base, including the long-term planning and full implementation of the current upper-level giving membership program. In collaboration with marketing team members, the successful executive will implement fundraising programs such as annual giving, planned giving, sponsor ships, grant writing, fundraising events, and capital campaigns.

Specifically, the DOD will:

• Develop a strategic funding plan to attract philanthropic support for CZI.
• Identify, support, and secure gifts from a portfolio of major gift donors, focusing on foundations, individuals, corporations, and members.
• Establish annual revenue targets and generate and monitor the development department budget for progress against goals, providing regular reports to the CEO, senior team, and Board of Directors.
• Develop and manage the overall department budget with staff.
• Oversee the development and implementation of policies, systems, and procedures that support fundraising stability and growth.
• Provide leadership for the development of day-to-day operations, including, but not limited to, records management, development goals, and metrics for the department.
• Develop, implement, and manage strategies for engaging with promising individuals and…