Senior Director of Philanthropy

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive philanthropy strategies aligned with Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance\s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term fundraising goals.

• Partner with the Chief Philanthropy Officer to establish annual fundraising objectives, develop donor portfolio strategies, monitor performance, and drive philanthropic revenue growth.

• Lead, coach, and support philanthropy staff, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team focused on professional development and fundraising success.

• Oversee integrated fundraising efforts across major and principal gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, sponsorships, and other revenue opportunities.

• Manage an active portfolio of major and transformational donors, leading cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and relationship-building efforts to secure significant philanthropic support.

• Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including campaign planning, prospect development, donor engagement, Trustee involvement, and fundraising strategy.

• Establish fundraising performance metrics, manage departmental budgets, evaluate donor pipelines, and provide strategic reports and recommendations to executive leadership and Trustees.

• Collaborate with internal departments, Trustees, donors, and community partners to advance institutional priorities, strengthen donor engagement, and expand philanthropic opportunities.

Application Process and Timelines

Application Deadline: October 26, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date.

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org

Experience Required

Bachelor\s degree in a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience. An advanced degree and relevant fundraising certifications are desirable. A minimum of 8 years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success securing major and transformational gifts and cultivating lasting donor relationships. Experience successfully leading and executing a capital campaign with a goal in the double-digit millions ($10 million+ preferred). A minimum of 2 years of direct people-management experience leading, coaching, and developing fundraisers and philanthropy support staff (2+ years is preferred). Experience overseeing multiple fundraising programs and using portfolio, pipeline, and performance data to drive results is required. Experience within the zoological, conservation, cultural, education, or other mission-driven nonprofit sector is preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.

Perks

A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits: Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including: Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking And so much more!

Salary

Salary Range for this position is $138,000 to $172,000 (annually).

How to Apply

Please visit Senior Director of Philanthropy | Current Job Openings to apply

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

2300 Steele St

Denver, CO 80205

Phone: 7203371477

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