Palm Beach Zoo
Vice President of Philanthropy
Palm Beach Zoo, West Palm Beach, Florida, United States, 33412
Description
At Palm Beach Zoo, we are deeply committed to saving wildlife in wild places. Our mission is to foster meaningful connections between guests and animals, inspiring awe and action in support of wildlife conservation. Every member of our team plays a vital role in advancing this mission-not only on our lush 23-acre campus but through partnerships across Florida and internationally, including Africa and Central America. We are especially proud of our in-house coral conservation dive team, reinforcing that wildlife heroes can come from anywhere-and we're looking for one more.
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on leader to serve as our next Vice President of Philanthropy. This key leader will oversee the day-to-day management of the Development Department and lead fundraising operations. The ideal candidate is both strategic and operational-ready to mentor a talented team while executing and evolving our fundraising efforts to ensure long-term sustainability and mission impact.
Key Responsibilities: Provide daily leadership and management of the Development team, ensuring seamless coordination across major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, events, and donor stewardship. Develop, execute, and refine a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities. Set and track performance goals for the Development team; foster a collaborative, goal-driven culture with a strong focus on accountability and results. Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations. Work closely with the CEO, board, and senior leadership team to integrate philanthropy across all areas of the Zoo's operations and strategic initiatives. Oversee donor engagement activities, communications, and recognition programs to deepen connections and encourage long-term support. Monitor fundraising performance metrics and prepare regular reports and insights for the board and executive team. Requirements
Qualifications:
Proven track record of success in fundraising and philanthropy, with at least five years of experience in a leadership role. 4-year college degree relevant to the position Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders. Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Experience managing and motivating teams to achieve ambitious goals. Knowledge of fundraising best practices, trends, and legal requirements. Passion for conservation and a commitment to making a difference. Physical Requirements
This position is onsite at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings. Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, and climb stairs. Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. This may involve some lifting, carrying, moving, pushing, and/or pulling of objects/materials of light weight (15-20 pounds). Must be able to work a schedule which includes extended hours as necessary to meet deadlines and participation in occasional special events during evenings and weekends.
At Palm Beach Zoo, we are deeply committed to saving wildlife in wild places. Our mission is to foster meaningful connections between guests and animals, inspiring awe and action in support of wildlife conservation. Every member of our team plays a vital role in advancing this mission-not only on our lush 23-acre campus but through partnerships across Florida and internationally, including Africa and Central America. We are especially proud of our in-house coral conservation dive team, reinforcing that wildlife heroes can come from anywhere-and we're looking for one more.
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on leader to serve as our next Vice President of Philanthropy. This key leader will oversee the day-to-day management of the Development Department and lead fundraising operations. The ideal candidate is both strategic and operational-ready to mentor a talented team while executing and evolving our fundraising efforts to ensure long-term sustainability and mission impact.
Key Responsibilities: Provide daily leadership and management of the Development team, ensuring seamless coordination across major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, events, and donor stewardship. Develop, execute, and refine a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities. Set and track performance goals for the Development team; foster a collaborative, goal-driven culture with a strong focus on accountability and results. Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations. Work closely with the CEO, board, and senior leadership team to integrate philanthropy across all areas of the Zoo's operations and strategic initiatives. Oversee donor engagement activities, communications, and recognition programs to deepen connections and encourage long-term support. Monitor fundraising performance metrics and prepare regular reports and insights for the board and executive team. Requirements
Qualifications:
Proven track record of success in fundraising and philanthropy, with at least five years of experience in a leadership role. 4-year college degree relevant to the position Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders. Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Experience managing and motivating teams to achieve ambitious goals. Knowledge of fundraising best practices, trends, and legal requirements. Passion for conservation and a commitment to making a difference. Physical Requirements
This position is onsite at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings. Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, and climb stairs. Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. This may involve some lifting, carrying, moving, pushing, and/or pulling of objects/materials of light weight (15-20 pounds). Must be able to work a schedule which includes extended hours as necessary to meet deadlines and participation in occasional special events during evenings and weekends.