Chief Philanthropy Officer

Denver Zoo•Denver, CO

About The Position

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, United, Curious, Courageous and Transformative in all that we do. The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) will elevate and scale an integrated revenue platform spanning philanthropy, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, naming opportunities, and future capital initiatives. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the CPO will serve as a key strategic partner and an integral member of the senior leadership team. This leader will oversee a development program generating approximately $9–11 million annually and lead a team of 14 professionals across major gifts, annual giving, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, events, and donor engagement. The CPO will be charged with strengthening and scaling a high-performing fundraising operation, with a particular focus on expanding major and principal gifts, increasing campaign readiness, improving donor acquisition and retention strategies, and building a sophisticated, data-informed approach to philanthropy. This is an opportunity for a strategic and relationship-driven leader to build on a strong foundation and guide DZCA into its next era of philanthropic growth and impact. In close partnership with the CEO, who brings a direct, relationship-oriented, and highly engaged approach to fundraising, the CPO will help shape and execute a bold, integrated development strategy. Together, they will inspire philanthropic investment in DZCA’s mission, elevate its visibility among donors and partners and position the organization for long-term sustainability and future campaign success. 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!

Requirements

Provide strategic leadership for all fundraising activities at DZCA, overseeing a comprehensive program across individual, corporate, foundation, planned giving, and events.
Serve as a key strategic partner to the President and CEO to shape and execute an ambitious, forward-looking philanthropic vision.
Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens annual giving while significantly expanding major and principal gifts.
Build and personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, leading cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts to secure transformational gifts.
Lead, mentor, and develop the philanthropy team, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and alignment while fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture aligned around clear goals and shared success.
Partner with the Board of Governors to enhance engagement in fundraising, support board member activation, and strengthen a culture of philanthropy across leadership.
Translate organizational priorities, including conservation, education, and capital initiatives, into compelling funding opportunities and donor-facing cases for support.
Prepare DZCA for capital campaigns and a robust pipeline of naming, sponsorship, and multi-year investment opportunities tied to DZCA’s master plan and conservation agenda.

Nice To Haves

Develop and lead a comprehensive corporate partnerships and sponsorship strategy, positioning DZCA as a premier platform for mission-aligned brands across the region and nationally.
Identify, package, and execute high-value naming opportunities across campus, programs, and conservation initiatives, aligning donor interests with long-term institutional priorities.
Lead early planning and feasibility for a future capital campaign, including case development, prospect strategy, and lead gift cultivation.
Oversee donor experience and stewardship efforts, ensuring meaningful, personalized engagement that drives long-term retention and lifetime value.
Represent DZCA externally in the community, serving as a visible and compelling ambassador to donors, partners, and key stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for all fundraising activities at DZCA, overseeing a comprehensive program across individual, corporate, foundation, planned giving, and events.
Serve as a key strategic partner to the President and CEO to shape and execute an ambitious, forward-looking philanthropic vision.
Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens annual giving while significantly expanding major and principal gifts.
Build and personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, leading cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts to secure transformational gifts.
Lead, mentor, and develop the philanthropy team, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and alignment while fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture aligned around clear goals and shared success.
Partner with the Board of Governors to enhance engagement in fundraising, support board member activation, and strengthen a culture of philanthropy across leadership.
Translate organizational priorities, including conservation, education, and capital initiatives, into compelling funding opportunities and donor-facing cases for support.
Prepare DZCA for capital campaigns and a robust pipeline of naming, sponsorship, and multi-year investment opportunities tied to DZCA’s master plan and conservation agenda.
Develop and lead a comprehensive corporate partnerships and sponsorship strategy, positioning DZCA as a premier platform for mission-aligned brands across the region and nationally.
Identify, package, and execute high-value naming opportunities across campus, programs, and conservation initiatives, aligning donor interests with long-term institutional priorities.
Lead early planning and feasibility for a future capital campaign, including case development, prospect strategy, and lead gift cultivation.
Oversee donor experience and stewardship efforts, ensuring meaningful, personalized engagement that drives long-term retention and lifetime value.
Represent DZCA externally in the community, serving as a visible and compelling ambassador to donors, partners, and key stakeholders.