Director of Foundations and Major Gifts

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance•Denver, CO

About The Position

The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is seeking a Director of Foundations and Major Gifts to join its Philanthropy team. This role is crucial for securing support from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and major donors. The Director will manage a portfolio of funding partners, create compelling grant proposals, cultivate philanthropic relationships, and collaborate internally to build sustainable funding and increase investment in DZCA's mission. DZCA is committed to excellence in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education, and this position plays an integral part in achieving those goals.

Requirements

4-year degree in a related field preferred.
Minimum of five years of progressive experience in grant writing, grants management, institutional giving, and/or major gifts.
At least three years of experience leading a grants or institutional giving program within a complex nonprofit or equivalent organization strongly preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
Proficiency with Tessitura or an equivalent constituent relationship management (CRM) system is required.
Exceptional organizational, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to effectively prioritize multiple responsibilities.
Demonstrate adaptability and sound judgment while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Equally effective working independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and diplomacy.
Effective communicator and strategic collaborator comfortable working with a broad cross-section of internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to develop and advance philanthropic strategies, build consensus, navigate direct and matrixed relationships, and drive initiatives toward established fundraising and organizational goals.
Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.

Nice To Haves

An equivalent combination of professional experience, lived experience, education, and/or specialized skills will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead DZCA's institutional giving program, securing support from private, corporate, and government funders.
Develop and submit grant proposals, funding requests, and reports aligned with organizational priorities.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Identify and evaluate new funding opportunities and maintain a robust institutional giving pipeline.
Oversee the full grant lifecycle, including proposal development, compliance, reporting, renewals, and stewardship.
Partner with internal teams to develop budgets, outcomes, and accurate reporting for funded programs.
Maintain grant records, deadlines, and performance metrics to ensure achievement of annual revenue goals.
Manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, executing strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic investments.
Develop donor-centered proposals and engagement opportunities that advance giving and long-term relationships.
Collaborate with organizational leadership, Trustees, and volunteers to strengthen donor engagement and fundraising outcomes.
Serve as a strategic fundraising partner, providing recommendations on funding opportunities, trends, and revenue strategies.
Partner across departments to align philanthropic funding with DZCA priorities and mission impact.
Provide other assistance as designated by manager to support the overall goals of the department and organization.
Act as a good steward of the DZCA's resources.
Safeguard against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.