Frankfurt Zoological Society - U.S. · 23 hours ago
Senior Director of Development
Frankfurt Zoological Society – U.S. (FZS-US) is a Washington DC-based conservation nonprofit focused on safeguarding vital landscapes for wildlife and people. The Senior Director of Development will shape and execute a fundraising strategy to enhance FZS’s global impact, working closely with stakeholders to build relationships and manage donor engagement.
Non-profit Organization Management
Responsibilities
Develop and implement a strategic philanthropy plan to meet annual and long‑term revenue goals
Coordinate closely with FZS staff on fundraising strategy, donor prospecting, and relationship management
Build and strengthen relationships with current and prospective high‑net‑worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners
Personally manage a portfolio of high‑value donors and prospects, ensuring meaningful engagement and solicitation
Enable senior leadership to effectively engage donors through briefing materials, scheduling of key opportunities, and volunteer training
Oversee the creation of compelling proposals, case statements, messaging, and fundraising materials highlighting FZS’s impact
Plan and execute donor recognition programs and fundraising events that deepen relationships and accelerate impact
Set and manage clear revenue goals and tactics across individuals, foundations, and corporate giving
Ensure accurate donor data management, reporting, pipeline tracking, and forecasting
Represent FZS‑US and FZS at donor meetings, conferences, and external events
Lead, mentor, and grow a small but high‑performing Development team
Qualification
Required
8+ years of experience in philanthropy, fundraising, or development, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
Demonstrated success in securing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts
Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and revenue management
Proven leadership skills and ability to inspire and manage staff, volunteers, and contractors
Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and strategic planning skills
Deep understanding of fundraising best practices, donor motivations, philanthropic trends, and market dynamics
Strong experience using donor data management systems, pipeline tracking, and revenue forecasting tools
Strategic thinker with the ability to develop innovative, scalable fundraising solutions
Passion for conservation, wildlife, and wild places
Preferred
Experience in organizations with $10M+ annual fundraising revenue
Background in wildlife, conservation, environmental, or outdoor nonprofits
Experience designing and optimizing programs to drive donor engagement, retention, and long‑term revenue growth
Familiarity with the international philanthropic landscape
Benefits
Performance‑based bonus
Health insurance stipend
Generous paid time off and sick leave
Company
Frankfurt Zoological Society - U.S.
Frankfurt Zoological Society – U.S. is a non-profit 501c3 organization founded in 2007 by American friends of the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS).
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase