Senior Director of Development

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Details

Job Type:Full TimeStart Date:March 16, 2026Application Deadline:February 28, 2026Education:4-Year Degree RequiredExperience Level:ManagerialSalary:USD $170,000 - $200,000 / yearIdealist encourages all organizations to include salary ranges when possible. Please consider this range a "best estimate" rather than a firm or final offer.On top of base salary, compensation includes a bonus based on performance metrics.Cause Areas:Animals, Environment & Sustainability

Description

Frankfurt Zoological Society – U.S. (FZS-US) is a Washington D.C.-Based wildlife conservation nonprofit founded in 2007 by American supporters of the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS). FZS-US’s mission is to safeguard the world’s most ecologically vital and awe-inspiring landscapes, where wildlife and people depend on conserving nature.

Working hand-in-hand with the global FZS network, national conservation authorities, and local and Indigenous communities, FZS-US helps protect biodiversity where it matters most. Our partner organization, Frankfurt Zoological Society, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, was founded in 1858 and is among the world’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations. Today, FZS operates long-term, on-the-ground conservation programs in 19 countries across four continents, protecting iconic landscapes, such as Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Manu National Park in Peru, that are critical to wildlife, climate resilience, and human livelihoods.

Recognizing the urgency of accelerating climate change and unprecedented biodiversity loss, FZS has made an ambitious commitment: to double its global conservation impact within the next decade. To help lead this pivotal moment, FZS-US is creating a new leadership role: Senior Director of Development. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Senior Director of Development will play a defining role in shaping and executing a bold fundraising strategy to fuel FZS’s expanded global impact.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished, entrepreneurial development leader. The ideal candidate will bring strategic fundraising expertise, a collaborative spirit, and a deep passion for protecting nature.

Key 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
Required Qualifications:

• 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 Qualifications:

• 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
  Location: Washington DC or New York City
  Read more about this jobRead less

Benefits

Health insurance stipend

Generous paid time off and sick leave

Family-friendly culture

Flexible work schedule

Level of Language Proficiency

Fluent English

Location

RemoteWork can be performed from anywhere in United States

Associated Location

1050 30th St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA

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All fields are requiredFirst NameLast NameEmailResumeResume must be uploaded in PDF formatChoose a file or drag it hereNo file chosen (maximum size: 10 MB)Are you based in Washington DC or New York City?Washington DCNew York CityNeitherHow much of your time are you willing to travel?10%25%50%Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?YesNoCover LetterChoose a file or drag it hereNo file chosen (maximum size: 10 MB)I acknowledge that use of the Idealist Applicant Tracking System is subject to Idealist's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.Submit Application

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This role creates positive change by developing and executing a bold fundraising strategy to fuel FZS's expanded global impact, helping protect biodiversity and conserve nature in ecologically vital landscapes worldwide.

Required qualifications:

• 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
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills
• Strong experience using donor data management systems, pipeline tracking, and revenue forecasting tools
• Passion for conservation, wildlife, and wild places

No specific benefits, compensation, or perks mentioned in the job description.

Frankfurt Zoological Society – U.S. (FZS-US) is a Washington D.C.-based wildlife conservation nonprofit that safeguards the world's most ecologically vital and awe-inspiring landscapes, where wildlife and people depend on conserving nature.