Chief Philanthropy Officer

The Zoo Scientist; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoo Knoxville is seeking a visionary Vice President of Development to lead all philanthropic efforts, secure transformational gifts, and drive strategic fundraising initiatives. You will partner with the CEO, Board, and volunteers to advance conservation, education, and community impact.

As the chief fundraiser, you will oversee annual giving, major gifts, foundations, planned giving, and capital campaigns, while building a data-informed program and mentoring a high-performing team committed to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit mgmt, business, or related field; CFRE preferred.
• 10+ years in fundraising and advancement with major gifts & campaigns.
• Proven success securing six- and seven-figure gifts from diverse partners.
• Experience leading comprehensive fundraising initiatives and capital campaigns.
• Expertise in donor pipeline, moves management, planned giving, and relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all philanthropic initiatives and campaigns.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with mission.
• Lead major fundraising campaigns and donor stewardship programs.
• Manage a major gifts portfolio, cultivating high-capacity donors.
• Partner with CEO, board, and volunteers to grow transformational gifts.
• Oversee foundation, corporate, and grant fundraising efforts.
• Guide donor analytics, moves management, and advancement operations.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Major gifts

Donor stewardship

Capital campaigns

Donor analytics

CRM systems

Stakeholder engagement

Board collaboration

Strategic planning

Moves management

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit mgmt / business / related field

CFRE certification preferred

Tools

Tessitura

Raiser's Edge

Salesforce

Job description

Zoo Knoxville is seeking a visionary Vice President of Development to lead all philanthropic efforts, secure transformational gifts, and drive strategic fundraising initiatives. You will partner with the CEO, Board, and volunteers to advance conservation, education, and community impact.

As the chief fundraiser, you will oversee annual giving, major gifts, foundations, planned giving, and capital campaigns, while building a data-informed program and mentoring a high-performing team committed to