Development Director, Major Gifts & Strategy

Oakland Zoo; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible spending account

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Zoo Membership options

Job summary

Oakland Zoo seeks a seasoned Director of Development to lead and expand our fundraising program. You will direct a team of four, drive major gifts, and partner with the CEO and CCEO to advance conservation funding.

From strategy to donor stewardship, you will shape campaigns, manage budgets, and cultivate key donors to sustain our mission while aligning with the Zoo’s values and goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 9 years of progressive development experience, including 5 years managerial experience.
• Proven major gifts and campaign strategy experience.
• Strong leadership and staff development skills.
• Budget management and vendor negotiation experience.
• Experience with donor CRM systems and fundraising analytics.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: develop and implement fundraising strategies aligned with goals.
• Major & Principal Gifts: manage a portfolio and lead campaign initiatives.
• Budget & Resource Management: manage department budget and vendor contracts.
• Board & Donor Relations: support CEO/CCEO and donor stewardship.
• Revenue Growth: drive major gifts, annual giving, and planned giving.
• Partnership Development: oversee grant strategy and compliance.
• Supervisory Responsibility: hire and develop the team.

Skills

Development leadership

Fundraising strategy

Donor relations

Budget management

CRM systems

Vendor negotiation

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management or related field

CFRE certification

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Prospect research tools

Fundraising analytics platforms

Job description

Oakland Zoo seeks a seasoned Director of Development to lead and expand our fundraising program. You will direct a team of four, drive major gifts, and partner with the CEO and CCEO to advance conservation funding.

From strategy to donor stewardship, you will shape campaigns, manage budgets, and cultivate key donors to sustain our mission while aligning with the Zoo’s values and goals.