Senior Director of Development

Caldwell Zoo; Tyler (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas, seeks an experienced fundraising leader to become Senior Director of Development and build a new development programme as the zoo enters an important new chapter. Reporting to the President & CEO, you will lead the growth of the development program and help lay groundwork for Caldwell Zoo, Inc.'s first capital campaign.

You will execute and develop the strategic fundraising plan, encompassing annual giving, planned giving, sponsorships, grants, events and capital

Qualifications

• Six+ years of fundraising experience including major gifts.
• Experience leading capital campaigns is preferred.
• Ability to build and manage a development program and team.

Responsibilities

• Execute and adapt the strategic fundraising plan to meet goals.
• Identify, cultivate and secure gifts from major donors and foundations.
• Collaborate with CEO and leadership to set annual revenue targets.
• Develop and manage the development department budget and report progress.
• Oversee operations, records and performance metrics for fundraising.
• Build relationships with individual and institutional supporters.

Skills

Major gifts

Capital campaigns

Donor cultivation

Fundraising strategy

Team leadership

Budget management

Job description

Caldwell Zoo is seeking an experienced fundraising leader to join its team as Senior Director of Development, helping to build and grow a new development programme as the Texas zoo enters an important new chapter.

About the role

Located in Tyler, Texas, Caldwell Zoo has connected people with wildlife for more than seven decades through animal experiences, education and conservation.

Following the launch of Caldwell Zoo, Inc. as an independent public charity in January 2025, the organisation is developing new sources of philanthropic support as it prepares for its 75th anniversary.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Senior Director of Development will lead the growth of the zoo's relatively new Development Program, establishing a strong culture of philanthropy and broadening its base of supporters.

The successful candidate will execute and develop the zoo's strategic fundraising plan, encompassing annual giving, planned giving, sponsorships, grants, fundraising events and capital campaigns.

They will also help lay the groundwork for Caldwell Zoo, Inc.'s first capital campaign, with its launch timeline to be determined by the CEO and Board of Directors.

Key responsibilities

The Senior Director of Development will:

• Execute and adapt the strategic fundraising plan to achieve the organisation's development goals
• Identify, cultivate and secure gifts from major donors, including individuals, foundations, corporations and zoo members
• Work with the CEO and executive leadership to establish annual revenue targets
• Develop and manage the development department's budget and report progress to senior leadership and the Board
• Maintain policies, systems and procedures supporting sustainable fundraising growth
• Oversee day-to-day development operations, records, goals and performance metrics
• Develop strategies to engage individuals and philanthropic organisations aligned with Caldwell Zoo's mission and values
• Build relationships with prospective supporters and secure commitments
• Contribute to high-quality fundraising materials and key organisational narratives
• Lead and develop the fundraising team, establishing individual and departmental performance goals and providing professional development opportunities

About you

Candidates should have at least six years of relevant experience, including meaningful experience securing major gifts, typically valued at $10,000 or more.

Experience working on capital campaigns is preferred.

The successful candidate will bring strong fundraising expertise and the ability to develop relationships with individual, institutional and corporate supporters while building a development function capable of supporting Caldwell Zoo's long-term ambitions.