Sr. Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships

Maryland Zoo; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maryland Zoo is seeking a dynamic Senior Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships to lead fundraising, corporate engagement, and DEAI initiatives, reporting to the COO. This role guides a development team and partners with the CEO, Board, and leadership to advance campaigns and secure support for conservation and education.

Responsibilities include building a portfolio of sponsors and donors, writing compelling proposals, developing multi-year strategies, coordinating capital

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience with leadership roles in nonprofit development.
• Proven success in managing fundraising campaigns, major gifts, and corporate partnerships.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Strong writing abilities with experience crafting persuasive proposals and reports.
• Strategic, analytical thinker with revenue goal experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead development team and collaborate with COO, CEO, and senior leadership on strategic planning.
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies and multi-year campaigns.
• Build and steward a portfolio of corporate sponsors and individual donors.
• Plan donor engagement events and support capital fundraising campaigns.
• Represent the Zoo at external meetings and enable community partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising Strategy

Corporate Partnerships

Major Gifts

Donor Relations

Strategic Planning

Proposal Writing

Public Speaking

Team Management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

General Summary: The Maryland Zoo is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and relationship-focused Senior Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships to lead the Zoo’s fundraising efforts and corporate engagement strategy. This senior-level position plays a crucial role in advancing the Zoo’s mission by developing and executing comprehensive fundraising campaigns, securing philanthropic and corporate support, and cultivating a culture of giving throughout the organization and the community.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this individual will lead a skilled development team, work in close partnership with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and Zoo leadership, and represent the organization in a wide range of community and professional settings. The Senior Director will also support the Zoo’s capital campaigns and generate funding for key DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) and Conservation initiatives. Additionally, the Senior Director will support the Zoo’s mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.

Essential Functions

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise, mentor, and inspire a high-performing Development team, fostering a collaborative, goal-oriented, and mission-driven culture.
• Serve as a key leader within the organization, working closely with the COO, CEO, and senior leadership on strategic planning and financial goals.
• Serve as staff lead for the Development Committee of the Board, as well as the Zoo’s Emerging Leaders group.

Fundraising Strategy & Capital Campaigns

• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies and multi-year campaigns that include annual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation support, and planned giving.
• Lead and support capital fundraising campaigns, ensuring alignment with the Zoo’s long-term vision and strategic priorities.
• Identify creative, mission-aligned revenue-generating opportunities to support conservation, education, and guest experience initiatives.

Corporate & Individual Fundraising

• Build and maintain a strong portfolio of corporate sponsors and individual donors.
• Proactively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with new and existing supporters.
• Create compelling donor materials and write high-quality proposals tailored to the interests of funders and partners.
• Secure funding for key DEAI initiatives, including new programming and accessibility improvements.

Community Engagement & Networking

• Represent the Zoo at external meetings, conferences, networking events, and community gatherings to build relationships and visibility.
• Maintain a robust networking presence with business leaders, philanthropists, community influencers, and potential partners.
• Present on behalf of the Zoo at events including the Lunch & Learn series and other engagement forums.
• Donor Engagement & Events
• Oversee the planning and execution of donor and partner cultivation events.
• Lead and support the Zoo’s major fundraising events, working collaboratively with internal departments and external partners.
• Develop and manage creative engagement opportunities to strengthen donor and sponsor loyalty.

Education

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience/Training

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience, including leadership roles in nonprofit development.
• Proven success in managing fundraising campaigns, major gifts, and corporate partnerships.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Strong writing abilities with experience crafting persuasive proposals, reports, and campaign materials.
• Strategic, analytical thinker with experience in setting and meeting revenue goals.
• Comfortable presenting to small and large groups and engaging a diverse audience.
• Experience leading volunteer groups or committees strongly preferred.
• Passion for wildlife conservation, education, DEAI principles, and the mission of the Maryland Zoo.

Hospitality

• Friendly and outgoing;
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; and,
• Ability to deliver exceptional customer service.

Traits Desirable

• Commitment to maintain confidentiality and a high degree of accuracy in recordkeeping and information system; Detail-oriented with strong organizational, analytical and planning skills;
• Aptitude and demonstrated ability to work accurately and effectively with the information systems in support of a development program and demonstrated ability to work accurately and effectively with computerized data systems;
• Able to multitask in a fast-paced environment of constant demands and frequent interruptions;
• Ability to effectively analyze data and statistics;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and promote a positive working environment, spirit of cooperation and positive reactions to change and conflict resolution;
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, which transcend diverse audiences; and,
• Able to read with a high level of comprehension, produce professional written correspondence, communicate in spoken English in an articulate manner;

Equipment

• Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, radio, and vehicles, etc.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to stand and remain active for an eight-hour shift;
• Must be able to walk large areas of the Zoo as needed;
• Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events; and,
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects.

Benefits

• We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
• Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.