Strategic Director, 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

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