Vice President of Development

Vice President of Development

The Vice President of Development serves as Zoo Knoxville's head of philanthropy and is responsible for leading all philanthropic, advancement, and donor engagement strategies that support the zoo's mission, vision, and long-term sustainability. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, this individual partners closely with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, volunteer leadership, and senior staff to secure the financial resources necessary to advance Zoo Knoxville's conservation, education, animal welfare, and community impact initiatives.

The Vice President will work closely with campaign volunteers, board members, community leaders, and key stakeholders to cultivate, solicit, and steward significant philanthropic investments that support the zoo's ambitious growth plans. The successful candidate will be a dynamic relationship builder with a demonstrated track record of securing major gifts and leading high-performing advancement programs. They will serve as a visible ambassador for Zoo Knoxville within the community, fostering meaningful connections with donors, foundations, corporations, and conservation partners while helping position the zoo as one of the region's most impactful nonprofit organizations.

Responsibilities include providing strategic leadership for all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate philanthropy, foundation relations, planned giving, donor stewardship, and campaign management. The Vice President will develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies that grow philanthropic support, deepen donor relationships, and strengthen a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

Qualifications include a bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, public administration, philanthropy, or a related field. Advanced degree or CFRE certification is preferred. Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible fundraising and advancement experience, including leadership of major gifts, annual giving, capital campaigns, foundation relations, and donor stewardship programs. Demonstrated success securing and stewarding six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. Proven experience leading significant fundraising initiatives, including comprehensive campaigns, capital campaigns, endowment campaigns, or other transformational fundraising efforts.

Working conditions include the ability to communicate using a 2-way radio, email, and telephone. The position hours vary depending on business needs and will require weekend and some holiday shifts. Depending on the specific tasks, this position will be required to work within close proximity of exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under those conditions. Zoo Knoxville is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace and as such, each employee must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.