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 provides strategic leadership for all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate philanthropy, foundation relations, planned giving, donor stewardship, and campaign management. This role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that grow philanthropic support, deepen donor relationships, and strengthen a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization. A primary focus of this position will be the leadership and execution of Zoo Knoxville's transformational capital campaign and other major fundraising initiatives.

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 philanthropic initiatives, developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, leading major fundraising campaigns, building and managing a robust major gifts portfolio, overseeing donor stewardship and recognition programs, partnering with the President & CEO to establish annual and long-term goals, directing foundation and grant fundraising efforts, assisting with corporate philanthropy efforts, overseeing prospect research and advancement operations, establishing measurable fundraising goals, recruiting and leading a high-performing advancement team, representing Zoo Knoxville throughout the community, and staying informed of emerging trends in fundraising and philanthropy.

Qualifications include a bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, public administration, philanthropy, or a related field, with an advanced degree or CFRE certification 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. Strong understanding of donor pipeline development, moves management, prospect research, planned giving, and relationship-based fundraising strategies. Experience partnering with executive leadership, governing boards, campaign cabinets, and volunteer leaders to achieve ambitious fundraising goals. Exceptional relationship-building, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with donors, board members, community leaders, and staff. Proven ability to develop and lead high-performing teams while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Strong strategic planning and analytical skills, including experience utilizing fundraising metrics, CRM systems, and data analytics to guide decision-making. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, complex projects, and confidential donor information with professionalism and discretion. Knowledge of fundraising ethics, donor stewardship best practices, and nonprofit governance. Familiarity with donor database and fundraising platforms such as Tessitura, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or comparable systems. Experience within a zoological institution, museum, aquarium, conservation organization, university, healthcare organization, or other major nonprofit preferred. Knowledge of the East Tennessee philanthropic community and experience building relationships with regional donors, foundations, and corporate leaders preferred. Passion for wildlife conservation, education, community engagement, and the mission of Zoo Knoxville.