Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance - Chief Philanthropy Officer

Job Description

Job Description

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Organizational Overview: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leading nonprofit conservation, education, and animal-care institution dedicated to inspiring communities to save wildlife for future generations. DZCA will mark its 130th anniversary in 2026. In those years, DZCA has played a vital role in the Denver community and beyond, serving as a beloved cultural destination, a trusted conservation partner, and a hub for scientific innovation. Today, DZCA operates at the intersection of public trust and enterprise complexity, serving as a beloved civic institution for the Denver community while stewarding a large, multifaceted conservation and guest-facing operation.

Each year, DZCA welcomes over 1.8 million guests, engaging families, students, members, and visitors from across the Rocky Mountain region. DZCA stewards a campus of more than 2,500 animals representing 450 species, including many rare and endangered animals. Its multidisciplinary staff, comprised of conservationists, educators, animal-care experts, and operational professionals, bring a shared commitment to wildlife protection and community-centered conservation.

Position Summary: Chief Philanthropy Officer

The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) joins Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance at a pivotal and forward-looking moment. Building on the momentum of a recently completed comprehensive campaign and the appointment of President and CEO Cristal Torres DeHerrera, DZCA is poised to elevate its philanthropic efforts and expand its revenue potential. This is a transformational role, with the opportunity to elevate and scale an integrated revenue platform spanning philanthropy, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, naming opportunities, and future capital initiatives. With a strong foundation in place, the organization is well positioned to deepen donor engagement, modernize systems and approaches, secure transformational investments, and support DZCA’s next phase of growth and impact.

Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the CPO will serve as a key strategic partner and an integral member of the senior leadership team. This leader will oversee a development program generating approximately $9–11 million annually and lead a team of 14 professionals across major gifts, annual giving, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, events, and donor engagement.

Location, Compensation and Benefits

This position is based in Denver, Colorado. The salary range for this position is $240,000 to $285,000 , commensurate with experience, and includes a competitive benefits package.