Chief Philanthropy Officer

Palm Beach Zoo has been saving wildlife in wild places for more than 50 years. It is searching for a Chief Philanthropy Officer to lead it toward a higher and sustainable level of fundraising. Located in beautiful West Palm Beach, Florida, Palm Beach Zoo is a must-visit experience that brings together a commitment to conservation with a wide range of animals living in their natural environments.

• If you are a talented, dynamic fundraising leader with a passionate commitment to wildlife conservation and welcome the idea of spending your day face-to-face with tigers, bears, and an adorable capybara named Zeus, all while working closely with the dynamic Palm Beach philanthropic community, then this might be the perfect opportunity for you.
• The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) at Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing its mission: to make it irresistible to take action to save wildlife and wild places.
• As the Zoo works to create immersive, awe-inspiring experiences for guests, staff, and animals, this position is critical to building the financial support needed to realize the vision.
• Surrounded by nature and wildlife, the Zoo is embarking on a transformational journey — reimagining environments, programs, and outreach. To make this possible, the Zoo is seeking a dynamic and experienced philanthropy professional to lead its development efforts and partner with the engaged and collaborative leadership team.
• The CPO will oversee all aspects of fundraising strategy and execution, including major gifts, capital campaigns, sponsorships, grants, planned giving, the annual fund, and fundraising events. This individual will manage a talented Development Team and report directly to the President and CEO, working closely with the Leadership Team and Board of Directors to expand its donor base and elevate philanthropic support across the organization.
• The successful candidate will be a relationship-driven, mission-aligned leader with a strong background in donor engagement and revenue generation.
• This role is both strategic and hands-on, focused on building lasting connections that fuel its conservation impact.

Essential Position Functions

• Works as part of an integrated Development Team to establish overall goals and strategies for increasing private and public support for the Zoo.
• Collaborates with the President and CEO and Board of Directors to create a fund development plan generating the needed revenue to support the strategic direction and mission of the Zoo.
• Coordinates the corporate sponsorship strategy by helping the Board and President and CEO identify and successfully solicit prospects, as well as steward and manage the current corporate portfolio.
• Works with the CFO to reconcile financials monthly and prepares regular reports on progress, budgets, revenues, and expenditures related to development initiatives.
• Reports regularly to the Leadership Team and Board on fundraising activities.
• Contributes to the effective management of all Development department activities, relevant problems, issues, and opportunities.
• Facilitates development and management of new generation donor groups to cultivate new supporters for the sole purpose sharing our mission and raising funds.
• Has and can articulate a passion for the mission that helps to facilitate powerful personal connections throughout the community.
• Must be able to work a schedule that includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Education Requirements and Technical Skills
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution.
• Minimum of five years of proven success in managing and growing a donor portfolio within a nonprofit environment.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment and demonstrate passion for our mission. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact positively with all levels of the organization, Board, community and business leaders.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience with developing and maintaining productive working relationships with Board members, donors, and other sponsors.
• Experience managing and directing a multi-year capital campaign.
• Demonstrated success in leading and executing multi-year capital campaigns.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and a commitment to the mission of Palm Beach Zoo.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and foster relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and multitasking abilities.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with a talent for storytelling and inspiring action.
• Skills and Competencies  
• Fundraising Expertise – Demonstrates deep knowledge of philanthropic best practices; ability to inform and advise leadership and staff.
• Communication – Engages audiences effectively through presentations, proposals, and donor communications.
• Integrity and Trust – Demonstrates ethical behavior and maintains confidentiality with donors and stakeholders.
• Diversity and Inclusion – Champions an inclusive culture and actively promotes equitable practices and representation in all aspects of work.
• Strategic Thinking – Develops and executes fundraising strategies with long-term vision and adaptability.
• Team Leadership – Builds effective teams through collaboration, support, and shared goals.
• Customer Focus – Delivers exceptional service to donors, guests, and partners through responsiveness and empathy.

What We Offer:

• A competitive salary, commensurate with your skills and experience
• An EXCELLENT benefits package (current year/plan), which includes: 
• 100% paid employee level coverage for designated medical & dental plan
• 100% paid coverage for 100K of life insurance
• 100% paid short-term disability
• 100% paid long-term disability
• 401K – Employer contributes 3% of your salary
• Optional vision, accident and critical illness coverages available through pre-tax payroll deductions
• Generous paid time off policy, Zoo Membership and FREE admission to other Florida Attractions!
• Palm Beach Zoo is an equal opportunity and drug free employer and makes all employment decisions, including those related to recruitment, hiring, training and promotion without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. 
• Palm Beach Zoo has partnered with Lindauer, a global search and talent firm, to conduct this search.
• To apply, please submit your resume on the Lindauer website.
• Please contact the Lindauer team leading this search if you have questions or would like to make a nomination or a referral:
• Terri Rutter, Assistant Vice President
• Lindauer

Experience Required

• Minimum 5 years in Senior leadership role

Perks

• Collaborative culture, great benefits, positive growth

Salary

• Commenserate with experience