Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.
DZCA honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect, and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, Curious, United, Courageous, and Transformative in all that we do.
The Director of Foundations & Major Gifts is an integral member of the Philanthropy team, leading institutional giving efforts in securing support from foundations, corporations, government agencies, and major donors. This role manages a portfolio of funding partners, develops compelling grant proposals, cultivates philanthropic relationships, and collaborates across the organization to build sustainable funding pipelines and increase investment in DZCA's work.
Our team is made up of passionate and diverse professionals dedicated to providing excellent care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests. If you're excited to contribute your skills in a collaborative and innovative environment, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is the place for you!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Institutional Giving & Grant Strategy
- Lead DZCA's institutional giving program, securing support from private, corporate, and government funders.
- Develop and submit grant proposals, funding requests, and reports aligned with organizational priorities.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Identify and evaluate new funding opportunities and maintain a robust institutional giving pipeline.
Grant Management & Reporting
- Oversee the full grant lifecycle, including proposal development, compliance, reporting, renewals, and stewardship.
- Partner with internal teams to develop budgets, outcomes, and accurate reporting for funded programs.
- Maintain grant records, deadlines, and performance metrics to ensure achievement of annual revenue goals.
Major Gifts Fundraising
- Manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, executing strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic investments.
- Develop donor-centered proposals and engagement opportunities that advance giving and long-term relationships.
- Collaborate with organizational leadership, Trustees, and volunteers to strengthen donor engagement and fundraising outcomes.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Serve as a strategic fundraising partner, providing recommendations on funding opportunities, trends, and revenue strategies.
- Partner across departments to align philanthropic funding with DZCA priorities and mission impact.
Other Responsibilities and Duties
- Other assistance, as designated by manager, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DZCA retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
- Acts as a good steward of the DZCA's resources.
- This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations.
- The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications
- 4-year degree in a related field preferred.
- Requires a minimum of five years of progressive experience in grant writing, grants management, institutional giving, and/or major gifts, with at least three years of experience leading a grants or institutional giving program within a complex nonprofit or equivalent organization strongly preferred. An equivalent combination of professional experience, lived experience, education, and/or specialized skills will also be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Tessitura or an equivalent constituent relationship management (CRM) system is required.
- Requires exceptional organizational, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to effectively prioritize multiple responsibilities.
- Must demonstrate adaptability and sound judgment while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be equally effective working independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Requires strong relationship-building, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and diplomacy.
- Must be an effective communicator and strategic collaborator who is comfortable working with a broad cross-section of internal and external stakeholders, including donors, Trustees, organizational leadership, colleagues, and community partners.
- Must demonstrate the ability to develop and advance philanthropic strategies, build consensus, navigate direct and matrixed relationships, and drive initiatives toward established fundraising and organizational goals.
Position Conditions
- Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
Compensation
Range for this position is $95,634.00 to $119,542.00 (annually).
A Truly Wild Workplace with Competitive Benefits
Join our team and enjoy a wide variety of great benefits, including:
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 403(b) Retirement Account with employer match
- Generous paid time off: vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays
- A Family DZCA Membership with discounted tickets to special events
- Concession and retail discounts, plus free parking
- And so much more!
Application Process and Timelines
Application Deadline: October 12, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately. DZCA reserves the right to close the position before this date.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.
