At Palm Beach Zoo we are committed to saving wildlife in wild places. Our mission is to help create connections between our guests and animals, inspiring awe and action on behalf of wildlife. Every employee at Palm Beach Zoo contributes to our wildlife-saving mission. We work with local conservation partners in Florida as well as assist with international programs in Africa and Central America. Palm Beach Zoo is also proud to have our own coral conservation dive team. Our programs extend well beyond our lush, 23-acre property. We believe that anyone can be a wildlife hero.
- We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Vice President of Philanthropy to lead our fundraising and donor engagement efforts.
- This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing our philanthropic strategy, fostering relationships with donors, and driving sustainable growth to support our mission.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, grant opportunities and fundraising events.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
- Lead and mentor a great team of development professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
- Collaborate with the Zoo’s leadership team to align fundraising goals with organizational priorities.
- Oversee donor recognition programs and ensure effective stewardship of contributions.
- Monitor fundraising metrics and provide regular reports to the board and leadership team.
Qualifications:
- Proven track record of success in fundraising and philanthropy, with at least five years of experience in a leadership role.
- 4-year college degree relevant to the position
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience managing and motivating teams to achieve ambitious goals.
- Knowledge of fundraising best practices, trends, and legal requirements.
- Passion for conservation and a commitment to making a difference.
Physical Requirements
- This position is onsite at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society.
- Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.
- Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, and climb stairs. Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.
- This may involve some lifting, carrying, moving, pushing, and/or pulling of objects/materials of light weight (15-20 pounds).
- Must be able to work a schedule which includes extended hours as necessary to meet deadlines and participation in occasional special events during evenings and weekends.
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!
- The position will be open until filled. We will contact qualified candidates whom we have chosen to move forward in the interview process.
- 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.
- Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access (IDEA) Commitment
- Our Mission is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world.
- We recognize the importance to our mission of including all people across all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, mental/physical abilities, and sexual orientations.
- Just as we value biodiversity, we recognize and appreciate the value of human diversity as being integral to our ability to connect with our visitors and the communities we serve.
Experience Required
- 5 years leadership and philanthropy experience
Perks
- Great benefits, collaborative culture of conservation and positive growth
Salary
- Commensurate with experience
