Senior Director of Development

Frankfurt Zoological Society – U.S. (FZS-US) is a Washington DC-based conservation nonprofit, founded in 2007 by American champions of the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS). FZS-US’s mission is to safeguard the world’s most ecologically vital and awe-inspiring landscapes, where wildlife and people depend on conserving nature.

Working hand-in-hand with the global FZS network, national conservation authorities, and local and Indigenous communities, FZS-US helps protect biodiversity where it matters most. Our partner organization, Frankfurt Zoological Society, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, was founded in 1858 and is among the world’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations. Today, FZS operates long-term, on-the-ground conservation programs in 19 countries across four continents, protecting iconic landscapes, such as Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Manu National Park in Peru, that are critical to wildlife, climate resilience, and human livelihoods.

Recognizing the urgency of accelerating climate change and unprecedented biodiversity loss, FZS has made an ambitious commitment: to double its global conservation impact within the next decade. To help lead this pivotal moment, FZS-US is creating a new leadership role: Senior Director of Development. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Senior Director of Development will play a defining role in shaping and executing a bold fundraising strategy to fuel FZS’s expanded global impact. 

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished, entrepreneurial development leader. The ideal candidate will bring strategic fundraising expertise, a collaborative spirit, and a deep passion for protecting nature.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic philanthropy plan to meet annual and long‑term revenue goals
• Coordinate closely with FZS staff on fundraising strategy, donor prospecting, and relationship management
• Build and strengthen relationships with current and prospective high‑net‑worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners
• Personally manage a portfolio of high‑value donors and prospects, ensuring meaningful engagement and solicitation
• Enable senior leadership to effectively engage donors through briefing materials, scheduling of key opportunities, and volunteer training
• Oversee the creation of compelling proposals, case statements, messaging, and fundraising materials highlighting FZS’s impact
• Plan and execute donor recognition programs and fundraising events that deepen relationships and accelerate impact
• Set and manage clear revenue goals and tactics across individuals, foundations, and corporate giving
• Ensure accurate donor data management, reporting, pipeline tracking, and forecasting
• Represent FZS‑US and FZS at donor meetings, conferences, and external events
• Lead, mentor, and grow a small but high‑performing Development team

Required Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in philanthropy, fundraising, or development, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Demonstrated success in securing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and revenue management
• Proven leadership skills and ability to inspire and manage staff, volunteers, and contractors
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and strategic planning skills
• Deep understanding of fundraising best practices, donor motivations, philanthropic trends, and market dynamics
• Strong experience using donor data management systems, pipeline tracking, and revenue forecasting tools
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop innovative, scalable fundraising solutions
• Passion for conservation, wildlife, and wild places

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in organizations with $10M annual fundraising revenue
• Background in wildlife, conservation, environmental, or outdoor nonprofits
• Experience designing and optimizing programs to drive donor engagement, retention, and long‑term revenue growth
• Familiarity with the international philanthropic landscape

Compensation and location

This is a full‑time, hybrid position, based either in Washington, DC or New York City.

Base salary range: $170,000–$200,000 per year

Benefits include:

• Performance‑based bonus
• Health insurance stipend
• Generous paid time off and sick leave