Chief Philanthropy Officer

The mission of the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world.

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

Skills and Competencies

What We Offer :

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

Experience Required

Minimum 5 years in Senior leadership role

Perks

Collaborative culture, great benefits, positive growth

Salary

Commenserate with experience