Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Chief Development Officer (CDO) The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for the planning, implementation, and growth of a comprehensive philanthropic program to support the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). This includes leading efforts to secure funding from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government grantors in alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities, including capital campaigns, programs, endowment, and unrestricted support.

This position is part of a thoughtfully designed leadership transition plan. The selected candidate will initially join DZS in a transitional capacity, working closely alongside the current Chief Development Officer to ensure a smooth and effective handoff. Following this transition period, the individual will formally assume the role of Chief Development Officer and will be fully responsible for leading the DZS’s fundraising strategy and development department.

The Chief Development Officer will manage a portfolio of the organization’s most significant donors and will collaborate with Board members in advancing their philanthropic support. In addition, they will oversee and coordinate efforts among development staff engaged in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors, sponsors, and grantors.

The Chief Development Officer will represent and support the mission and values of the Detroit Zoological Society, both publicly and internally. They are expected to model the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and alignment with DZS policies and culture.

This job description is by no means all-inclusive and may be subject to change during a performance period due to the needs of the DZS and its leadership. This document will be reviewed on a continual basis and will be modified as needed.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the current Chief Development Officer, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors during a structured transition period, ultimately assuming full responsibility for directing the DZS’s fundraising strategy and leading the development program to ensure long-term growth and sustainability.
• Plan and execute activities to secure philanthropic commitments to support the Detroit Zoological Society’s strategic plan, high-priority initiatives and ongoing operations
• Demonstrate passion, enthusiasm and integrity while representing and advocating for the DZS mission, vision and purpose with donors and prospects and while in the community
• Engage, cultivate and solicit prospects and donors through meetings, tours and experiences; arrange opportunities for donors and prospects to meet with other DZS representatives (including Board members, the CEO and other leaders) in order to advance relationships and solicitations
• Meet established benchmarks in prospect management, face-to-face meetings, solicitations, stewardship actions, and in gifts secured
• Ensure the coordination of all fundraising efforts and donor communications among the development staff and other departments
• Ensure that communications and materials prepared by team members are of the highest quality and consistent with DZS voice and branding
• Exercise sound judgement in the use of DZS resources to achieve goals and appropriately manage expenses
• Maintain the integrity of the DZS donor database by ensuring the complete and accurate recording of donor information, contacts, pledges, and gifts.
• Participate in DZS activities and events as required.
• All other responsibilities and tasks assigned by the DZS CEO/Executive Director.

Qualifications

The Chief Development Officer must be an experienced fundraising professional with a proven record as a strategic and capable leader. The position requires broad knowledge in development including capital campaigns, annual giving, individual philanthropy, corporate and foundation relations (including sponsorship and grants) planned giving, prospect research and development operations.
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Philanthropic Studies, Communications or a related field
• Minimum of fifteen years’ fundraising experience including at least five years in a senior leadership role
• Demonstrated record of accomplishment in fundraising strategy, leadership and program execution

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to think strategically while executing tactically in order to meet growing funding needs.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to represent DZS publicly, passionately and accurately to potential donors in person and through written communications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse constituencies and engage high level volunteers and individual donors.
• Experience and ability to work with a volunteer Board of Directors.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; detail-oriented; good decision-making and problem-solving skills; excellent listening skills.
• Familiarity with development key performance indicators and an ability to meet them personally and to hold others accountable.
• Initiative and independence in carrying out responsibilities, with the ability to thrive in a mission-driven environment with strong culture and values.
• Aptitude for the management and effective use of information systems and technology in support of a robust program.
• Computer proficiency in Word and other Office products, as well as a complex donor database and prospect management system.

Preferred

• Masters’ Degree in Philanthropic Studies, Communications or a related field
• Twenty years’ fundraising experience including at least ten years in a senior leadership role
• Experience in fundraising with a zoo, museum or cultural or educational institution.
• Fundraising experience in metropolitan Detroit.
• Professional writing experience in fund development.
• Advanced expertise in using the Donor Perfect database or other advancement software.
• Passionate commitment to the DZS mission, vision, and strategic growth goals.

Working Conditions

The regular work schedule requires flexibility, which could include weekend and evening responsibilities. The work environment is generally comfortable, and much work is inside in an office environment, but may require work outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for special events, tours, and openings. The position may require occasional travel to other locations and will be exposed to computer monitors, as well as the output from heating and cooling systems and fluorescent lighting.

Physical Requirements

This position may require the individual to sit for long periods and perform physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping and standing for an extended period. This role must also be able to use the telephone and computer and must be able to lift and move 20 pounds. The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.