Originally founded in 1956, Zoo Miami Foundation (ZMF) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner organization for Zoo Miami. Backed by loyal donors, visitors, and members, ZMF supports Zoo Miami’s mission-driven initiatives and enhancements to encourage an appreciation for our world’s wildlife and to conserve it for future generations. ZMF’s mission is to inspire people to preserve nature and motivate others to join us through community engagement, fundraising, and building relationships.

Thanks to more than 20,000 member households and community support, ZMF operates robust learning experiences, conservation initiatives, and supports capital projects that bolster guest experiences and animal welfare.

ZMF has created and directed key capital campaigns that have successfully raised many millions of dollars in support of a wide variety of projects ranging from the creation of a new Sea Turtle Hospital to the iconic Florida: Mission Everglades and Amazon and Beyond. Current campaigns that are underway include those for a new state-of-the-art Animal Hospital and an expanded Sumatran Tiger Habitat that will provide a “nose-to-nose” visitor experience.

In support of those campaigns, ZMF holds a variety of special fundraising events. They include an annual “Zoo Run” that hosts thousands of runners to participate in 5K, 10K, and a future half-marathon that runs through the zoo for a one-of-a-kind race experience. In addition, “Feast with the Beasts” is ZMF’s signature annual event that features many of South Florida’s top culinary institutions providing some of their tastiest foods.

ZMF also provides tens of thousands of dollars annually to in-situ conservation efforts around the world through the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment. In addition, it manages several other endowments that support a variety of specific areas within the zoo ranging from the animal hospital to Australian wildlife.

Zoo Miami and the Zoo Miami Foundation recently passed through a period of transition, entering a new era of leadership and renewed collaboration. In this spirit of collaboration, fostered in part by then-newly appointed ZMF President & CEO José Romano, the two organizations engaged in an integrated, strategic planning process to define a shared vision for the future. This acts as the foundation for master planning, business planning, and ultimately a capital campaign.

Zoo Miami and ZMF’s resultant 2023-2028 Strategic Plan: Wild Horizon is providing the basis for evolving ZMF fundraising from a historic focus on membership sales and the major gifts of a small set of key donors to a robust, diversified, major-gifts-focused advancement program. ZMF is bolstered in this effort by a Board of Directors that has similarly evolved to become increasingly more active partners in fundraising, including helping to access a Miami philanthropic landscape that has changed dramatically in recent years. An influx of businesses relocating to South Florida (particularly from the financial services sector) and a growing and sophisticated community of philanthropists are providing many new opportunities for ZMF to significantly expand major gifts initiatives focused on corporate and individual sources, and the strength of the Zoo Miami-ZMF public-private partnership stands as a highly attractive platform for many prospective donors. These key factors are positioning ZMF to significantly increase annual contributed revenue.

Amid this positive backdrop, ZMF is seeking a visionary and results-driven Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead the organization’s strategic advancement efforts. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the CAO will collaborate with executive leadership and key departments—such as Learning Experiences, Membership, and Marketing—to develop and execute comprehensive strategies that drive revenue, increase donor engagement, and expand community involvement. This role is critical to advancing the mission of ZMF and securing its long-term sustainability through innovative fundraising and partnership initiatives.

The CAO supervises a team of seven as well as external development consultants who complement and strategically advise ZMF advancement efforts.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a proven ability to manage high-level fundraising campaigns and establish a culture of philanthropy that supports conservation, education, and community outreach programs.

While ZMF will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate will have the following qualifications/experience:

• Passion for conservation, education, and community engagement, with a genuine commitment to the mission of Zoo Miami Foundation.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or advancement, with at least five years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in leading multi-faceted fundraising strategies, securing major gifts, managing capital campaigns, and developing planned giving programs.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and collaborating with marketing, membership, and conservation, education, programmatic, or community outreach departments to support integrated advancement initiatives.
• Expertise in donor data management and analysis to drive strategic decision-making and optimize fundraising outcomes.
• Understanding of artificial intelligence and its usefulness in identifying fundraising opportunities and enhancing data-driven decision-making in donor management.
• Strong grant writing and corporate sponsorship negotiation skills, with a track record of securing large-scale grants and corporate contributions.
• Exceptional leadership abilities, with a proven track record of inspiring and managing high-performing teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Driver’s license in good standing.

Zoo Miami Foundation embraces diversity and belonging in its mission of fostering community involvement while connecting generations with the wonders of wildlife. Zoo Miami Foundation is inclusive and respectful in its culture and committed to maintaining equity and accessibility in all it does.