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Chief Executive OfficerAbout San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) is a world-renowned nonprofit conservation organization committed to saving species worldwide and inspiring a passion for nature. The Alliance operates two of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which together attract nearly 5 million guests annually. With a workforce of 3,000 team members and 2,000 volunteers, the Alliance is among the largest and most influential conservation organizations of its kind around the globe.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s annual operating budget exceeds $440 million, and the organization manages a global portfolio of conservation projects across 6 continents, supported by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, veterinarians, and conservationists. Its campuses are home to more than 15,000 rare and endangered animals representing 700 species, and over 2 million plants across its immersive ecosystems.
As a recognized global leader in wildlife care, conservation science, and immersive guest experiences, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance collaborates with a network of over 200 partners and plays a leading role in initiatives ranging from species recovery to public education. With a legacy dating back more than a century, the organization continues to shape the future of conservation through innovation, science, and inspiration.
Additional Information
San Diego Zoo (Balboa Park, San Diego): Spanning 100 acres, the zoo is home to 12,000 rare and endangered animals from over 680 species and includes an accredited botanical collection of more than 700,000 exotic plants.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Escondido, CA): Covering 1,800 acres, the park cares for over 3,000 animals from 340 species and a botanical collection with over 3,500 species and 1.3 million individual plants.
The Frozen Zoo: With over 11,500 cell lines from more than 1,300 species (including some extinct), this invaluable resource for conservation is the largest and most diverse of its kind in the world.
Key Responsibilities
SDZWA is seeking a seasoned, mission-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will champion global conservation efforts with integrity, humility, and a deep curiosity for wildlife and science. This role requires a strategic, media-savvy executive with the presence and emotional intelligence to inspire trust, lead transformation, and unify diverse stakeholders—from staff and donors to government and community partners. The CEO will model transparent, servant leadership while driving financial sustainability, fundraising growth, and organizational excellence through empowerment, innovation, and collaboration.
Specifically, the CEO will be responsible for the following:
Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a clear, inspiring vision that aligns with SDZWA’s mission. Lead strategic planning, modernize systems, and ensure operational excellence across the Zoo, Safari Park, and global programs.
Executive Management: Oversee all operational, financial, and administrative functions. Foster a high-performing, values-driven culture rooted in trust, transparency, and empowerment. Prioritize initiatives based on impact and sustainability.
External Engagement & Partnerships: Serve as SDZWA’s public face, building relationships with donors, civic leaders, government, and global conservation partners. Strengthen SDZWA’s voice in national and international conservation efforts while remaining deeply engaged in the San Diego community.
Philanthropy & Revenue Growth: Lead major fundraising efforts and revenue strategies, including donor cultivation, grants, sponsorships, and partnerships. Rebuild and expand the philanthropic base with a focus on long-term sustainability.
Board Relations: Partner closely with the Board of Trustees through open communication and strategic counsel. Support board development and engagement to expand SDZWA’s reach and impact.
Guest Experience & Brand Stewardship: Ensure exceptional, inclusive guest experiences. Uphold SDZWA’s reputation for excellence in animal care, education, and conservation. Balance its dual identity as a global conservation leader and premier public attraction.
Professional Experience / Qualifications
The Chief Executive will have the following qualifications:
15+ years of senior executive experience in mission-driven, guest-focused organizations; ideally with oversight of complex, multi-site operations such as zoos, aquariums, museums, theme parks, or conservation institutions.
Deep commitment to wildlife, biodiversity, and global conservation, with the ability to inspire others around this mission.
Proven ability to set strategic direction, align diverse teams, and deliver measurable outcomes across programs and operations.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, including cultivating and stewarding major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
Experience expanding organizational reach through partnerships, advocacy, and thought leadership on national or global
platforms.
Skilled communicator and compelling public presence; confident in media, donor, and stakeholder engagements.
Strong financial and business acumen, including oversight of large-scale budgets, capital campaigns, and operational
systems.
Experience modernizing infrastructure and improving systems for transparency, accountability, and agility.
Track record of leading through complexity and change with resilience, clarity, and the ability to unify and motivate teams.
Proven ability to assess, develop, and lead high-performing executive teams.
Skilled in fostering inclusive, purpose-driven cultures rooted in trust, transparency, and empowerment.
Experience working closely with or reporting to a Board of Trustees; able to build strong, collaborative governance
relationships.
Preferred Qualifications (not required)
Familiarity with or ties to the San Diego region preferred; ability to build strong relationships with local civic, philanthropic, and business leaders.
Comfortable serving as both a local community leader and a global ambassador for SDZWA’s mission.
How to ApplyPlease apply via email to sdzwa@kornferry.com
#J-18808-Ljbffr Read LessJob Details Job Location: Main Location - San Francisco, CA Salary Range: $168809.00 - $193485.00 Salary/year Description
Deputy Director of Development
Development Department
Frontline Fundraising
Work Status:
Full Time
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Location of Job:
Davies Symphony Hall
San Francisco, CA
Salary:
$168,809 - $193,485
Schedule:
Hybrid
Regular Hours:
9 am-5 pm; intermittent evenings and weekends
Reports To:
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Supervisory:
Yes, leads a team of 9 with 4 direct reports
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE
The San Francisco Symphony is among the most adventurous and innovative arts institutions in the United States, celebrated for its artistic excellence, creative performance concepts, award-winning recordings, and standard-setting education and community engagement programs. Since it was established in 1911, the Symphony has a grown in acclaim under a succession of distinguished music directors: Henry Hadley, Alfred Hertz, Basil Cameron, Issay Dobrowen, Pierre Monteux, Enrique Jordá, Josef Krips, Seiji Ozawa, Edo de Waart, Herbert Blomstedt, and Michael Tilson Thomas. Now led by the visionary conductor and composer Esa-Pekka Salonen, who completes his tenure as the Symphony’s 12th Music Director at the end of the 2024–25 season, the San Francisco Symphony is redefining the orchestral landscape for the modern era.
The San Francisco Symphony presents more than 200 concerts and presentations annually for an audience of nearly 350,000 in its home of Davies Symphony Hall. A cornerstone of the organization’s mission, the San Francisco Symphony provides some of the most extensive education and community programs offered by any American orchestra. The Symphony's free music education experiences engage students in grades 1–12 throughout the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), serving more than 25,000 students annually.
In 2001, the Symphony became the first American orchestra to launch its own in-house record label SFS Media. Recorded live in concert and engineered at Davies Symphony Hall, SFS Media recordings showcase music by American composers as well as core classical masterworks. San Francisco Symphony radio broadcasts, the first in the nation to feature symphonic music when they began in 1926, today carry the Symphony’s concerts across the country. In 2004, the Symphony launched the groundbreaking multimedia Keeping Score series on PBS-TV and the web; the series was made available for unlimited free streaming on the Symphony’s YouTube channel in 2020. In 2014, the San Francisco Symphony inaugurated SoundBox, an experimental and eclectic live music series, which takes place in an alternative performance space located backstage at Davies Symphony Hall. For its adventurous programming, the Symphony has been honored 19 times by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, and the Symphony’s recordings have garnered France’s Grand Prix du Disque and Britain’s Gramophone Award, as well as 17 Grammy Awards.
JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Deputy Director of Development (DDD) is a key strategic leader and is the second most senior position on the Symphony’s Development Team. The DDD is responsible for strategy and contributed funding from individuals, foundations, and government supporters and overall growth of private philanthropy. The DDD works regularly with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Board leadership, fundraising volunteers, and supports the Development Committee of the Board. The DDD is a critical frontline fundraiser. managing a portfolio of 45–50 Major Gift and Planned Giving prospects totaling a minimum of $3 to $5 million annually for the Annual Fund. The DDD will also lead a team of nine development professionals, with four direct reports including a Senior Giving Officer, Maestro’s Circle; a Senior Major Gift Officer; a Senior Giving Officer, New Philanthropy; and a Senior Giving Officer, Foundation & Government. The ability to travel as needed to represent the Symphony around the Bay Area and northern California, and to be present at evening and weekend concert and events, is required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
Develop and lead strategy for annual giving, special fundraising initiatives, new philanthropy initiatives, and lead a team of gift officers with portfolios with capacity of more than $1 million each.Serve as a key strategic thought partner and leader for Chief Philanthropy Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Board of Governors, and volunteer leadership to ensure proper planning, management, and execution of the Symphony’s fundraising efforts.Participate as a member of the Development Leadership Team, contributing to other Development areas and overall division planning.Manage a donor portfolio of 45–50 households through all stages of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship totaling $3 million to $5 millionCollaborate and provide fundraising counsel to senior leadership to identify cultivate and recruit prospective board members.Embrace other strategic leadership responsibilities as needed.Board and Donor Engagement
Collaborate and provide fundraising counsel to the Board of Governors to identify cultivate and recruit prospective board members.Attend and present at Board and committee meetings including Development, Gift Planning, Committee on Governors, etc. as needed.Create strategies with the Advancement Committee that build meaningful paths for the Bay Area’s diverse community to engage in supporting the Symphony as donors, partners, advisors, and community ambassadors.Advise board members, both individually and collectively, on best practices in community ambassadorship and donor cultivation.Embrace other board and donor engagement responsibilities as needed.Team and Organizational Oversight
Provide leadership and guidance for gift officers to maximize productivity, increase contribution levels, and establish performance metrics to track and evaluate regularly against annual goals.Ensure gift officer portfolios are robust and managed through best practice to achieve ambitious revenue goals.Oversee discovery efforts for new donors at all levels of giving through a variety of channels including but not limited to direct mail, telefunding and personal solicitation.Maintain a broad knowledge of tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets, and estates.Create a supportive, collaborative, productive, and healthy work environment based on respect and teamwork.Embrace other team and organizational oversight responsibilities as needed.QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A minimum of seven to 10 years of proven organizational, supervisory, and fundraising leadership experience is essential. Relative experience outside the nonprofit environment working with high-net worth individuals will be considered.A successful record of conceptualizing and executing fundraising plans across donor categories (individual giving, foundation and government support) is required.Proven success in cultivating, stewarding, and soliciting prospects at the $100,000+ level is required.Ability to successfully manage a team in a sophisticated, fast paced, and complex fundraising environment is essential.The ability to lead and mentor an experienced team is essential.Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities, and meet deadlines in a high-volume, fast-paced environment is needed.Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, especially regarding the Symphony and its mission, vision, and values are essential. Ability to professionally and diplomatically communicate and interact with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.Familiarity with and/or passion for orchestral music is a plus, and experience working in the arts is highly desired.Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor database software is needed; Tessitura experience is preferred.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversee department of nine full-time staff.
Direct supervision of:
Senior Major Gift OfficerSenior Giving Officer, Maestro's CircleSenior Giving Officer, New PhilanthropySenior Giving Officer, Foundation & Government #J-18808-Ljbffr Read LessPosition: Director of Development & Partnerships
Starting Salary: $125,000 - $130,000 (exempt, salaried position) plus benefits
Position Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000
Reports To: President & CEO
Location: In-person at DSFP offices in downtown San Francisco, California
Deadline: July 9, 2025
To be considered for this position, you must send a resume, brief cover letter, and relevant worksamples to Robbie Silver, President & CEO at careers@downtownsf.org with “Development” in thesubject line. Resumes without a cover letter and work samples will not be considered.
Who We ARE
The Downtown SF Partnership (DSFP) is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providingsupplemental and enhanced cleaning and safety services, marketing and events, public realmimprovements, and economic development to support a clean, safe, vibrant, and memorable downtownSan Francisco. Founded in 2020, DSFP services 43-blocks of San Francisco’s traditional FinancialDistrict and the Jackson Square through property assessments ($4.8M/year), supplemented by grantsand sponsorships ($1-2M).
DSFP’s a leading voice in reimagining downtown San Francisco as mixed-use urban environmentcomprised of office, entertainment, arts and culture, and hospitality uses, with emerging AI technologyand venture capital firms moving into the district. Downtown San Francisco is an economic powerhousefor the city, State, and country. It is small in geographic size accounting for approximately 4% of SanFrancisco’s total land area but generating up to 70% of the city’s GDP.
What We’re Seeking
As the Director of Development & Partnerships, you’ll join an award-winning organization leadingtransformative, high-profile initiatives to revitalize downtown San Francisco. Reporting to the CEO, you’llplay a key leadership role in shaping the future of the city’s economic and civic core by buildingmeaningful partnerships with corporate sponsors, philanthropic institutions, and civic leaders.We’re looking for a strategic, relationship-driven professional with proven fundraising experience, acollaborative mindset, and a passion for urban regeneration. You thrive in dynamic environments, arecomfortable managing complex initiatives, and bring an entrepreneurial approach to building a culture ofinvestment in downtown’s recovery.
This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside a high-performing team of professionals across planning,public realm activation, communications, and economic development — all committed to advancing theresurgence of San Francisco’s downtown.
How You Will Spend Your Time
The Director of Development & Partnerships will lead three major workstreams:
1. As Lead, sponsorship sales of signature events, beginning with Let’s Glow SF.
2. As Support, project management of a capital campaign for a transformational public parkrevitalization.
3. Cultivate individual donors and philanthropic foundations to support placemaking and activation.
Strategic Leadership & Public Engagement (25%)
- Develop and execute a yearly individual giving, philanthropic foundation engagement, andcorporate sponsor strategy and plan.
- Serve as a key thought partner to the President & CEO and Board in setting fundraising andpartnership priorities.
- Track and report on fundraising performance, pipeline activity, and prospect engagement usingCRM and donor management tools.
- Represent DSFP in high-profile civic settings including donor briefings, public meetings, andcorporate presentations.
- Provide fundraising counsel and on-going training for board members and lead developmentcommittee/working groups.
- Lead fundraising and sponsorship messaging with the organization’s broader economicdevelopment and placemaking mission and amplify impact.
- Identify new revenue streams and support mission-aligned earned income opportunities.
Sponsorship Sales & Grants (50%)
- Build and execute a sponsorship strategy for signature events such as Let’s Glow SF, FrontStreet Entertainment Zone and other signature events that activate downtown.
- Identify, pitch, and secure new corporate sponsors while maintaining long-term relationships withexisting partners.
- Identify, pitch, and secure philanthropic foundations and individual givers to support DSFP’simplementation of the Public Realm Action Plan.
- Submit grant proposals and create compelling pitch decks with benefit packages.
- Oversee the full lifecycle of sponsor deliverables including brand visibility, on-site activations,hospitality, and post-event reporting.
- Work closely with events, marketing, and leadership teams to ensure consistent sponsorrepresentation and experience
Capital Campaign Project Support (25%)
- Collaborate with the CEO and outside fundraising consultant to provide support for day-to-daymanagement for a multi-million capital campaign to revitalize a signature public park in thedowntown core – Embarcadero Park.
- Manage campaign timelines, work plans, prospect pipelines, and fundraising materials.
- Coordinate donor cultivation efforts, campaign committee meetings, and strategiccommunications.
- Partner with executive leadership on solicitation strategy and major gifts.
- Ensure strong coordination with the project team, such as city agencies, landscape architects,campaign counsel, and internal teams.
- Track milestones across capital planning, fundraising, permitting, and community engagement.
Requirements/Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree
- 6+ years of experience in nonprofit development, capital campaign management, or sponsorshipfundraising.
- Demonstrated success managing multi-million-dollar fundraising efforts or securing six-figurecorporate partnerships.
- Familiarity of San Francisco-based philanthropic, corporate, and civic giving landscapes.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and confidence engaging with C-suite executives, major donors,public officials, and community stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills across written proposals, decks, and in-personpresentations.
- Deep organizational and project management skills, with the ability to navigate complexstakeholder environments and competing priorities.
- Comfortable operating as a department of one (with administrative support and strategic guidance)with a can-do spirit and the ability to see projects through from strategy to day-to-day execution andproduction tasks.
- Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.
Position Specifications, Compensation & Benefits
Starting Salary: $125,000 – 130,000 (exempt, salaried position) plus benefits
Position Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000
- Comprehensive employer paid healthcare, dental and vision plan
- Bonus structure
- 3-weeks PTO, 14 paid holidays, additional PTO week between Christmas and New Year’s
- Monthly commuter benefit
- 401k plan with a 3% employer match
- Life insurance policy.
- Professional opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, and community networking events.
Hours & Work Environment
Work hours are typically 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday in-person. Enthusiasm andwillingness to represent DSFP during evening and weekend functions are required. work environment ishighly-collaborative, fast-paced, evolving, and dynamic, offering exposure to impactful projects anddecision-makers shaping downtown San Francisco.
#J-18808-Ljbffr Read LessAZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings.How to post a job
Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center .
Chief Executive Officer
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) is a world-renowned nonprofit conservation organization committed to saving species worldwide and inspiring a passion for nature. The Alliance operates two of the world's most iconic wildlife destinations : the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which together attract nearly 5 million guests annually. With a workforce of 3,000 team members and 2,000 volunteers, the Alliance is among the largest and most influential conservation organizations of its kind around the globe.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's annual operating budget exceeds $440 million, and the organization manages a global portfolio of conservation projects across 6 continents, supported by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, veterinarians, and conservationists. Its campuses are home to more than 15,000 rare and endangered animals representing 700 species, and over 2 million plants across its immersive ecosystems.
As a recognized global leader in wildlife care, conservation science, and immersive guest experiences, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance collaborates with a network of over 200 partners and plays a leading role in initiatives ranging from species recovery to public education. With a legacy dating back more than a century, the organization continues to shape the future of conservation through innovation, science, and inspiration.
Additional Information
San Diego Zoo (Balboa Park, San Diego) : Spanning 100 acres, the zoo is home to 12,000 rare and endangered animals from over 680 species and includes an accredited botanical collection of more than 700,000 exotic plants.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Escondido, CA) : Covering 1,800 acres, the park cares for over 3,000 animals from 340 species and a botanical collection with over 3,500 species and 1.3 million individual plants.
The Frozen Zoo : With over 11,500 cell lines from more than 1,300 species (including some extinct), this invaluable resource for conservation is the largest and most diverse of its kind in the world.
Key Responsibilities
SDZWA is seeking a seasoned, mission-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will champion global conservation efforts with integrity, humility, and a deep curiosity for wildlife and science. This role requires a strategic, media-savvy executive with the presence and emotional intelligence to inspire trust, lead transformation, and unify diverse stakeholders—from staff and donors to government and community partners. The CEO will model transparent, servant leadership while driving financial sustainability, fundraising growth, and organizational excellence through empowerment, innovation, and collaboration.
Specifically, the CEO will be responsible for the following :
Strategic Leadership : Develop and execute a clear, inspiring vision that aligns with SDZWA's mission. Lead strategic planning, modernize systems, and ensure operational excellence across the Zoo, Safari Park, and global programs.
Executive Management
Oversee all operational, financial, and administrative functions. Foster a high-performing, values-driven culture rooted in trust, transparency, and empowerment. Prioritize initiatives based on impact and sustainability.
External Engagement & Partnerships
Serve as SDZWA's public face, building relationships with donors, civic leaders, government, and global conservation partners. Strengthen SDZWA's voice in national and international conservation efforts while remaining deeply engaged in the San Diego community.
Lead major fundraising efforts and revenue strategies, including donor cultivation, grants, sponsorships, and partnerships. Rebuild and expand the philanthropic base with a focus on long-term sustainability.
Board Relations
Partner closely with the Board of Trustees through open communication and strategic counsel. Support board development and engagement to expand SDZWA's reach and impact.
Guest Experience & Brand Stewardship : Ensure exceptional, inclusive guest experiences. Uphold SDZWA's reputation for excellence in animal care, education, and conservation. Balance its dual identity as a global conservation leader and premier public attraction.
Professional Experience / Qualifications
The Chief Executive will have the following qualifications :
15+ years of senior executive experience in mission-driven, guest-focused organizations; ideally with oversight of complex, multi-site operations such as zoos, aquariums, museums, theme parks, or conservation institutions.
Deep commitment to wildlife, biodiversity, and global conservation, with the ability to inspire others around this mission.
Proven ability to set strategic direction, align diverse teams, and deliver measurable outcomes across programs and operations.
Demonstrated success in fundraising, including cultivating and stewarding major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
Experience expanding organizational reach through partnerships, advocacy, and thought leadership on national or global
platforms.
Skilled communicator and compelling public presence; confident in media, donor, and stakeholder engagements.
Strong financial and business acumen, including oversight of large-scale budgets, capital campaigns, and operational
systems.
Experience modernizing infrastructure and improving systems for transparency, accountability, and agility.
Track record of leading through complexity and change with resilience, clarity, and the ability to unify and motivate teams.
Proven ability to assess, develop, and lead high-performing executive teams.
Skilled in fostering inclusive, purpose-driven cultures rooted in trust, transparency, and empowerment.
Experience working closely with or reporting to a Board of Trustees; able to build strong, collaborative governance
relationships.
Preferred Qualifications (not required)
Familiarity with or ties to the San Diego region preferred; ability to build strong relationships with local civic, philanthropic, and business leaders.
Comfortable serving as both a local community leader and a global ambassador for SDZWA's mission.
How to Apply
Please apply via email to sdzwa@kornferry.com
J-18808-Ljbffr
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