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 Miamis mission-driven initiatives and enhancements to encourage an appreciation for our worlds wildlife and to conserve it for future generations. ZMFs 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, including 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 ZMFs signature annual event that features many of South Floridas 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.
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 Jos 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 ZMFs 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. 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 organizations strategic advancement efforts. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the CAO will collaborate with executive leadership and key departmentssuch as Learning Experiences, Membership, and Marketingto 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:
Zoo Miami Foundation has retained the DSG Fundraising & Advancement Practice of the Diversified Search Group to assist in this confidential search process. Inquiries, nominations, and applications (current resumes and cover letters) may be submitted via the following link or directed to the leader of the search team:
Gerard F. Cattie, Jr.
Global Managing Partner and Practice Founder, DSG Fundraising & Advancement
Diversified Search Group
The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, New York 10174
gcattie@divsearch.com | 212.542.2587
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.
Mar 7, 2025
Zoo Miami Foundation
On Site
Miami, FL
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