Executive Director and Development Services

Summary of Organization

The Henry Vilas Zoo Foundation exists to inspire philanthropy and secure private support for County-approved capital projects undertaken by the Henry Vilas Zoo. Working in partnership with Zoo leadership, Dane County, donors, volunteers, and community partners, the Foundation raises funds for projects that enhance animal care, support educational programming, enable conservation initiatives, and help ensure the Zoo remains a treasured community destination for generations to come.

Summary of Position

The Henry Vilas Zoo Foundation is seeking an experienced nonprofit professional or service provider to provide Executive Director and Development Services on a part-time, independent contractor basis, averaging up to 25 hours per week.

Fundraising and donor development will be the primary focus of this engagement. The successful contractor will provide executive leadership for the Foundation, build and strengthen donor relationships, lead fundraising initiatives and capital campaigns, oversee day-to-day Foundation operations, and work closely with the Board of Directors, Zoo Director, donors, community partners, vendors, and other stakeholders.

This is an opportunity for an experienced nonprofit leader and fundraiser to help shape the growth of a developing organization and build philanthropic support for the future of the Henry Vilas Zoo.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising strategy and long-term fundraising initiatives
• Lead capital campaigns and develop a strong donor pipeline
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors
• Develop major gift and corporate partnership opportunities
• Prepare sponsorship proposals, donor presentations, and donor communications
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board and Foundation operations
• Manage day-to-day Foundation operations and coordinate vendors and consultants
• Oversee donation processing, donor acknowledgments, and stewardship
• Support Foundation communications, newsletters, promotional materials, website, and social media content
• Coordinate with the Board on Foundation events, sponsorships, volunteers, and donor cultivation activities
• Maintain regular communication with the Zoo Director and coordinate joint fundraising and public messaging as appropriate
• Establish measurable fundraising goals and provide regular progress reports to the Board

Qualifications

The ideal service provider will have:

• Proven success in nonprofit fundraising and donor development
• Experience cultivating major gifts and corporate partnerships
• Experience developing or managing capital campaigns
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working effectively with nonprofit boards
• Ability to build relationships with a broad range of donors, partners, and community stakeholders
• Experience planning and executing nonprofit events
• A high level of professionalism, initiative, and discretion
• Familiarity with donor management systems and online giving platforms

Preference will be given to candidates with strong connections to the greater Madison community and experience working with nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, or philanthropic organizations.

Compensation

This opportunity will be structured as an independent contractor engagement averaging up to 25 hours per week. Applicants should include their proposed fee structure and amount, which may be structured as a monthly retainer, milestone-based fee, or another proposed arrangement.

Benefits

This is an independent contractor engagement rather than an employee position. The Foundation does not provide employee benefits, including health or disability insurance, retirement benefits, workers’ compensation, or other employee welfare or pension benefits.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a proposal in PDF format that includes:

1. A cover letter describing their approach to fundraising and relevant experience
2. Relevant experience and resume(s) for the individual(s) who would provide the services
3. Three references
4. Proposed fee structure and amount
5. Estimated availability

Proposals are due September 21, 2026 and should be emailed to the email address shown after clicking on the “Learn How to Apply” button below, Attention: Libby Gerds and Molly Walsh.