Job Description

Join Our Passionate Team at the Oregon Zoo Foundation!

To Apply: Send a letter of support and resume to ozfemployment@oregonzoo.org

About Us: Joining the Oregon Zoo Foundation team offers the opportunity to be an advocate for one of the premier animal well-being, species recovery and conservation education organizations in the Pacific Northwest. At the Oregon Zoo Foundation, we are not just a team; we are a community driven by a shared passion for wildlife, education and conservation and a commitment to creating a brighter future for wildlife. Our work is more than a job—it's a mission to secure financial support for the Oregon Zoo, specifically focusing on animal well-being, species recovery, and conservation education.

As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we collaborate closely with the Oregon Zoo, which is owned and operated by Metro regional government. Together, we raise funds for strategic zoo programs and capital projects, advocating for the zoo's mission and creating meaningful change for wildlife.

Your New Role: Foundation Director

As our Foundation Director, you will lead a successful team, ensuring the financial health of our organization so we can continue our vital work for wildlife. You’ll provide a vision, leadership, and day-to-day management to ensure long term success of the Foundation in supporting the Oregon Zoo and its mission. You’ll work closely with the Chair of the Board, leadership team, and Zoo executive team on shared strategic success. All while supporting and cultivating a culture for the staff that is inclusive and welcoming.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Drive the Foundation’s commitment to conservation, education and animal well-being
• Partner with the Zoo Director and Board Chair to identify and cultivate positive relationships with key community leaders, political representatives, potential board members, and prospective giving targets
• Align and articulate the Foundation mission & vision in a way that excites internal and external stakeholders to work toward shared goals
• Respect the history of the organization and support open trust-based communication in a positive working environment
• Provide leadership and management of Board operations
• Foster relationships with Metro Council members through regular connections
• Encourage innovation and creativity in developing and broadening ongoing, successful membership, donor, campaign and event strategies
• Lead the annual review of the Foundation’s Integrated Strategic Plan & update as needed
• In partnership with the Board Chair, review, discuss and support the MOU with the Zoo Executive Director and Metro, every two years.
• Work closely with the Chief Development Officer to ensure alignment on strategic philanthropy goals, targets, measures and execution, while supporting the Zoo’s priorities
• Ensure the Foundation maintains the highest standards in delivering as stewards of donor funds

Executive Leadership

• Manage and partner with the Foundation leadership team to ensure a collaborative, nurturing and positive environment for staff
• Collaborate with Zoo partners to define roles in conservation, education, and animal well-being
• Partner with the Zoo Director & Board Chair on a shared roadmap to execute against actions linked to the strategic plan
• Represent the organization as requested in collaborative workgroups, the legislature, and other public settings
• Periodically present to the Foundation Board of Directors, Metro, the Oregon Zoo and donor/shareholder populations to build trust and support for the Foundation
• Partner with the Director of HR, Culture & Administration to assess facilities needs and negotiate terms with the Oregon Zoo as needed
• Partner with the Director of Finance & Operations on the annual budgeting process to ensure financial sustainability & accountability across the organization
• Lead the team through quarterly check-in meetings of the action plans with partners, and update as necessary
• Partner with the Board Chair to prepare & support planning for the annual board retreat, quarterly board meetings, and Board committee meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Board Chair

Professional Development

• Support the Director of HR Administration & Culture to attract, develop, and retain talent
• Partner with the Director of HR Administration & Culture to develop and implement a performance management system, ensuring annual reviews with all supervisors and their direct reports
• Partner with the Director of HR Administration & Culture, to ensure each employee has a development plan and access to growth and skills-training opportunities
• Enhance understanding with Zoo industry and innovative fundraising tools
• Support progressive human resource policies and practices

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Proven ability to develop, articulate and build a vision.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and facilitating a highly productive work environment
• 10 years of professional experience in roles of increasing responsibility in non-profit leadership
• Senior management experience, including leading a senior management team and developing an executive strategy and vision for an organization
• Brings a passion to the mission, vision and values of the Oregon Zoo, and has prior experience working for or taking part in a conservation, wildlife or animal well-being organization
• Experience building relationships with donors/funders, including foundations, institutions, corporations, and/or individual donors
• Fiscal accountability: proven track record of effectively managing budgets with multiple funding sources
• Experience working in partnership with a board of trustees
• Experience in a complex, multi-level or matrixed institution
• Proven track record of managing change through a transition and/or transformation
• Experience working in advocacy, capital campaign and/or government relations
• Strong organizational management, communication, implementation, and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to lead strategic planning and implementation by integrating cross-functional insights and talent into the planning and execution

What We Offer: When you join the Oregon Zoo Foundation, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re stepping into a role that offers purpose and fulfillment. We provide a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with matching contributions, and health and wellness perks. Plus, you'll be part of a team that truly values work-life balance and understands that great work happens when you’re happy and healthy.

Ready to Make a Difference? If you’re excited to bring your skills to a mission-driven organization that’s making a real impact for wildlife, we want to hear from you. Join us in our journey to create a better future for wildlife. Apply today and be part of something truly special!

To Apply: Send a letter of support and resume to ozfemployment@oregonzoo.org

Location: Modern and bright offices on Oregon Zoo campus, located in Washington Park, Portland. This role is predominantly an in-office role.

Range of Pay: $165,000 – 180,000

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