Director of Institutional Advancement

The Opportunity

The Wildlife Center of Virginia-one of the world's premier teaching hospitals for wildlife and conservation medicine-is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Director of Institutional Advancement to join our leadership team. This is a unique opportunity to advance the Center's mission: teaching the world to care about and to care for wildlife and the environment while ensuring the financial sustainability of our life-saving work. This is an opportunity to be a key leader during a time of expansion as we increase our capacity. You will work with a committed team to build community support and increase awareness about wildlife issues across Virginia and beyond. This is more than just another fundraising role. It is a chance to have a significant impact on Virginia's wildlife conservation. This position can be located within a two-hour radius of Waynesboro, VA.

About the Wildlife Center of Virginia

Located in Waynesboro, VA, the Wildlife Center of Virginia is internationally recognized for its excellence in wildlife medicine, professional training, public education, and conservation policy. Our "treat to release" philosophy guides our care for thousands of wild animals each year, while our teaching hospital, public programming, and professional courses train the next generation of wildlife veterinary and rehabilitation professionals. Through innovative education and outreach, we inspire millions to take an active role in protecting wildlife and the environment.

Since 1982, the Wildlife Center has treated more than 100,000 wild animal patients representing more than 200 native species, trained thousands of veterinary and rehabilitation professionals, and educated millions of people worldwide. As a private nonprofit located on 20 acres adjacent to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, the Center's impact is made possible by the generosity of individuals, foundations, and corporate partners across the country.

Position Overview

Reporting to the President, the Director of Institutional Advancement leads a dedicated advancement team responsible for the majority of the Center's annual revenue. This full-time, exempt, salaried position is responsible for planning, managing, and executing a comprehensive annual advancement program, including fundraising and donor relations and communications, to enhance the Center's visibility, reputation, and financial stability. The Center is in the early stages of planning for a capital campaign. This position will play a vital leadership role in planning and managing the fundraising elements of the campaign.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Fundraising Leadership
  • Develop and implement annual and long-term fundraising strategies aligned with the Center's mission and strategic goals.
  • Provide strategic leadership to the advancement team in executing all development plans and achieving organizational and project-based revenue goals.
  • Oversee and assure effective implementation of fundraising strategies and tactics that include major gifts, direct mail, online campaigns, special events (such as the Annual Gala and other donor events), grants, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, and planned and estate gifts.
  • Assist with development and implementation of capital and special project campaigns to expand the Center's facilities and resources.
  • Identify, recruit, and engage external volunteer stakeholders, including board and committee members, to expand fundraising capacity, develop new donor prospects, and assist with effective stewardship of current donors.
• Major Donor & Foundation Relations
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and government partners.
  • Manage the Center's Legacy Society and related planned giving opportunities to assure a consistent pipeline of support and effective stewardship of members and their families.
  • Arrange and participate in personal visits and communications with donors, often in collaboration with the President and other key staff.
  • Oversee the grant development, management, and reporting processes to secure financial support for the Center's work.
• Donor Engagement & Communications
  • Plan and manage donor-related events, both online and in person, and in collaboration with the key leadership members.
  • Partner with the Communications team for the creation and distribution of engagement materials, including the Annual Report and designated stories to select audiences of donors and prospects.
  • Collaborate with the Communications team on strategic messaging using the Center's website, email, and social media for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Financial Management & Reporting
  • Prepare and monitor annual departmental plans and budgets.
  • Track fundraising metrics and provide regular financial reports to the President and senior leadership.
  • Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising practices and support transparency and stewardship reporting.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration
  • Supervise, mentor, and assure professional growth and development of five member advancement team.
  • Work collaboratively with the President, Senior Vice President, Board of Directors, and other departments to achieve organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Passion for wildlife conservation and the mission of the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant certifications are a plus.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising, advancement, or marketing.
• Demonstrated success in major gift solicitation, annual campaigns, and grants and event management.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building, strategic thinking, and project management abilities.
• Proven ability to work across organizational departments and effectively with committees, volunteers, and individual prospects, partners, and supporters.
• Proficiency in donor database management and fundraising software.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with occasional evening/weekend work and travel for special events.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary $125,000
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Hybrid work schedule and flexible telework options.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are interested in applying for this position. Please contact Tom Prest at tprest@warrenwhitney.com if you have any questions. For best consideration, resumes and cover letters should be received by August 29, 2025.

The Wildlife Center of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in all forms. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us in making a difference for wildlife, people, and the planet-one patient, one donor, and one story at a time.

Confidentiality:

As the consultant and senior staff work through the early phases of the search, every effort will be made to ensure a high degree of confidentiality for the candidates. Both the consultant and the Wildlife Center of Virginia understand that many of the candidates interested in this position are strongly committed to their current organization but are intrigued by the opportunity presented here. An expression of interest will remain confidential until the final stages of the search.

For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://warrenwhitney.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1546105-476056.html