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Located in Tyler, Texas, The Caldwell Zoo strives to connect people with the wonders of wildlife to cultivate an appreciation for the natural world. For over seven decades, the zoo has invited residents of East Texas to witness the spectacular diversity of animals from all around the globe. The zoo does all it can to share the magnificence of nature through unforgettable experiences and educational programs to inspire others to take action to ensure the vitality of the animal kingdom for generations to come. The Caldwell Foundation, as a former trustee of its physical and financial assets, worked as a key partner institution. After years of study and deliberation, the Foundation Board of Trustees launched an initiative to set The Caldwell Zoo up as a fully independent nonprofit with refined strategic and operational plans beginning in 2025.

D.K. Caldwell crossed a threshold in 1937 when his interest in community projects and the satisfaction derived from advancing the public good focused his attention on an area where he felt much could be accomplished with limited expenditures – the children of Tyler, Texas, and Scottsboro, Alabama. Consequently, he established The Caldwell Foundation. Four years later he crossed another threshold when his interest in early childhood development motivated him to start a petting zoo in his backyard that would eventually become the Caldwell Zoo and a cornerstone of Tyler, Smith County, and East Texas.

In 1953, the decision was made to move the Petting Zoo to 125 acres owned by The Caldwell Foundation and develop eight acres into the Children’s Zoo. That year, Lottie and D.K. Caldwell opened the Zoo as a gift to their community. They believed in the positive power of “Learning Through Fun” and the benefits of connecting people with wildlife. Since that time, The Caldwell Foundation has continually supported zoo operations and the mission to share the wonders of the natural world. The Children’s Zoo continued to expand the number of species (87) and animals (500), showcased in several exhibits.

In 1971, the arrival of Kimbo, a baby Asian Elephant, served as another tipping point for change, as Kimbo quickly outgrew her house. In 1974, Hayes Caldwell, who had been working for the Zoo since 1963, attended an Association of Zoos & Aquariums conference and learned about the importance of a Zoo Master Plan. Following best practices, a Master Plan to transform the Children’s Zoo into the Caldwell Zoo was commissioned. Hayes Caldwell was named Director of Caldwell Zoo, and D.K. Caldwell approved the Master Plan, authorizing the expenditure of $3,619,000 for renovations.

D.K. Caldwell passed away in 1977. His legacy (Learning Through Fun) and The Caldwell Foundation’s financial support have allowed the Caldwell Zoo to transition into a top-rated zoo hosting 300,000 visitors a year, becoming one of the cornerstones of Tyler, Smith County, and East Texas. In 1999, an updated Master Plan was prepared and approved by the Board of Trustees of The Caldwell Foundation, authorizing $6.5 million for new facilities and refreshing the Caldwell Zoo. Today, the zoo includes 85 developed acres and over 3,000 animals. Further, millions have been invested by the foundation in the zoo’s amenities, enhancing animal habitats and the visitor experience.

Over seven decades, the Zoo has become a cherished cornerstone of East Texas, a center of educational programming, and a leader in the conservation of native Texas wildlife and threatened and endangered animals from across the planet.

Now, changes are taking place to make sure this revered institution will continue to thrive for generations to come. One obvious change is the $17 million development of the Amazon River’s Edge, which was opened in March 2025. This major construction project incorporated almost one-third of the Zoo and focuses on the fascinating wildlife of South America. The Caldwell Zoo is blessed with a committed staff of nearly 100, highlighted by numerous individuals with more than 20 or even 30 years of service. Leadership’s consistent investment in employees has resulted in a transparent, laid‑back, and fun environment highlighted by mutual respect and support at all levels the institution.

Beyond managing the evolving physical infrastructure and daily operation of the Caldwell Zoo on an ongoing basis, The Caldwell Foundation has launched a transformational chapter to establish the Zoo as a public charity. As outlined in the 2023 Caldwell Foundation Master Plan, the multi-year process of transferring all assets from The Caldwell Foundation to Caldwell Zoo, Inc. (CZI) will position the Zoo for financial and capital success while gradually sunsetting the Foundation. With Caldwell Zoo, Inc. becoming operational on January 1, 2025, all physical assets of the Foundation were transitioned to the Zoo while it continues to receive financial support from the Foundation’s financial assets, to be fully transferred with the sunsetting of the foundation in 2027. With its new structure, the executive leadership will report to the President/CEO of Caldwell Zoo, Inc. At the appropriate time, Caldwell Zoo, Inc. will be the sole beneficiary of assets managed by the D.K. & Lottie Caldwell Irrevocable Trust. Furthermore, the Zoo will begin supplementing its existing revenue streams with private support from individual and institutional donors.

With an annual budget of around $10 million, Caldwell Zoo benefits from stable revenue streams that include earned revenue (approximately 50%), and Caldwell Foundation contributions (approximately 50%). In advance of establishing the irrevocable trust, Zoo leadership will develop additional revenue streams such as events and private support. The Foundation is currently governed by a seven-member board, two of whom have joined the board of Caldwell Zoo, Inc. along with three additional community members. Over time, the board will grow to no more than 15 members.

As a highly regarded and well-loved cultural attraction in Tyler, Texas, Caldwell Zoo is seeking a Senior Director of Development (Sr. DOD) to bring experience in fundraising practices to a brand-new development program. After decades of service, the leadership of The Caldwell Foundation has launched a deliberate transition plan to preserve its assets while setting the Zoo up for perpetual success. With the launch of Caldwell Zoo, Inc. in January 2025 as a public charity, the Sr. DOD will build a culture of philanthropy and capitalize on its upcoming 75th anniversary. Anticipated milestones for the advancement program are as follows:

• Execute, and adapt as circumstances require, the strategic fundraising plan including annual solicitations, planned giving, sponsorships, grants, and capital campaigns;
• Begin implementation of other fundraising programs; and
• Lay the groundwork for CZI’s first capital campaign, with the launch timeline to be confirmed by the CEO and Board of Directors.

• Reporting to the President & CEO of CZI, the Sr. DOD will grow the relatively new Development Program to broaden the zoo’s philanthropic support base, including the long‑term planning and full implementation of the current upper-level giving membership program. In collaboration with marketing team members, the successful executive will implement fundraising programs such as annual giving, planned giving, sponsorships, grant writing, fundraising events, and capital campaigns. Specifically, the Sr. DOD will:
• Execute, adapting as required by circumstance, the strategic fundraising plan, leveraging the fundraising experience alongside the CEO to achieve the plan’s goals.
• Identify, support, and secure gifts from a portfolio of major gift donors focusing on foundations, individuals, corporations, and members.
• Work with CEO and Executive leadership to establish annual revenue targets.
• Generate the development department budget and monitor for progress against goals, providing regular reports to the CEO, senior team, and Board of Directors.
• Maintain policies, systems, and procedures that support fundraising stability and growth.
• Provide leadership for day‑to‑day operations, including, but not limited to, records management, development goals, and metrics for the department.
• Develop, implement, and manage strategies for engaging with promising individuals and philanthropic organizations who align with CZI’s values to establish relationships, secure commitments for support, and find prospects to continue expanding the mission.
• Participate in the creation of high‑priority and high‑quality fundraising materials, including crafting key narratives.
• Lead a team of professionals by setting annual individual and team performance goals, conducting regular reviews to evaluate progress, and providing professional development opportunities that continually elevate the department’s effectiveness and efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience

• Minimum of 6 years, with meaningful experience in major gifts (large individual or institutional donations, typically $10,000 and up), and experience with capital campaigns preferred.
• Track record of success across all aspects of fundraising operations, including building the case, cultivating donors, managing effective fundraising and events teams, and soliciting and securing major and leadership‑level gifts.
• Experience building and leading a team to success while fostering a culture of accountability,teamwork, and collaboration with others.
• Proven ability to work with volunteers, community leaders, organizations, and businesses to advocate for and promote the value and mission of CZI.
• Experience collaborating with a Board of Directors.
• History of securing grants, including researching prospective corporations and foundations, making pitch presentations, attending site visits, and maintaining relationships once grants are funded, especially in collaboration with the teammates and Board of Directors.

Skills & Knowledge

• Broad and deep knowledge of fundraising principles to be applied in a comprehensive fundraising strategy, incorporating the acquisition of new major gifts and grants, annual appeals, donor‑level membership programs, and corporate gifts.
• Skilled at reading people and forging cooperative efforts between and among teammates and other departments of the organization, thereby leading teams to success and fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and collaboration.
• Skilled at listening closely to donors, staff, and community members and using input to guide decisions, rather than routing every choice back for direction.
• Skilled at maintaining accurate donor records in a donor management database/CRM preferred (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, a widely used platform made by Blackbaud, is common among organizations of CZI’s size).
• Successful experience in and enthusiasm for donor cultivation and major gift solicitation.
• Strong team‑building skills supported by a positive attitude, a high level of emotional intelligence, and a mature personality conducive to effective interaction with diverse groups.
• Persuasive and articulate communicator with excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills who can represent CZI to diverse constituencies.
• Highly organized with the ability to independently handle multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment and meet deadlines and fundraising goals.
• Ability to move comfortably in a wide variety of social settings, including among people of substantial influence and wealth, and the ability to forge solid personal relationships.
• Business savvy, including the ability to assess risk, triage priorities, and influence issues by engaging with internal and external constituencies.
• Demonstrated capability and maturity to protect confidential information and build trust and rapport with prospects and donors/partners for a longstanding, meaningful relationship with CZI.

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