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.

Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and government partners.

Plan and manage donor-related events, both online and in person, and in collaboration with the key leadership members.

Prepare and monitor annual departmental plans and budgets.

Supervise, mentor, and assure professional growth and development of five member advancement team.

Qualifications

Compensation & Benefits

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 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.