Are you an experienced development professional who thrives on building lasting donor relationships? The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring a Major Gifts Officer to lead major gift fundraising efforts that support conservation, education, and the Zoo’s strategic priorities.
Position Status: Full-Time, Regular, Non-Exempt, Hourly
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (some weekends)
Compensation: $38.50 per hour
You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position
SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Director of Advancement, the Major Gifts Officer is responsible for securing major gifts of $10,000+ to support the mission and long-term sustainability of the Santa Barbara Zoo. In addition to building and managing a portfolio of major donors, the Major Gifts Officer will play a key role in the planning, execution, and management of capital campaigns and special funds. This includes developing strategies to secure transformational gifts, coordinating campaign communications, and ensuring campaign goals are met in collaboration with leadership.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Major Gifts Portfolio Management
Manage a portfolio of individual major gift prospects and donors, with emphasis on securing gifts of $10,000+
Conduct prospect research, including producing donor profiles to be shared with the Director of Advancement, VP of Community Relations, and Zoo President & CEO as needed
Develop and implement customized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor
Conduct donor visits (in-person, phone, or virtual) to strengthen relationships and deepen engagement
Oversee planned giving program
Partner with the Director of Advancement, VP of Community Relations, Advancement team, and Zoo President & CEO on solicitations
Capital Campaign Management
Collaborate with the Director of Advancement and relevant teams to design, implement, and manage capital campaigns from planning through completion
Form and lead campaign committees as needed
In collaboration with the Director of Advancement, coordinate with Zoo staff and relevant stakeholders to set timelines, goals, and benchmarks
Track campaign progress and ensure accurate reporting to leadership, board, and donors as needed
In collaboration with the Zoo marketing and communications department, develop campaign-related communications and materials
Ensure campaign donors receive high-quality stewardship and recognition
Planned Giving Management
Develop and manage the planned giving program (Phoenix Society) to encourage bequests, trusts, and other legacy gifts
In partnership with the Director of Advancement, identify and cultivate prospects for planned giving opportunities
Collaborate with the Sponsorship & Special Events Officer to plan and execute annual Phoenix Society stewardship event
Provide resources and guidance to donors, staff, and board members regarding planned giving vehicles
Stewardship & Relationship Building
Provide thoughtful, timely, and creative stewardship to recognize donor impact and foster long-term engagement, including but not limited to behind-the-scenes animal experiences
Translate organizational priorities into compelling cases for support aligned with donor interests
Maintain accurate donor records in the Zoo database to support campaign and portfolio management
General Advancement Responsibilities
Develops and maintains effective, fruitful, and long-term relationships with donors
Assists in maintaining donor databases and filing system
Contributes to Z-mail, social media, and other applicable media/publications as appropriate
Assists with the creation of fundraising materials and activities (including marketing materials, emails, appeals, signs, website, and events) to ensure the highest standards of the Zoo brand integrity
Creates mailing lists and reports as needed
Leads some donor cultivation/stewardship tours
Monitors and tracks the activities of donor cultivation/stewardship
Provides input on policies and procedures related to Advancement
Stays current and knowledgeable on AZA, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s mission, collection, history, programs, projects, and practices
Participates in and contributes to regular Advancement department meetings
Supports fundraising efforts for special projects and special programs
Contributes to the Advancement Department's annual planning and budgeting process
Supports all Advancement cultivation/stewardship activities and events
Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff through meetings that further departmental goals and productivity
Edits Advancement and Zoo-wide publications as needed
Attends professional fundraising training opportunities as warranted
Researches prospective donors and current donors and creates reports as needed
Creates some donor recognition gifts and coordinates the distribution of these gifts as needed
Responsible for networking within the fundraising community as a Zoo Advancement representative
Responsible for networking within the community as a Zoo Advancement representative
Works with the advancement team to assist with donor events and other special activities
Supports Zoofari Ball as needed
Other assignments as needed
SECONDARY DUTIES:
Organization-wide Responsibilities
Adheres to Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
Participates in conservation culture and applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
Supports Zoo-wide events as needed
Participates in All Zoo employee meetings
Participates in cross-departmental committees/teams as a contributing representative of the Advancement department
Guest Relations Responsibilities
Greets every guest with a smile
Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
Associates with guests to assist and share information
Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Employee Pledge, and Core Values
POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Preferred ten years of fundraising experience in zoo, aquarium, science center, or other mission-focused, venue-based organization
A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in professional fundraising
Experience in donor management
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
Valid CA Driver’s License with good driving record and insurance coverage is required
Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check
TB testing yearly
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
Ability to think strategically and plan accordingly to further the Advancement effort
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and guests and to work with all levels of management
Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive information
Capacity for high-level attention to detail
Demonstrates a high degree of accuracy and strong analytical skills
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to effectively multi-task, use independent judgment, and produce quality work within a set timeframe to meet deadlines
Ability to effectively work under pressure, multi-task effectively, use independent judgment, and produce quality work within a tight time frame; meeting deadlines
Ability to create and implement systems and follow-up processes
Must be a proactive and creative problem-solver; a team player with motivation to develop relationships and work collaboratively
Understanding of telephone and office etiquette
Ability to handle conflict resolution in a professional manner and to respond to sensitive matters or situations with discretion, tact, and confidentiality
Ability to relate to persons of diverse backgrounds, skills, and abilities
Ability to present self in a personable, professional, and energetic manner
Ability to exercise safe work habits
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
Knowledge of donor management and database systems and best practice (Zoo currently uses Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge)
Demonstrates initiative, creativity, and enthusiasm, as well as strong organizational skills
Enjoys working with people, especially volunteers
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
Most work is performed inside the office environment
Occasionally involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
Must be able to regularly climb and descend from stairs and other inclines, stand/walk for up to eight continuous hours, manipulate computer and office tools, sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time, and use tools
Ability to occasionally lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs
Ability to multi-task, and managing high pressure situations and meet critical deadlines in a professional manner
Must attend all events related to the position
Ability to work flexible hours (including some holidays, evenings, and weekends) and travel as needed
Supportive and open employment culture
Tools Used:
Computer
Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, calculator, and others as required
Color and laser printer
Camera
Electric cart
Paper cutter
Laminator
Two-way radio
BENEFITS & PERKS:
Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities
Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, 13 paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA-accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...
You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position
Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.