The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a full-time, strategic, self-motivated, energetic, creative, detail-oriented Annual Giving Officer to manage all aspects of the Zoo’s annual giving programs in our Institutional Advancement Department.
The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of fundraising practices and specifically annual giving, a BA degree, and a minimum of two years of successful experience in fundraising, communications, marketing, or a related field. Must have excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, verbal and written communication skills, demonstrate initiative, and be a problem solver.
Schedule is typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM: flexibility in days and hours are required based on events.
Non-Exempt, hourly, equivalent to $50K and up, DOE
JOB DESCRIPTION
SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, the Annual Giving Officer is responsible for securing donations in support of the Zoo. The Annual Giving Officer manages all aspects of the Zoo’s annual giving programs including annual appeals, Foster Feeders program, plaques, on-site giving opportunities, online giving, and other annual giving opportunities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:
Strategic Functions
Directs Institutional Advancement programs in support of general operations in coordination with VP of Institutional Advancement
Creates and executes strategies for the Annual Giving, Foster Feeder, Honor/Memorial, Toys4Animals, and on-site and online giving programs
Prepares mailing lists for Institutional Advancement Department Mailings (including Zoofari Ball)
General Institutional Advancement Responsibilities
Develops and maintains effective, fruitful, and long-term relationships with donors
Assists in maintaining donor databases and filing system
Contributes to Zoo News, Z-mail, social media and other applicable media/publications as needed
Creates mailing lists and reports as requested
Monitors, tracks, and reports on the activities of donor cultivation/stewardship
Provides input on policies and procedures related to Institutional Advancement
Stays knowledgeable on AZA, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s mission, collection, history, and current programs and practices
Participates in and contributes to regular Institutional Advancement department meetings
Supports fundraising efforts for special projects and special programs
Contributes to Zoo Institutional Advancement department annual planning and budgeting process
Supports all Institutional 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 Institutional Advancement and Zoo-wide publications as needed
Attends professional development opportunities, as warranted
Researches prospective donors and current donors and creates reports as needed
Creates some donor recognition gifts and coordinates distribution of these gifts as needed
Responsible for networking within the fundraising community as a Zoo Institutional Advancement representative
Responsible for networking within the community as a Zoo Institutional Advancement representative
Other Institutional Advancement Department assignments as needed
Annual Appeals
Plans, implements, and tracks all aspects of the direct mail appeals
Cultivates prospects and secures funds through for the Annual Appeal program
Prepares mailing lists
Writes appeals and corresponding thank you letters
Works with a designer to design the appeals
Uses direct mail, e-blast, website, and other opportunities to promote giving through the annual appeals
Ensures benefits are provided to donors in a timely manner
Regularly tracks and reports results and trends to the V. P. of Institutional Advancement
Foster Feeders
Plans, implements, and tracks all aspects of the Foster Feeder program
Cultivates prospects and secures funds through for the Premier Foster Feeder program
Maintains regular communication with Premier Foster Feeders and offers special opportunities for these donors
Promotes Foster Feeder program to increase participation and revenue through specials, events, brochure distribution, website updates, direct mail appeals, articles in quarterly newsletter, e-blast, and other promotional opportunities
Coordinates the processing of Foster Feeder fulfillments (mailing packages and updating recognition board) and renewal notices
Coordinates all Foster Feeder events (animal debuts)
Regularly tracks and reports results and trends of Foster Feeder program to V. P. of Institutional Advancement
Annual Giving Programs
Creates, plans, implements, and tracks all aspects of the Zoo’s annual giving programs
Cultivates prospects and secures funds through for the Annual Giving program
Promotes program to secure participation and revenue through specials, events, brochure distribution, website updates, direct mail appeals, articles in quarterly newsletter, e-blast, and other promotional opportunities
Coordinates the processing of annual giving benefits and renewal notices
Regularly tracks and reports results and trends on annual giving programs to Director of Institutional Advancement
Contacts members at the $500 member level to redeem their Institutional Advancement-related benefits including coordinating and leading tours, personally inviting to special events, etc.
Honorarium & Memorial Program
Coordinates and is responsible for all aspects of the Zoo’s honorarium and memorial program (including pet memorial program)
Meets with donors to locate appropriate locations (benches, trees, and gardens) for plaques
Coordinates routine monthly maintenance of all existing plaques
Promotes Honorarium & Memorial Program as needed
Processes Honorarium & Memorial gifts (including notifying honoree or families about donations)
Tracks and reports on Honorarium & Memorial Program to V. P. of Institutional Advancement regularly
Regularly maintains the plaque chart and map and ensures all members of the Institutional Advancement team are familiar with this and are able to use it
Ensures plaques are ordered and installed in an attractive and timely manner
On-site Giving Program
Plans, implements, and tracks all aspects of on-site giving opportunities
Works with Animal Care & Health, Guest Services, Retail, and Culinary Programs departments to promote on-site giving opportunities with signage and other creative promotional opportunities to promote on-site giving
Online Giving Program
Plans and implements all aspects of online giving opportunities
Works with the Institutional Advancement, Education, Guest Services/Events, and Strategic Engagement departments, to promote giving opportunities online through multiple avenues
Other Institutional Advancement Responsibilities
Coordinates annual holiday video
Works with the VP of Institutional Advancement to assist with Phoenix Society activities and other special campaign activities
Coordinates and leads some tours as needed
Supports Zoofari Ball: Responsible for generating the mailing list and coordinating annual review of the list, as well as assisting with assigning in tables, day of needs, and general support
SECONDARY DUTIES:
Organization-wide Responsibilities
Adheres to Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
Applies and Exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
Participates in Zoo-wide events such as El Dia del Nino, Dignatarios, and Boo at the Zoo
Participates in bi-monthly all-employee meetings
Participates in cross-departmental committees/teams as a contributing representative of the Institutional 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
Insures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, 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 our Core Values
Other duties as assigned
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 the essential functions.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience preferably in fundraising, communications, marketing, or related field
Prior successful experience in fundraising preferred; minimum two years
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.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
Ability to think strategically and plan accordingly to further the Institutional Advancement effort
Excellent verbal and written communications 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 high degree of accuracy and strong analytical skills
Ability to exercise safe work habits
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 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 situation with discretion, tact, and confidentiality
Ability to relate to persons of all ages and diverse backgrounds, skills, and abilities
Ability to present self in a personable, professional, and energetic manner
Ability to work flexible hours (including some holidays and weekends) and travel as needed
Ability to exercise safe work habits
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
Knowledge of databases/Raiser’s Edge preferred
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 stairs, manipulate computer and office tools, stand/walk for up to eight continuous hours, sit in front of a PC, and use tools
Ability to occasionally lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs
The ability to coordinate a variety of tasks simultaneously and handle tension and stress in a positive manner is required
Must attend all events related to the position
Involves some week-end and evening hours
Supportive and open employment culture
Tools Used
Personal computer
Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, facsimile machine, calculator, and others as required
Color and laser printer
35 mm and digital camera
Electric cart
Paper cutter
Laminator
Two-way radio
This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
“I have read and understand the terms of this job description. I understand that measurements and evaluations of my performance in the described position shall be based in part on this job description.”