Join the fun, professional, and mission-driven Santa Barbara Zoo team!
The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a Foundation Relations Officer with a successful fundraising track record. The Foundation Relations Officer is responsible for securing grant funding in support of the Zoo’s mission.
The qualified applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum four years of professional fundraising experience including grant writing experience.
Salary: DOE; plus benefitsThis is a regular, full time, non exempt position.SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Director of Advancement, the Foundation Relations Officer is responsible for securing grant funding from foundation, corporate, service organization and government resources in support of the Zoo’s overall mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:
General 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, social media, and other applicable media/publications as appropriate
Assist 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 Advancement department 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 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
Other assignments as needed
Grants Management:
Regularly reports fundraising activities and progress to the Director of Advancement
Actively researches and seeks grant opportunities from various sources that match the goals and objectives of the Zoo
Develops and maintains effective, fruitful, and long-term working relationships with grantors
Prior to submitting proposals, communicates with potential grantors regarding their goals and objectives to ensure they are in line with the goals and objectives of the Zoo
Gathers statistical and other information from various departments using timely and effective communication to ensure grant and reporting deadlines are met
Writes and submits grant proposals on time to government, corporate, foundation, and service organization funding sources
Follows up with grantors to determine/monitor grant status in timely manner
Writes and submits thank you letters and other correspondence with grantors and potential grantors
Engages the board in the grants program with monthly reports and by inviting key members to represent the Zoo during foundation visits
Maintains a grants calendar to track grant and reporting deadlines as well as to track communication and cultivation efforts. Reviews deadlines annually to ensure calendar is up-to-date.
Ensures continuity in relationship management by maintaining files to track contacts, communications, submission and reporting deadlines, and philanthropic commitments in Raiser’s Edge and donor files. This includes maintaining organized grant files.
Accurately tracks and records donor relationship management activities related to grants
Develops and evaluates measures of success in grant activities and produces reports to track results
SECONDARY DUTIES:
General Advancement Support:
Assists with day-of support for Advancement department special events including VIP experiences, campaign events, and other donor activities and events. Duties vary and include tasks from set up to clean up and follow up.
As needed, assists with final preparation support during the month leading up to Zoofari Ball, day/night of assistance, as well as final wrap up assistance
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 and DIGS
Participates in bi-monthly all-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
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
Maintains a clean, neat work area that is inviting to all.
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 four years
Prior grant writing experience preferred
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 work successfully in a shared open space work environment with regular interruptions
Ability to think strategically and plan accordingly to further the 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
Requires the ability to work in a shared open space work environment
Must be able to regularly climb stairs, manipulate computer and office tools, stand/walk for up to eight continuous hours
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
Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and use tools
Supportive and open employment culture
Must attend all events related to the position
Maintains a clean and organized work area
Involves some weekend, early morning, and evening hours
Tools Used:
Computer with MS Office Suite and other software packages
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
Cart
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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.The Santa Barbara Zoo is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas.