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: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

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

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.