Join the fun, professional, and mission-driven Santa Barbara Zoo team!
The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking an experienced, hands-on, Director of Advancement with a positive outlook, tons of enthusiasm, and a successful fundraising track record. This individual will oversee all strategic fundraising efforts for the Zoo including major gifts, annual gifts, corporate gifts, grants, special events, direct mail, planned gifts, online giving, on-site giving, and other special giving programs.
This is a regular, full time, exempt position.
The qualified applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum seven years of professional fundraising experience including a minimum of three years of management experience.
Salary: $90K DOE; plus benefits.
JOB DESCRIPTION
SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Vice President of Community Relations, the Director of Advancement manages and is responsible for all aspects of the fundraising effort at the Santa Barbara Zoo. The Director of Advancement oversees programs and processes to raise funds for the Zoo through major gifts, annual gifts, corporate gifts, grants, special events, direct mail, planned gifts, online giving, on-site giving, and other special giving programs.
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, Z-mail, social media, and other applicable publications as needed
Responsible for ensuring all fundraising materials and activities (including marketing materials, emails, appeals, signs, website, and event materials) uphold the highest standard of the Zoo brand integrity
Creates mailing lists and reports as needed
Monitors and tracks the activities of donor cultivation
Responsible for creating and enforcing policies and procedures related to Advancement
Stays knowledgeable on AZA, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s mission, collection, history, and current programs and practices
Supports all Advancement cultivation activities and events
Edits Advancement and Zoo-wide publications as needed
Attends professional development opportunities as warranted
Researches prospective donors and current donors and creates reports 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 Advancement department and Zoo assignments as needed
Fundraising
Raises funds to support the Zoo and the Zoo’s mission
Manages cultivation and stewardship efforts
Plans and implements planned giving campaign
Strategically plans and oversees all fundraising activities including:
o Annual giving program
o Foster feeders program
o Honorarium and memorial programs
o Mail appeals
o Grant solicitations
o Corporate sponsorships
o In-kind donations
o On-site donations
o Online donations
o Special projects
o Fundraising events
o Prospect and donor special events
o Prospect and donor tours
Works in collaboration with the VP of Community Relations to plan and implement capital campaigns
Works in collaboration with the VP of Community Relations to plan and implement board and major gift campaigns
Administrative
Responsible for creating, monitoring, and being accountable for the department annual strategic plan
Responsible for creating, monitoring, and being accountable for the department annual budget
Responsible for tracking donations and reporting progress to the VP of Community Relations on a regular basis
Responsible for tracking year to year external and internal fundraising trends.
Responsible for communicating fundraising activities with the board, senior management team, fundraising-related committees, and Zoo staff.
Responsible for donor recognitions such annual honor roll of donors
Responsible for monthly and annual financial reports related to fundraising
Responsible for working with other departments to promote fundraising opportunities
Holds regular Advancement department meetings to keep the staff informed and encourages open communication and the sharing of ideas
Oversees the maintenance of donor files
Oversees the maintenance of records of expenses
Supports efforts of other Zoo departments to encourage future funding/collaborative projects
Creates and implements fundraising plans for special projects and programs
Contributes to the Zoo’s annual plan
Staffing & Staff Development
Hires, trains, evaluates, supervises and manages the Advancement staff
Creates and maintains current job descriptions for all Advancement staff
Provides staff coaching and feedback on a regular basis
Provide fundraising training to Zoo staff and volunteers as needed
Ensures staff receives training on safety and standard operating procedures and policies
Develops and implements individual development plans and ensures their application with regular follow-ups
Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff through meetings that further departmental goals and productivity
Responds to staff questions and concerns
Provides regular performance evaluations for Advancement staff
Terminates employees within defined practices and policies
Operation & Business
Schedules staff in a manner that prioritizes operational needs
Encourages, supports and exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure the continued development of the institution and the profession
Ensures that all regulatory standards are met such as adherence to applicable labor laws
Holds peers accountable for their performance
Ensures consistent productive operating practices by identifying areas for potential revenue generation, reduction of costs and more efficient procedures
Ensures that all office space and meeting space used reflect a safe, clean, and inviting environment for staff and guests.
Organization
Adheres to Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
Applies and Exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
Attends all bi-monthly all-employee meetings
Interacts with all department heads as a member of the Zoo’s senior management group
Supports all Zoo events and initiatives
SECONDARY DUTIES:
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, our Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
Other duties as required
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
Minimum seven years of successful professional fundraising experience
Minimum of three years of successful supervisory experience
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications
CFRE – Certified Fund Raising Executive designation preferred
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 fundraising 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
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
Involves some weekend, early mornings, and evening hours
Tools Used
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 President/CEO or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the President/CEO 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.