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.
Requirements
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Benefits
- 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...
