The Assistant Director of Development plays a critical leadership role within the Development Team, driving growth in contributed revenue through a robust individual giving strategy and effective departmental oversight. As the primary point person for all aspects of individual giving and day-to-day departmental operations, this position is essential in laying the groundwork for Zoo Knoxville’s upcoming capital campaign and plays a pivotal role in long-term strategic planning and execution of donor engagement and fundraising initiatives.
- This individual oversees an evolving donor recognition and membership program, manages a portfolio of donors, and directly supervises the Membership and Donor Relations Manager and the Development Services Coordinator.
- The Assistant Director of Development is responsible for daily departmental coordination, ensuring alignment of fundraising strategies and smooth implementation of development operations.
- Responsibilities include budget management, event planning, team supervision, and leading efforts in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- The role requires strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and a deep commitment to the mission of Zoo Knoxville.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversee the execution and evaluation of a comprehensive Donor and Member Recognition Program.
- While the program is newly established, this role ensures continuous enhancement and alignment with organizational goals and includes integrated strategies across the Development and Membership departments.
- Supervise and provide leadership to the Membership and Donor Relations Manager and Development Services Coordinator, ensuring clarity of goals, alignment with strategic objectives, and timely completion of departmental tasks and deliverables.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Development Department, including staff scheduling, workflow oversight, internal communications, and performance management.
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 individual donors, coordinating closely with Donor Relations, Major Gifts, and other team members to drive strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
- Lead the department’s prospecting initiatives by coordinating prospect research and management to optimize engagement and identify opportunities for major and planned gifts.
- Design and implement a comprehensive stewardship plan, ensuring consistent and meaningful donor communications and experiences. Organize and lead events, tours, and donor engagements that deepen relationships and advance giving.
- Utilize CRM systems to track interactions, manage donor journeys, and produce reporting and analytics that inform strategy and demonstrate impact.
- Plan and execute donor travel programs in collaboration with the President/CEO and Chief Advancement Officer, including pre- and post-trip events, logistics coordination, and communication strategies.
- Develop and manage a comprehensive planned giving program to build long-term philanthropic support.
- Create and manage budgets related to individual giving and departmental operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with overall development goals.
- Regularly report on performance metrics and financials.
- Represent the organization at zoo events and donor functions, serving as a visible and engaging ambassador of Zoo Knoxville.
- Take on leadership responsibilities that may include supervising additional fundraising staff as the development team expands in preparation for the capital campaign.
- Additional duties as assigned or as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A strong affinity for the mission of Zoo Knoxville
- Flexible, detail-oriented, organized and able to respond to multiple demands
- Acts with integrity, has high standards of professional conduct and respect for confidentiality
- Professional demeanor and appearance
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as with a team
- Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to listen perceptively
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and work collaboratively
- Must be at least 21 years of age and possess a valid driver license.
- Minimum of BA/BS degree in an applicable area of study (Applicants may request a waiver of the four-year degree requirement with significant relevant professional experience)
- Four years of relevant development experience required.
- Experience developing and executing strategic funding plans and programs, developing and managing budgets, and producing quality deliverables within stated timeframes. Track record working with donors through cultivation to secure annual gifts
- Experience supervising staff or managing a team preferred
- Exceptional communication skills including strong writing, editing and presentation abilities
- Ability and willingness to work outside regular business hours, including some evenings and weekends
- Experience with CRM systems (Tessitura) and proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
- Ability and willingness to learn and utilize complex donor database
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
- Don’t meet every requirement?
- At Zoo Knoxville we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.
- You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- As an employee of Zoo Knoxville, you must possess English communication skills as well as the ability to communicate using a 2-way radio, email and telephone.
- The position hours vary depending on business needs and will require weekend and some holiday shifts.
- Depending on the specific tasks, this position will be required to work within close proximity of exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under those conditions.
- Zoo Knoxville is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace and as such each employee must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Salary
- Up to $65,000 Manually
