Development - Manager, Fundraising Board Operations

Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species.  Our beautiful 235-acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey!    

• This is a non-union full-time salaried position, grade 08 with an expected hiring range of $69,583 to $76,541 annually.
• For our Benefits Summary Information, follow this link to our Benefits Table or copy and paste the following in your internet browser www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf

BASIC FUNCTION:            

• This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by managing the day-to-day operations of the development fundraising boards.
• In addition, the Manager, Development Fundraising Board Operations works with the fundraising team to help identify, qualify and strategize renewed and upgraded annual, programmatic, campaign and special event gifts from the fundraising boards.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
• With the Sr. Vice President of Development and the Director, Development Boards and Events, maximize financial support and oversee activities of the development fundraising boards.
•  Act as a liaison to the Women’s Board and Young Professionals Council and their various committees to ensure the philanthropic success. 
• Develop communication strategies and action plans for special events and commemorative giving opportunities and prepare key stakeholders for donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Cultivate strong relationships with development fundraising board members by serving as a liaison to BZC and development department.
• Develop communication tools for the development fundraising board for collaboration and engagement of members.
• Attend and coordinate details for the development fundraising board meetings and committee meetings.
• Timely and accurately prepare all necessary meeting materials; record and distribute minutes and other materials; maintain appropriate archival records.
• In addition, coordinate mailings and meetings.
• Assist with individualized fundraising strategies, including cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of development fundraising board members.
• Handle inquiries and requests from fundraising board members and related committee members, providing personal and prompt service.
• Maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of BZC’s programs and communicate BZC’s needs to members of the development fundraising boards.
• Other related duties as assigned.
• Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

Experience Required

• POSITION REQUIRMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS Associate’s degree in arts, sciences or other relevant business-related field or four years of equivalent experience required.
• High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Three years comparable experience working in a development, non-profit, or administrative position.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to deal with all levels of staff required.
• Ability to strategically build and maintain relationships with BZC donors required.
• Must be articulate and well-spoken, capable of effectively representing the organization to various audiences both within and outside the organization.
• Must possess adept and persuasive communication skills, including the ability to write persuasive, personal, and grammatically correct letters and proposals.
• Must possess solid planning proficiency and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information essential. Effective problem-solving skills.
• Sound, logical decision-making skills required.
• Must be a flexible and cooperative team player.
• Outstanding communications skills, verbal and written, including strong/effective listening skills required.
• Ability to effectively deal with emergent issues, multiple projects, meet critical deadlines, and internal/external high- level officials simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and effectively manage sensitive development issues.
• Experience using Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database management software packages required.
• Highly professional appearance and demeanor essential.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• English fluency at a professional level.
• Valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire.
• Valid out-of-state driver’s license is required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Raiser’s Edge experience a plus. Experience with Development Moves Management process a plus. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Incumbent is required to gain an understanding of the Development Department and BZC’s mission, vision, and values.
• Understand how development and fundraising activities impact the operation and sustainability of the organization.
• Incumbent must have a strong work ethic, enthusiasm, creativity, and be diplomatic, tactful, flexible and adaptable.
• Must enjoy a challenge, be passionate about his/her work, and have a commitment to excellence.
• This is a visible position, which interacts with all departments and a range of external constituencies.
• Incumbent is expected to be present and visible at events sponsored by the organization and the Development Department.
• Position requires early morning, evenings, and weekends; thus, incumbent must be willing to make a significant commitment to the organization.
• Some local and domestic travel may be required to meet established work objectives.
• The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature.
• Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.
• Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary

• $69,583 to $76,541 annually