Director of Board Relations

The Director of Board Relations will manage three staff and will be responsible for leading the engagement and activity of the zoo’s Board of Trustees; and position the Women’s Board and Auxiliary Board for significant growth in fundraising and civic engagement. An experienced, collaborative, team-oriented development leader, this important role will foster a vibrant board culture, ensure sound governance practices, and oversee best-practice staffing and support of the zoo’s chief volunteers and major donors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Board of Trustees

• Work closely with the Board Chair, Vice President of Development, CEO, and CFO to develop and implement board engagement and activity
• Oversee board meetings, committee structure, orientation and nominating activity, board travel and annual Trustee self-assessment
• Support the Board Annual Fund (with the Director of Annual Giving) and Trustee engagement in an upcoming fundraising Campaign
• Partner with the Vice President of Development to lead the Nominating and Development committees

Women’s Board and Auxiliary Board

• Lead the continued modernization and fundraising success of the Women’s Board and Auxiliary Boards.
• Grow Zoo Ball, the zoo’s signature fundraising event hosted by the Women’s Board; including solicitation of top sponsors (with event consultant)
• Re-imagine the Women Supporting Wildlife event as a mission-driven civic gathering, a fundraising luncheon hosted by the Women’s Board to celebrate women in conservation and wildlife science.
• Position the Auxiliary Board for future growth and impact, including an assessment of the board’s fundraising events
• Cultivate and implement modern, relevant and efficient board identities and practices: meetings, committee structure, fundraising efforts.
• Support individual fundraising strategies with board members in partnership with the Leadership and Individual Giving team.

General

• Will partner regularly with the Board Chair, CEO, CFO and senior staff
• Daily external work with Trustees and top donors
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Exceptional communication and writing skills
• Ability to communicate and be understood in business English
• Thorough knowledge of office practices, procedures and equipment, and ability to operate standard equipment
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, SharePoint).  
• Familiarity with Outlook, Raiser’s Edge and/or Salesforce (fundraising software); and design software is a plus.
• Open to learning new technologies
• Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion
• Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and complete in a timely manner
• Ability to work independently, exercising independent judgment and discretion
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education/experience is required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 5+ years of board relations or fundraising experience at a mission-driven organization.
• Experience managing staff
• Non-profit or museum/zoo experience a plus

Note:

• A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify an individual

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to work in open office environment
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds to facilitate tours, greet visitors, coordinate meetings

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends or holidays, as assigned.
• Salary: $90k-110k/ annually
• Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming.
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply.
• We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people. 
• For Wildlife. For All.

Salary

• $90k-$110k/annually