Are you passionate about building relationships that make a difference? Do you thrive on connecting donors with a meaningful cause? ZooTampa is seeking a Director of Donor Relations to play a crucial role in growing our community of supporters. You'll cultivate lasting relationships, spearhead fundraising initiatives, and help secure the future of wildlife conservation—all while working in one of Florida’s most dynamic nonprofit organizations!
- Are you ready to take your fundraising career to the next level and leave a lasting impact?
- Can you see yourself leading donor engagement strategies that directly support wildlife conservation?
- Don't wait—opportunities like this don’t come around often! Apply today and be part of something truly wild!
Position Summary:
- The Director of Donor Relations will play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of ZooTampa by developing and implementing strategies to secure major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
- This position is dedicated to cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors, focusing on small to medium size contributions.
- The Director of Donor Relations workswith committees, volunteers and giving societies to deepen engagement, and supports the ongoing operations and growth of ZooTampa’s fundraising initiatives, including our annual fund and special events.
Who We Are
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually.
- We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities.
- The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
- Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
- Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
- Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
- Your day to day
Essential Job / Position Functions:
- Expand existing donor base
- Qualify, develop, and maintain year-round relationships with a portfolio of numerous donors or prospects.
- Coordinate and execute fundraising campaigns to meet the organization’s targets
- Maintain existing relationships with individual donors or prospects including acknowledgment and recognition
- Research potential donors, foundations, and other development opportunities
- Represent the organization’s mission to donors, potential donors, and other external stakeholders
- Approve all written fundraising and outreach materials
- Supervise fundraising event coordination
- Maintain database of donors, track gifts, and fulfill reporting requirements to all stakeholders
- Supervise and mentor other fundraising staff
- What are we looking for?
Qualifications and Experience:
- Three to five or more years of experience in fundraising
- Proven track record of planning and initiating successful fundraising strategies
- Experience in managing databases and using fundraising software, specifically Raisers Edge
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Outstanding attention to detail
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant field
- Experience in managing multiple concurrent priorities
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to use standard office equipment including but not limited to communication radios, telephones, standard PC equipment and printers
- Must be able to plan for, work, and staff specials events and exhibits as well as be available for unexpected shifts.
- Must be able to work in a variety of physical conditions, including walking throughout the Zoo in every season for tours and meetings.
- Must be able to work in a variety of positions, including sitting, bending, standing and walking. Must be able to sit for long periods of time doing computer work.
Our Perks at ZooTampa:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance options
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with company match up to 4%
- Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation and Wellness time)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Forgiveness
- Free gym membership
- Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
- Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
- And so much more!
- Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace
Experience Required
- Three to five or more years of experience in fundraising Proven track record of planning and initiating successful fundraising strategies Experience in managing databases and using fundraising software, specifically Raisers Edge Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Outstanding attention to detail Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant field Experience in managing multiple concurrent priorities
Perks
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance options 403(b) Retirement Plan with company match up to 4% Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation and Wellness time) Employee Assistance Program Tuition Forgiveness Free gym membership Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida And so much more!
