Donor Engagement & Event Specialist - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

• The Donor Engagement & Event Specialist specializes in a variety of fundraising and custom donor/member stewardship experiences, events and activities for SDZWA, both at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, and at offsite and regional locations.
• This position reports to the Director of Philanthropy Events and Donor Engagement.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Cultivates and stewards SDZWA donors ($25K to multi-million level) through highly customized experiences and tour activities, resulting in elevated revenue impact to SDZWA.
• Determines event sites and creates event staffing plans, and all related logistics, directs staff and volunteers at events.
• Develops experience and event plans and coordinates logistics with other departments, outside vendors, and civic authorities/departments as needed, e.g. health department, ABC, SDPD, etc.
• Solicits donations and sponsorships, providing significant funding for SDZWA.
• Manages SDZWA donor ambassador groups, comprised of major donors and influential community members.
• Contracts and negotiates with outside vendors for event services, negotiating best prices.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking an individual with demonstrated success in maneuvering and organizing complicated event logistics, with skills in collaboration and relationship building.
• The desired candidate has a keen attention to detail, is highly organized, and is a self-starter who takes initiative on projects and events.
• The selected candidate ideally keeps up on current fundraising and event trends and is inspired to be part of an organization that is committed to protecting wildlife worldwide. 

JOB EXPERIENCE

• At least four years’ experience in event planning and fundraising; experience with coordinating fundraising events; Raisers Edge, Reserve, Social Tables, Eventbrite, Zoom and Go To Webinar a plus; experience working with major donors, community groups, committees and volunteers.
• Donation solicitation and coordination experience desirable.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality preferred.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Ability to take the lead on fundraising experiences and programs, work independently, and make decisions on your own required.
• Ability to solicit donations and sponsorships required.
• Ability to work well with donors, Board members and volunteers required.
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) required.
• Ability to work well with others in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• Ability to effectively organize with attention to detail, learn new processes quickly, adapt easily to changes, handle a variety of technology/software platforms, and maintain a high level of accuracy required.
• Ability to use word processing, spreadsheets and databases (Windows, Word and Excel), Power Point, virtual software platforms required.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

Fraudulent Recruiting

• Beware of fraudulent recruiting.
• Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address.
• We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process.
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
• If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo
• Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org.  If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately. 

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

• At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
• If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.
• As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.

Salary

• $25.77 - $28.48 hourly