Grants and Foundations Gift Officer - Full Time

Are you looking to join a highly regarded advancement team in Indianapolis? If you are a results-driven, polished professional possessing creativity, vision, enthusiasm, and a strong drive to succeed, then the Indianapolis Zoo is looking for you to join our herd as a Grants and Foundations Gift Officer.

• The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking an experienced, results-oriented Grants and Foundations Gift Officer to participate as a key member of an Institutional Advancement team that creates and implements strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward grant and foundation support.
• This position is responsible for the identification, solicitation, and stewardship of funding relationships with foundations and other grant partners in support of the Zoo's mission.
• The incumbent actively manages a portfolio of approximately 150 new and existing funders to contribute to the Zoo's annual and long-term fundraising goals.
• This will primarily include grant funds and foundations including both restricted and unrestricted funds.
• The Grants and Foundations Gift Officer will also actively participate in the Zoo's $53 million capital campaign - The Campaign for Our Zoo, Our Community, Our World.
• The Grants and Foundation Gift Officer will work closely with other members of the Institutional Advancement team, Executive Vice President, President & CEO, various Zoo colleagues, volunteers, various committees and board members, as well as donors and prospects.
• During the last half-century, the Indianapolis Zoo developed into a global leader in animal conservation and one of the top tourist destinations in Indiana, welcoming more than one million visitors annually.
• As one of the largest zoos in the country that receives no direct tax funding, our fundraising team plays an integral role in our organization's success.
• These talented and dedicated professionals support the Zoo's efforts to save wild things and wild places around the world and close to home.

Requirements include:

• A minimum of five (5) years fundraising experience in grant writing and management at a nonprofit organization.
• Grant solicitation success and procurement required. Ability to demonstrate procurement of grants more than $25,000.
• Basic knowledge of institutional advancement functions in not-for-profit organizations.
• Significant knowledge of funding organizations (both private and governmental) structures, systems, and requirements.
• Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills are required.
• Must have strong research, project management, grant and program budgeting, and tracking skills to carry out daily tasks.
• Knowledge of Indianapolis and surrounding communities is preferred.
• Ability to meet short and long-term goals is required.
• Ability to effectively translate the mission, programs, and activities to meet the needs of a variety of funding sources.
• Ability to work in concert with the Institutional Advancement department and other staff members in a team environment.
• Familiarity in working with nonprofit organizations is required.
• Familiarity with the Zoo's mission and general organization is preferred.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral communication skills and writing ability.
• Proficiency in accuracy, detail, and follow-up.
• Ability to multi-task; handle stressful situations and deadline pressures.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including off-hours around IA activities.
• A bachelor's degree in an appropriate field is required.
• A competent user of Raiser's Edge NXT or similar database is required. Must be an intermediate user of Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• At least three professional references (not relatives) are required.
• This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position that will typically work a Monday-Friday schedule but must be able to work evenings and weekends for peak event demands.

To apply:

• Interested candidates must apply online to the Indianapolis Zoo's website.
• Interested candidates must include a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to be considered.
• Please feel free to submit any writing samples with the application. Finalists for this position may be asked to complete a Concrete Data Sheet to help gauge their writing ability/style.
• Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.

Perks

• Work for the wildest employer in Indianapolis!
• Some perks include:
• Medical (Health Savings Account with employer contribution included),
• Dental,
• Vision,
• and Life Insurance,
• Short-Term Disability paid through the Zoo for eligible employees;
• 403(b) Retirement Plan,
• generous Paid Time Off (PTO),
• Immediate Paid Holidays,
• complimentary Zoo Membership,
• Reciprocal Benefits to other local institutions, and many, many more!!!

Salary

• Negotiable