Major Gifts Officer

As Louisville Zoo’s Major Gifts Officer the candidate will design, develop, and implement a major gift program in concert with the Zoo’s leadership team. The candidate will be expected to secure annual gifts of $25,000+ and multi-year gifts of $100,000+ totaling $1 MM+, energize team members, persuade prospects, negotiate terms, collaborate effectively with others, use your time strategically and balance the desires of the donor with the needs of the Zoo.

• This position contributes to the strategic direction of Zoo, the state Zoo of Kentucky, via major gift  cultivation and solicitation efforts to meet annual and long-term goals of the Zoo.
• The candidate’s efforts will support capital initiatives, special projects, annual operations, conservation programs, events, education programs, etc.
• They will identify, cultivate and form collaborative relationships and personally manage a portfolio of 75-100+ major donors and prospective donors.
• They will create and implement moves management plans and make direct, face-to-face solicitations and assist the board and other staff with their solicitations.
• She/he/they will be actively involved in strategy sessions and lead cultivation and solicitation activities.
• The candidate will manage the goals and outcomes associated with continued cultivation and stewardship of donors.
• This position works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through weekly meetings and assist in the fundraising efforts Zoo staff provide to the Louisville Zoo Foundation Board and Friends of the Louisville Zoo Board.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class.
• Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.
• Manage and cultivate relationships with existing major gift prospects, as well as identifying new prospects.
• Manage existing portfolio of 75 - 100+ donors and prospects with the capacity to make a major annual gift of $25,000+ and multi-year gifts of $100,000+.
• Create and implement moves management plans for all donors and prospective donors.
• Establish and implement strategy, structure and accountability procedures regarding all major gift relationships and prospective relationships aligned with (but not limited to): restricted/unrestricted major gifts, capital projects, endowment, planned gifts, events, programs and special projects.
• Make direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assists board members and other staff with their solicitation. (e.g., provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications)
• Clearly communicate the Zoo’s mission and vision.
• Collaborate with colleagues and supervisor to align strategy and effort, and to set individual and team goals.
• Fully embrace the database as a prospect development and institutional record keeping tool.
• Acknowledge major donors through public and private recognition, in alignment with departmental practice.
• Track and report progress using specific metrics.
• Meets or exceeds annual key performance indicators (active portfolio of 75-100+ prospects, 80% of portfolio has at least one quality contact every 6 months; completes 10 face-to-face meetings per month and 5 or more solicitations of $25,000+ per quarter; 25 percent of their portfolio makes a major gift annually)
• Creates and implements, in consultation with the Development Manager, a 30-60-90 day start-up plan outlining solicitation goals, audiences, objectives, resource/materials needed and a communication plan for major donors.
• Composes and oversees the creation of all materials needed to support major gift solicitation efforts for the Zoo and Zoo Foundation.
• Supervises a Development Specialist, focused on stewardship and cultivation of donors.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the internal and external environment as it relates to relevant non-profit, local, state and federal government, animal and conservation advocacy, and donor trends. ? Compiles, prepares and interprets financial information.
• Identifies opportunities to streamline donor communications internally and externally.
• Assists with budget preparation, and monitors income and expenses.
• Represents the Zoo, Zoo Foundation, Friends of the Louisville Zoo and Louisville Metro Government at Zoo events and works toward the success of these events.
• Serves as a representative of the Zoo, Louisville Metro Government, Zoo Foundation Board and Friends of the Louisville Zoo at public events/programs, to governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations, and corporate functions, programs, activities, etc.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Communications, English, Public Relations, or related discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Six (6) years of fundraising experience at a minimum; preferably seven or more years of major donor development success; CFRE a plus.
• Raiser’s Edge experience a plus.

Experience Required

• 6-8 years

Perks

• medical,
• dental,
• vision,
• paid time off,
• pension, paid parent leave

Salary

• negotiable