Major Gifts Officer

Are you an experienced development professional who thrives on building lasting donor relationships? The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring a Major Gifts Officer to lead major gift fundraising efforts that support conservation, education, and the Zoo’s strategic priorities.

SUMMARY:

• Under the general direction of the Director of Advancement, the Major Gifts Officer is responsible for securing major gifts of $10,000+ to support the mission and long-term sustainability of the Santa Barbara Zoo.
• In addition to building and managing a portfolio of major donors, the Major Gifts Officer will play a key role in the planning, execution, and management of capital campaigns and special funds.
• This includes developing strategies to secure transformational gifts, coordinating campaign communications, and ensuring campaign goals are met in collaboration with leadership.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Major Gifts Portfolio Management
• Manage a portfolio of individual major gift prospects and donors, with emphasis on securing gifts of $10,000+
• Conduct prospect research, including producing donor profiles to be shared with the Director of Advancement, VP of Community Relations, and Zoo President & CEO as needed
• Develop and implement customized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor
• Conduct donor visits (in-person, phone, or virtual) to strengthen relationships and deepen engagement
• Oversee planned giving program
• Partner with the Director of Advancement, VP of Community Relations, Advancement team, and Zoo President & CEO on solicitations

Capital Campaign Management

• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement and relevant teams to design, implement, and manage capital campaigns from planning through completion
• Form and lead campaign committees as needed
• In collaboration with the Director of Advancement, coordinate with Zoo staff and relevant stakeholders to set timelines, goals, and benchmarks
• Track campaign progress and ensure accurate reporting to leadership, board, and donors as needed
• In collaboration with the Zoo marketing and communications department, develop campaign-related communications and materials
• Ensure campaign donors receive high-quality stewardship and recognition

Planned Giving Management

• Develop and manage the planned giving program (Phoenix Society) to encourage bequests, trusts, and other legacy gifts
• In partnership with the Director of Advancement, identify and cultivate prospects for planned giving opportunities
• Collaborate with the Sponsorship & Special Events Officer to plan and execute annual Phoenix Society stewardship event
• Provide resources and guidance to donors, staff, and board members regarding planned giving vehicles

Stewardship & Relationship Building

• Provide thoughtful, timely, and creative stewardship to recognize donor impact and foster long-term engagement, including but not limited to behind-the-scenes animal experiences
• Translate organizational priorities into compelling cases for support aligned with donor interests
• Maintain accurate donor records in the Zoo database to support campaign and portfolio management

General Advancement Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains effective, fruitful, and long-term relationships with donors
• Assists in maintaining donor databases and filing system
• Contributes to Z-mail, social media, and other applicable media/publications as appropriate
• Assists with the creation of fundraising materials and activities (including marketing materials, emails, appeals, signs, website, and events) to ensure the highest standards of the Zoo brand integrity
• Creates mailing lists and reports as needed
• Leads some donor cultivation/stewardship tours
• Monitors and tracks the activities of donor cultivation/stewardship  
• Provides input on policies and procedures related to Advancement 
• Stays current and knowledgeable on AZA, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s mission, collection, history, programs, projects, and practices
• Participates in and contributes to regular Advancement department meetings
• Supports fundraising efforts for special projects and special programs
• Contributes to the Advancement Department's annual planning and budgeting process 
• Supports all Advancement cultivation/stewardship activities and events 
• Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff through meetings that further departmental goals and productivity
• Edits Advancement and Zoo-wide publications as needed
• Attends professional fundraising training opportunities as warranted
• Researches prospective donors and current donors and creates reports as needed
• Creates some donor recognition gifts and coordinates the distribution of these gifts as needed
• Responsible for networking within the fundraising community as a Zoo Advancement representative
• Responsible for networking within the community as a Zoo Advancement representative 
• Works with the advancement team to assist with donor events and other special activities
• Supports Zoofari Ball as needed 
• Other assignments as needed

SECONDARY DUTIES:

• Organization-wide Responsibilities
• Adheres to Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
• Participates in conservation culture and applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
• Supports Zoo-wide events as needed
• Participates in All Zoo employee meetings
• Participates in cross-departmental committees/teams as a contributing representative of the Advancement department

Guest Relations Responsibilities

• Greets every guest with a smile
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
• Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
• Associates with guests to assist and share information
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
• Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Employee Pledge, and Core Values

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in professional fundraising, preferably in zoo, aquarium, science center, or other mission-focused, venue-based organization
• Experience in donor management
• License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
• Valid CA Driver’s License with good driving record and insurance coverage is required
• Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check
• TB testing yearly

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Ability to think strategically and plan accordingly to further the Advancement effort
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills 
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and guests and to work with all levels of management
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive information
• Capacity for high-level attention to detail
• Demonstrates a high degree of accuracy and strong analytical skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively multi-task, use independent judgment, and produce quality work within a set timeframe to meet deadlines
• Ability to effectively work under pressure, multi-task effectively, use independent judgment, and produce quality work within a tight time frame; meeting deadlines
• Ability to create and implement systems and follow-up processes 
• Must be a proactive and creative problem-solver; a team player with motivation to develop relationships and work collaboratively
• Understanding of telephone and office etiquette
• Ability to handle conflict resolution in a professional manner and to respond to sensitive matters or situations with discretion, tact, and confidentiality
• Ability to relate to persons of diverse backgrounds, skills, and abilities 
• Ability to present self in a personable, professional, and energetic manner
• Ability to exercise safe work habits
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Knowledge of donor management and database systems and best practice (Zoo currently uses Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge)
• Demonstrates initiative, creativity, and enthusiasm, as well as strong organizational skills
• Enjoys working with people, especially volunteers

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Most work is performed inside the office environment
• Occasionally involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
• Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
• Must be able to regularly climb and descend from stairs and other inclines, stand/walk for up to eight continuous hours, manipulate computer and office tools, sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time, and use tools
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs
• Ability to multi-task, and managing high pressure situations and meet critical deadlines in a professional manner
• Must attend all events related to the position
• Ability to work flexible hours (including some holidays, evenings, and weekends) and travel as needed
• Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used:

• Computer 
• Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, calculator, and others as required
• Color and laser printer
• Camera
• Electric cart
• Paper cutter
• Laminator
• Two-way radio

Experience Required

• A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in professional fundraising, preferably in zoo, aquarium, science center, or other mission-focused, venue-based organization Experience in donor management

Perks

• Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!  Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, 13 paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA-accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...

Salary

• $38.50 per hour