Manager - Zoo Development

Under the direction of the Zoo Director, to oversee and execute the further advancement of the Abilene Zoo. This position is responsible for developing a diverse portfolio of donors. This position manages the entire development department which consists of Marketing, Events, Memberships, and Volunteers. This position also serves as the Manager on Duty during on-call weekends for the entire zoo. The goal of the Development Manager is to further grow and enhance the zoo’s image and position within the community.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• The Manager – Zoo Development position exercises supervision of lower-level staff.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Selects, develops, evaluates and maintains a highly qualified, motivated and diverse team of professionals in Marketing, Development, Membership, Volunteer Management and Events and manages the workflow of the entire team to ensure objectives are delivered.
• Oversees the development and implementation of every aspect of events including obtaining creative sponsorships opportunities, communicating the needs of the event to the entire zoo staff, and ensuring proper marketing, event development and volunteer management.
• Identifies, develops, and maintains strategic partnerships to promote and strengthen the Abilene Zoo, managing a portfolio of over 600 donors and corporate partners.
• Develops, manages and executes capital campaign strategies to fulfill fundraising requirements for large scale projects.
• Part of the Manager on Duty (MOD) team.
• Ensuring that there is always MOD coverage during Zoo operational hours.
• Maintains timely and open communication with the Zoo Director, including serving as a liaison for the Development and Zoobilation Committees.
• Responsible for presenting a detailed budget, forecasting costs, anticipating needs and monitoring income and expenses for the entire Development Department and prepares detailed monthly reports to the Zoo Director and Abilene Zoological Society Board.
• Research potential funding sources including public, private, state, federal and corporate organizations to include writing grant proposals, grant evaluations and other fundraising content.
• Works directly with the Zoo Director and City of Abilene to handle media inquiries and crisis communication response.
• Research, write and submit evaluation reports for grants to further enhance the zoo.
• Operate City vehicles, Zoo rides, attractions, and other motorized equipment.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

• Assists with theming all new attractions and exhibit series.
• Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Marketing principles utilized within the industry.
• Abilene media community and social media best practices.
• Major event management for events with an excess of $250,000 in revenue.
• Marketing, promotion, and public relations.
• Development, fundraising and grant writing.
• Database management skills to ensure the proper upkeep and maintenance of the donor and membership database.
• Bookkeeping skills to develop, implement, and maintain multiple department budgets.

Skill to:

• Interpret federal, state, and city laws, rules, and regulations related to public events and facilities; as well as state and local labor and occupational safety and health rules and regulations.
• Effectively communicate the zoos needs and mission to the community and donors.
• Effectively write content for grants, social media, donor and board communications.
• Give clear and concise oral and written communication; prepare and present reports regarding the zoo’s development department.

Ability to:

• Supervise and direct multi-levels of staff.
• Communicate and maintain effective working relationships with media, staff members, AZS board members, and the public.
• Work hours outside of a traditional work schedule including nights, weekends, and special events as the schedule demands.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Multi-task, prioritize, and organize projects efficiently within a work schedule.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

• For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels.
• Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.  Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

• Four (4) years of related experience in the management of Development, Grant Writing, Marketing, and Events is preferred.

Education/Training:         

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in communications, marketing, or a related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.

License or Certificate:

• A valid Texas Driver’s License, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Special Requirements:

• Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
• Bloodborne Pathogens training, HazCom training, and HIPAA Compliance training are required within sixty (60) days of employment. 
• First Aid/CPR certification and recertification are required following employment.
• Some extended work hours are required during events.
• Some weekend, evening, and holiday work are required.
• With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:
• Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds
• Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
•  Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
•  Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
• Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes:

• The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

• N         =          No
• E         =          Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• M         =          Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• I           =          Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
• A         =          Almost Never (<10% of the time)
• Code / Task
• M_    Standing
• M_    Sitting
• M_    Walking
• I__    Lifting
• I__    Carrying
• I_       Pushing/Pulling
• I__    Overhead Work
• I__    Fine Dexterity
• I__    Kneeling
• I__    Crouching
• A_     Crawling
• M_    Bending
• M_    Twisting
• I__    Climbing
• M_    Balancing
• M_    Vision
• M_    Hearing
• E_     Talking
•    Other: 

Salary

• $66708.04 - $80,050.00