Are you a high performer in sales or fundraising? Do you excel at building partnerships and closing impactful deals? Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is seeking a Philanthropy Officer to drive sponsorships, corporate memberships, and capital campaigns, generating support for wildlife and natural habitats including innovation projects like REZOOVENATION: The Campaign to Inspire.
- Imagine turning a sales pitch into a naming opportunity, such as "Manatee River," or negotiating four- or five-figure sponsorships for events like "Spooktacular."
- This role goes beyond traditional fundraising; it's about purpose-driven business development.
- We are looking for a dynamic relationship builder who infuses energy and innovation into every interaction.
- This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact by leading, inspiring, and shaping the future of conservation.
- Help us fulfill our mission of “Connecting communities with wildlife and wild places.”
What You’ll Do:
- Pitch and secure partnerships that align with our mission.
- Lead fundraising initiatives, including the REZOOVENATION: The Campaign to Inspire.
- Collaborate with teams across the organization to ensure we deliver on contract deliverables.
- Steward existing partners and identify new leads.
- Create tailored proposals that align donor values with conservation goals.
What You Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. Communications, Marketing, Business, or Nonprofit Management) OR at least 6 years of experience in corporate fundraising, sponsorships, sales, or business development.
- 3+ years in sales, fundraising, business development, or a similar client-facing role.
- Experience managing a portfolio of donors or business clients (four- to five-figure value).
- Ability to execute strategies, report on KPIs, and meet/exceed revenue goals.
- Comfortable using CRM software and proficient in Microsoft Office 365.
- Proven success designing customized sponsorships or donor programs.
- A natural ability to engage stakeholders, pitch value, and close with confidence.
- Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and project management skills.
- A demonstrated ability to engage diverse groups and inspire generosity.
- Knowledge of corporate giving, major gifts, and donor stewardship best practices.
- A plus if you have...
- Experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly in fundraising or donor relations.
- Knowledge of the Jacksonville community and corporate landscape.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and donor CRM software.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to access and navigate each department at the organization on foot or by motorized cart, including any construction sites, to facilitate tours, greet visitors, and escort visitors.
- Auditory and visual acuity ability for safety to decern communications via telephone, telephone systems, two-way radio, and face-to-face interactions.
- Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
- Ability to sit/stand for prolonged periods of time.
- Ability to transport and move items occasionally up to 20 pounds for short distances without difficulty.
- We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations.
EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
- FundraisingForWildlife #REZOOVENATION #SupportWildlife #SalesWithPurpose #MakeAnImpact
Salary
- Compensation depends on experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities between $51k- $56k annually.
