Vice President of Development

The San Francisco Zoological Society (“Society”) is a non-profit institution that manages and raises funds for San Francisco Zoo and Gardens (“Zoo”).  The Society’s mission, supra, is summarized as the 3 c’s: to connect our visitors with wildlife so that they care about nature and ultimately conserve it.  The Society’s leadership team is comprised of a CEO & Executive Director as well as a senior management team. The Society endeavors to meet or exceed the standards of its industry peers, including those established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (“AZA”). For over 25 years, the Society has been continuously accredited by the AZA. 

• Upholds the Society’s mission and core values (Respect, Professionalism, Resiliency, Equality and Efficiency) and other policies/procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook and elsewhere.

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Under general direction, incumbent determines key departmental strategies, executes grant writing, drives donor relations, manages Development Department team members, conducts fundraising solicitation efforts, and manages consultants dedicated to departmental projects. 
• Incumbent is also expected to work closely with other Zoo Divisions and external stakeholders on identifying strategic development opportunities, assisting or leading capital and other campaigns.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

• Lead and supervise a group of journey level Development and support staff.
• ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following. 
• The following is not intended to be an exhaustive list. 
• Other duties may be assigned or required.
• Evaluates, recommends and updates Development policies,
• procedures and practices to support all fundraising at the Zoo;
• Oversees and directs Development and support staff, prepares and administers Development budget consistent with the vision and values of the Zoo, the Office of the Executive Director/CEO and its Board of Directors;
• Optimizes Development department day-to-day activities as needed, including streamlining workflows and approving administrative functions.
• Plans, evaluates and executes annual fundraising events independently or in conjunction with other Zoo Divisions or their designees. 
• These events may include, but are not limited to, 1) Major and special gifts, 2) Corporate Sponsorships, 3) Direct solicitation, 4) Planned/Estate Giving, 5) Campaigns to Underwrite Infrastructure Expenses, 6) Projects that encourage public support, and 7) Other fundraising events;
• Forms strategies and tactics for ancillary fundraising programs, such as Zoo II and associated fundraising events.
• In collaboration with Development department staff, manage and govern activities related to these programs.
• Works with internal, external stakeholders and/or strategic advisors to develop and execute a program or plan to identify, solicit and cultivate new donations from individual donors, private foundations, corporations and government entities that have not previously partnered with the Zoo;
• Oversees staff on grant and foundation proposals and identifies new funding opportunities to address the Zoo’s capital as well as on-going infrastructure needs, which may include general operation and existing programming.  Manages and updates the in-house donor database to ensure accuracy, timely donor correspondence and related mailings;
• Manages or assists in all internal and external communications including Board reports, agency submissions, and promotional activities. 
• Updates documents and understands & advises senior management staff on current federal, state or local rules and regulations on giving and serves as compliance monitor on behalf of the Zoo; Assists in developing strategic plans for Marketing and other Divisions and enlists support for those activities; Represents the Zoo in sponsored events, before boards, groups, committees and working groups and, if needed, prepares documents and presentations;
• Coordinates with the Office of the Executive Director/CEO or their designee(s) on matters relating to the Zoo’s Board of Directors, and may be asked to make presentations and provide updates to this Body; Conducts or coordinates with other Zoo staff on special tours for donors

Performs other duties as assigned or required

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages subordinate supervisors who supervise employees in Development and Membership Services. 
• Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. 
• Also directly supervises non-supervisory employees.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, applicable laws, and relevant labor laws. 
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; ensuring compliance with union rules regarding seniority.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university, prefer advanced degree.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum ten years of increasing responsibilities in fundraising, development and supervision.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, and talk or hear. 
• The employee is occasionally required to stand. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 
• EOE.

Salary Range:

• $125,000-$140,000

Please attach a cover letter with your resume.