Director of Annual Giving [Full-Time]

San Antonio Zoo•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife. The Director of Annual Giving is responsible for the strategic leadership, growth, and execution of the zoo’s annual giving and membership fundraising programs. This role oversees all aspects of annual and recurring giving, donor engagement, and direct/digital appeals, with a focus on data-driven decision-making, donor stewardship, and revenue growth. The Director collaborates closely with senior leadership and plays a critical role in strengthening the donor pipeline to support long-term philanthropic investment in the Zoo. As a Director of Annual Giving, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
Minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with an emphasis on annual giving, or comparable experience in sales, marketing, or business development.
Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing annual and/or special gifts at comparable levels of scope and complexity.
Proven ability to design and execute donor identification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies informed by donor analytics and segmentation.
Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to develop creative, credible fundraising solutions and implement integrated communications plans and initiatives.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce persuasive donor communications, proposals, reports, and event materials.
Demonstrated experience with digital marketing and digital fundraising strategies.
High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential donor and organizational information.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and donor database systems; experience with Blackbaud products strongly preferred.
Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies quickly and effectively.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, budgetary targets, and financial goals.
Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and after-hours assignments as required.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, refine, and steward comprehensive strategies for the Wildlife Champions Philanthropic Membership program, Zoo Amigos monthly giving, Annual Fund, and all direct and digital fundraising appeals.
Establish, monitor, and analyze key performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
Stay informed of emerging fundraising best practices, technological advancements, and AI-driven innovations relevant to donor engagement and philanthropy.
In partnership with the Vice President, develop and manage annual revenue and expense budgets for assigned programs.
Participate in weekly senior leadership meetings and contribute to organizational strategy and planning.
Analyze donor data to identify trends, opportunities, and meaningful donor segments; develop and implement segmentation strategies to support fundraising objectives.
Personally manage and steward a portfolio of leadership-level donors with annual gifts ranging from $1,000–$10,000.
Build and maintain a pipeline of donors for qualification and transition into major gift portfolios.
Oversee and grow the Wildlife Champions Membership and Zoo Amigo’s programs, including recruitment, solicitations, events, fulfillment of benefits, stewardship, and elevation of annual commitments.
Oversee the development, review, and execution of all print and digital fundraising communications, including direct mail, email campaigns, program event invitations, and printed collateral.
Ensure messaging is donor-centric, compelling, and aligned with organizational priorities and brand standards.
Supervise the Prospect and Gift Manager; provide leadership, performance management, goal tracking, and professional development.
Foster positive, cooperative, and effective working relationships with colleagues across the organization.
Work collaboratively with volunteers, senior leadership, board members, and development staff to achieve fundraising goals.
Consistently demonstrate a guest-service mindset, showing attentiveness, professionalism, and genuine interest in guest experience.
Communicate with the public in a courteous, tactful manner and proactively assist guests with questions and directions throughout the Zoo.
Support cleanliness and presentation of public areas by removing litter and debris as needed.
Perform additional duties as assigned in support of Zoo operations and mission fulfillment.