Major Gifts Officer

Zoo Careers•Seattle, WA

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; and at least four (4) or years successful frontline fundraising experience.
Ability to analyze research data to align donors with appropriate projects.
Ability to audit work for accuracy and quality.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Ability to employee best practices associate with position, with an approach to accuracy, while displaying an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and requests and meet deadlines in a professional manner.
Ability to effectively present information to staff, volunteers, public groups, donors, board members, and others.
Ability to attend zoo functions and work a non-standard/flexible schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in major gift fundraising, with a strong understanding of the full donor engagement process, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Proven ability to build and maintain donor-centered relationships based on trust, credibility, and long-term partnership.
Experience working toward clearly defined fundraising goals and activity metrics, with the ability to track progress, manage performance expectations, and use data to inform strategy.
Effective critical thinking and decision-making skills, particularly in complex or evolving situations.
Salesforce or other equivalent database program experience.
Experience fundraising in zoos or aquariums.
Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

Responsibilities

Actively manage a portfolio of philanthropic prospects, focusing on identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors who have the capacity to make major gifts.
Build meaningful relationships with donors and prospects through highly customized interactions, primarily face-to-face, and translate those conversations into clear, actionable cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans.
Prepare, submit, and follow through on major gift proposals, including solicitations of $10,000 or more, aligned with fundraising priorities, coordinating with the zoo’s institutional giving team on proposals and gift documentation as appropriate.
Develop comprehensive moves management plans for all donors and prospects within the portfolio in support of the zoo’s annual fundraising goals and objectives.
Record, with timeliness and precision, information about prospects and donors, strategies and next steps using Salesforce.
Partner with the Planned Giving Officer to document planned gifts from donors to ensure their intentions are honored and gifts are eligible for campaign inclusion as appropriate.
Manage portfolio per the zoo’s prospect management guidelines and policies aimed at advancing best practices in portfolio management.
Regularly evaluate fundraising programs, assess progress toward goals, and share clear updates on outcomes and impact.
Partner with zoo board members, volunteers and staff to review and implement cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
Serve as a liaison between Development and other departments at the zoo as assigned.
Support holistic zoo fundraising efforts at events as appropriate.
Assist department leadership with proposals and communications with donors as requested.
Understand and comply with all policies and procedures, and ensure ethical compliance as defined by the Association for Fundraising Professionals.