Major Gifts Officer

Minnesota Zoo Foundation • Eagan, MN

6h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is an integral member of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation team, pursuing and securing philanthropic gifts of $10,000+ to support the Minnesota Zoo’s operational, special project, programmatic and capital needs. The MGO will work closely with a four-person Major Gifts team along with the Zoo Director/Foundation President, Institutional and Annual Giving Teams to grow support for the Minnesota Zoo from individuals.

Requirements

• 3+ years of major gift solicitation work, cultivating gifts of 10,000+
• 3-5+ years of experience working in development for a nonprofit organization(s) with a focus on individual philanthropy.
• A track record of successfully asking for and closing gifts, including the ability to create personalized proposals and presentations for donors.
• Basic knowledge of planned giving options.
• A passion for the people, animals and programs associated with the Minnesota Zoo.
• Proficiency with donor and contact management databases.
• A valid driver’s license, with a safe driving record, and the ability to travel to offsite meetings with donors and prospects.
• Collaborative style and the ability to work with a diverse group of individuals both inside the organization and out in the community.
• Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class and immigrant status.
• Ability to clearly represent and present the mission and vision of the Minnesota Zoo.
• Ability to work independently and proactively while keeping supervisor apprised of issues, opportunities, and progress.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues in multiple departments/divisions.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines.
• High degree of integrity, ethical decision making, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required and must be capable of planning and managing independent travel.
• Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• May need to work occasional weekends and evenings dependent on Foundation events and donor meetings.
• Required to use a computer and phone; Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping.
• Ability to navigate the Zoo premises and accompany donors and prospects on tours in variable weather conditions, both indoor and outdoor.
• May need to lift up to 20 lbs.

Nice To Haves

• 3-5+ years of major gift solicitation work, cultivating gifts of 100,000+
• 8+ years of experience fundraising for nonprofit organizations, with a focus on individual major gifts
• Experience with Tessitura CRM Software

Responsibilities

• Using research, wealth screening, and discovery calls, develop a portfolio of 150 individuals with capacity and inclination to give $10,000+. This will be a blend of current donors and new prospects.
• Maintaining a focus on donor-driven, relationship-based gift development, build and implement strategies to cultivate and secure gifts of $10,000+ in unrestricted, restricted and/or capital gifts.
• Conduct a minimum of 150 face to face visits per year (in person or virtually) with significant additional contacts via phone, mail and email.
• Support the efforts of the Director of Major Gifts and Foundation President in securing new and renewed gifts.
• Solicit support from managed prospects for the Zoo’s annual fund-raising event, Beastly Bash.
• Ensure that donor database maintenance, donor contact information, donor gift acknowledgement and recognition, and gift stewardship are completed accurately and timely.
• Track moves on a regular basis by entering contact reports in Tessitura and prepare regular activity reports.
• Provide regular update reports on capital campaign activity and results.
• Ensure proper donor recognition in all publications and on signage and oversee accurate donor lists for those places.
• Participate through active involvement in team and all staff meetings, events, and training.
• Provide on-site support for events and programs as needed by the Foundation, which typically occur on the weekends or in the evenings.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the changing needs of the organization and the successful candidate’s interests, aptitude, and experience.

Benefits

• The Minnesota Zoo Foundation (Foundation) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to help realize the mission of the Minnesota Zoo by raising contributed income from individuals, corporations, and foundations; securing planned gifts; hosting cultivation and fund-raising events; leading and/or participating in Zoo programs and activities; and advocating on behalf of the Zoo.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree