Development Officer

THE OPPORTUNITY: Develop and implement
fundraising strategies to identify and secure significant gifts for
the annual fund and any special projects or expansion needs.
Increase the organization’s support from individuals and family
foundations with a special emphasis on identifying and cultivating
new donors at the $10,000 level or above to support Chimp Haven
operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE:

• Develop strategies and work plan in partnership with Chief
  Development and Marketing Officer (CDMO) to capitalize on growth
  opportunities and increase revenue.
• Oversee the strategy, planning and execution of the Major Gifts
  program, ensure those efforts are exceptionally executed and
  support overall resource development strategies and sanctuary
  goals.

• Identify new opportunities for major gifts through proactive
  prospecting as well as ongoing cultivation of current
  supporters.

• Produce individual donor plans, develop, and implement
  long-term strategies for philanthropic investment, considering the
  interests and preferences of each donor. Cultivate ongoing and
  year-round one-on-one relationships with these constituents.
  Develop effective outreach activities to make connections and
  secure visits.
• Achieve revenue, moves management and monthly visit goals for
  portfolio.
• Provide leadership to plan and direct the execution of major
  gift fundraising cultivation and stewardship events and activities
  such as sanctuary tours, luncheons, in-home receptions, or other
  events working with other team members as needed. Provide
  consistent and meaningful follow-up to secure commitments or move
  relationship forward.

• Consistently document key conversations and other pertinent
  information into the relationship management database.

• Align donor interests with sanctuary needs, coordinate research
  and solicitation requests based on a donor’s particular area of
  giving or interest. Introduce planned giving opportunities to
  donors as appropriate. Achieve annual fundraising goals.
• Create and present gift proposals that support organizational
  priorities. Execute major gift materials, including briefing memos,
  proposals, and stewardship materials.
• Demonstrate exemplary stewardship by providing engaging and
  timely feedback on investments. Provide effective recognition for
  donors through a personalized thank you program.

• Collaborate with CDMO and staff team to develop and manage
  operating budget.
• Work closely with team members across the organization to
  ensure consistent messaging and marketing of all Chimp Haven
  activities.
• Serve as a highly positive and collaborative partner with
  colleagues throughout the organization.

• Attend training regarding chimpanzee safety, well-being, and
  species-typical behaviors; seek out other learning opportunities to
  advance fundraising knowledge.
• Exhibit the highest ethical and moral values possible.
• Represent Chimp Haven in a professional manner at all
  times.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or related field and
  3-5+ years in successful fundraising experience in major gifts or
  annual giving.

• Proven history of fundraising success, including leadership
  and/or major gift cultivation through solicitation and stewardship
  as well as experience working with planned giving and annual fund
  strategies.
• Experience in soliciting and closing gifts in the five to six
  figure range for a variety of purposes including capital needs,
  endowment, and current use (restricted and
  unrestricted). 

• Knowledge of fundraising principles including gift cultivation
  and stewardship.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• A passion for the mission and purpose of Chimp Haven.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed to other U.S.
  cities and Chimp Haven to meet with existing and prospective
  donors. Estimated travel between 8-10 days per month.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND
ATTRIBUTES:          

• Enthusiasm for engaging with people – including donors,
  volunteers, staff, supporters, and visitors – about Chimp Haven’s
  work and mission.
• Proven ability and willingness to solicit and close gifts and
  successful history of exceeding goals.
• Excellent project management skills. Must be able to think,
  plan, lead, do, innovate, and pivot.
• Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy, and tact to
  build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.
• Ability and willingness to work in a fast-paced, high-profile
  environment, managing multiple projects, competing priorities and
  tight deadlines.
• Demonstrates flexibility and patience and is able to support
  leadership decisions even if personally in disagreement.
• Strong technology skills; experience leading a data-driven
  approach to development. Proficiency in MS Office applications
  (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Raiser’s Edge.