Leadership Giving Officer

JOB SUMMARY
The Leadership Giving Officer will develop and implement strategies for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors with special focus on five-figure gifts in support of both general operations and special projects.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively contribute to the Zoo’s fundraising goals by managing an increasingly productive portfolio of major gift donors and prospects with consistent success in securing gifts.
• Implement individualized strategic approach for donor research, identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors.
• Make direct, face-to-face solicitations.
• Collaborate with prospect researcher to identify/qualify potential new donors and establish relationships that will result in a major gift.
• Create, execute, and track moves management plans in assigned portfolio within Tessitura CRM.
• Participate in departmental portfolio review process and be a partner in maintaining an organized system for donor stewardship by updating constituent records, as appropriate.
• Engage with current and prospective donors frequently and proactively.
• Collaborate with various Zoo departments within established guidelines to organize onsite tours for active and prospective major gift donors.
• Ensure timely and appropriate acknowledgement of major donor gifts.
• Attend Zoo events to include board meetings, President’s Circle, member, development and other special donor events.
• Maintain positive and active relationships with staff and donors to ensure support of the Zoo’s fundraising efforts.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Three or more years of experience managing a dynamic portfolio of major gift prospects.
• Proven track record of meeting and exceeding fundraising/performance goals.
• Experience developing effective relationships with key leaders, volunteers, and donors.
• Experience representing a large non-profit organization in a fundraising capacity.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, staff, board members, and community leaders.
• Well-organized, systematic thinker with a disciplined, strong work ethic.
• Exceptional computer skills with a working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Dallas Zoo.
• Must have good observational skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. This may involve some lifting, carrying, moving, pushing, and/or pulling of objects/materials of light weight (15-20 pounds).
• Occasionally works irregular hours, including weekends and evenings
• Often requires long periods of standing and walking outside.
• Some local travel may be required.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license (to operate Zoo vehicles).