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).