THE ORGANIZATION Founded in 1899 Woodland Park Zoo, located in the Phinney Ridge area of Seattle, is one of the world’s foremost zoological institutions. Situated on 92 beautifully landscaped acres, the zoo houses over 1100 animals (300 species with 40+ endangered or threatened species in their collection). The award-winning accredited zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting international standards for zoos in animal care, conservation, education programs and guest experience. Woodland Park Zoo saves animals and their habitats through conservation leadership and engaging experiences, inspiring people to learn, care and act. Founded in 1899, Woodland Park Zoo has sparked delight, discovery and unforgettable memories for generations of Northwest families. People who experience the wonders of the natural world are inspired to protect it. That's why every year we lead more than 1 million people on a journey that inspires a lifelong love of animals, makes science come alive, and gives people the tools to take conservation action. With a unique combination of public and private support, the zoo hosts over 1.2 million visitors annually with one of the highest membership bases (40,000+) among Puget Sound area attractions and museums. As a “living classroom,” Woodland Park Zoo reaches nearly 88,000 students and teachers annually through its education programs. In addition, the zoo supports 35 field conservation programs working to save animals and habitats around the world and the Pacific Northwest. The Woodland Park Zoo has annual operating revenues of $36M of which the development function at the zoo contributes about $4.5 million. Other revenue sources include about $12 million or 1/3 of the total operating budget from governmental sources (City of Seattle and King County), about $4 million through memberships, $9 million from attendance and the rest from a diverse stream of earned income sources including summer concerts, contracts with food and retail vendors, education programs, and sponsorships. Recent successful fundraising efforts have resulted in new exhibits as well as capital projects focused on guest experience and physical improvements recognized with a LEED gold certification. Woodland Park Zoo is led by a dynamic and talented leadership team with a strong and engaged Board. Through a 20-year operating agreement partnering with the City of Seattle, the zoo is truly a beloved institution. THE POSITION Contribute to the overall success of Woodland Park Zoo, furthering its mission and leading its financial sustainability through the raising of funds to support the general operating, program and capital needs of the organization. Reporting to the President and CEO, leading a team of 19 and serving as a member of the zoo’s executive leadership team, this position is critical in furthering the mission of the organization and driving its financial sustainability. ISSUES AND CHALLENGES - The Vice President of Development will work closely with the CEO, Board and Senior staff to develop and execute the next major capital campaign for the zoo. A multi-year (7-8) campaign known as More Wonder More Wild was completed in 2014 and resulted in over $80 million raised for new exhibits and programs.
- Opportunities for a new campaign include developing over two acres of exhibit spaces, improving and expanding animal experiences through programs and presentations, and a variety of improvements to educational experiences and community partnerships.
- Woodland Park Zoo plays a very active and direct role in biodiversity conservation globally, with programs in Papua New Guinea, Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia, and a strong focus on regional projects in the Pacific NW. The Vice President of Development will work closely with our wildlife conservation team to package and seek support for these initiatives.
- WPZ maintains a strong education and community outreach program, and is a leader in informal science education in Seattle and nationally. Education and interpretation programs reach diverse communities with have a strong emphasis on education to underserved communities, and are well poised for significant additional philanthropic support.
- WPZ has a group of dedicated and talented development staff including a very capable resource and data component that helps track and understand the donor base. Like many development offices that are in between major campaigns, WPZ has experienced turnover this past year that will allow the new Vice President of Development to shape and develop the team moving forward.
KEY COMPONENTS OF THE POSITION INCLUDE: - Oversee a comprehensive fundraising campaign that includes capital and operating targets.
- Work closely with the Board of Directors and senior staff to establish and meet annual performance goals, operating plans, and objectives that secure significant financial resources from multiple sources for the organization.
- Be the staff liaison for the Board of Trustees Development Steering Committee, which oversees and coordinates major fundraising initiatives for the Board.
- Manage and nurture a Development team with functions in annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, donor prospecting and research and special multi-year capital fundraising campaigns.
- Lead the Development Department on two major fund raising events that combined generates nearly $2 million annually.
- Advance the organization’s position with relevant constituents to drive broader awareness and donor support.
- Lead and implement short term and long-range strategic fundraising priorities.
- Plan and direct a comprehensive program of building and maintaining institutional relationships with foundations, corporations and government agencies.
- Maintain a thorough working knowledge of issues and trends affecting government, corporate and private funding and communicate regularly to other staff to facilitate awareness of strategic opportunities and challenges in building support for zoo priorities.
- Develop and implement programs to seek funding from local, regional and national foundations.
- Create and leverage personal relationships with key foundation and corporate representatives.
The ideal candidate for this position will have a proven track record securing major philanthropic support and demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic funding plans and programs. We would love to talk to candidates who possess a strong Northwest network including connections in the Seattle philanthropic and government communities. Seeking individuals with an exceptional ability to create an environment of diversity and respect, dignity and entrepreneurial spirit. Come to Woodland Park Zoo and help us change the world! APPLICATION PROCESS Apply at http://www.zoo.org/jobs Recruiting Contact: Dana Keeler, Vice President of Human Resources (Dana.Keeler@zoo.org) Position open until filled Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. |
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