SUMMARY This development leadership position is responsible for special events, corporate relations and overseeing any special projects assigned by the Vice President of Development or the CEO/President of the zoo. The special projects will endeavor to enhance the planning, implementing, managing, goal setting and evolving growth of the zoo’s fundraising program, as well as potential fundraising campaigns in the future. Direct reports include an events/corporate relations team of three full time employees; additional reports will be determined on the basis of Development needs as well as specified projects or campaigns. This position reports to the Vice President of Development and enthusiastically embraces the organization’s mission and vision. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Manage the development and implementation of a results-oriented, metrics-based special events program for Woodland Park Zoo, with special emphasis on an innovative, creative and continuous realignment of events with key target audiences as appropriate and necessary. Special events oversight includes WPZ’s core fundraising events Jungle Party and Thrive; stewardship/cultivation events for annual, major, leadership and planned giving donors; and strategic events supporting special campaigns and the President’s Circle. Provide strategic oversight for the Jungle Party Executive Committee and event chairs.
- Work collaboratively with Director of Development and Vice President of Development to ensure special events and corporate programs support overall fundraising goals, objectives and campaigns; coordinate with all frontline fundraisers in support of fundraising events to ensure goals are met and/or exceeded; and coordinate with Annual Giving on any and all Wild at Heart events/activities.
- Develop and maintain strategic, annual corporate relations plan for Woodland Park Zoo, with special focus on growing corporate support for the zoo’s two key fundraising events, as well as major gift/grant prospecting, employee giving campaigns and potential volunteer/board recruitment.
- Responsible for a specified group of major and leadership gift prospects, especially (but not limited to) prospects affiliated with corporate prospects.
- Research and evaluate effective models for engaging new donor audiences, with respect to Woodland Park Zoo’s existing governance and volunteer structures. Collaborate with senior development leadership, the CEO/President and frontline fundraising teams to build appropriate infrastructures for deeper engagement within organizational capacities.
- Oversee the annual budgets for the Jungle Party, Thrive, and stewardship/cultivation special events programs (which includes annual President’s Circle event).
- Communicate and coordinate effectively within the Development Office and with interdepartmental units at the zoo, including the zoo’s special events team. Provide strategic oversight in event management capacity and ensure follow up materials are created/distributed.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO/President or VP for Development.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position supervises a team of three employees within the Development team and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Demonstrated ability to serve in leadership role and assist with strategic development objectives. - Multi-functional, well-rounded development fundraising, special events and corporate relations experience.
- Proven major gifts and corporate fundraising experience; including having raised five-figure individual and corporate gifts.
- Experience managing and mentoring people, as well as managing budgets.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment, including leading teams in solving problems, setting priorities, meeting deadlines and implementing programs.
- Strong proficiency in both written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and social skills with the ability to work with a diverse community.
- Demonstrated research, organization, writing, event-planning and public speaking skills.
- Excellent organizational and problem solving skills.
- Enthusiastic commitment to the mission of the zoo and the institution’s Core Values.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Bachelor's (B. A. or B.S.) degree from an accredited four-year college or university; and five or more years of demonstrated successful fundraising experience in a diversity of fundraising environments. Diversified experience with large and small non-profits is desirable as is an advanced degree. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS No certificates, licenses or registrations needed. COMPUTER SKILLS Strong background in Microsoft Office Programs. Knowledge of planned giving software is a plus as is background in Raiser’s Edge. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. MATHEMATICAL ABILITY Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Understanding of algebra. REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. |
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