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Title

Development Researcher  

Description

Love animals? Want to make a positive impact on the planet? Come join Woodland Park Zoo as a Development Researcher. We have one, full time, benefitted position open.    

This position manages individual and institutional prospect data through research and audit processes. The position supports relationship management by maintaining actionable and current data, identifying new prospects, and providing prospect reporting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Research and create quality briefings and profiles on both individual and institutional prospects, which includes relevant biographical, philanthropic motivation/interests, relational information and identifies what critical information may be missing.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to identify possible networks and synthesize pertinent relationship data.
  • Keep up with biographical updates, current events, national and local news, and industry trends. Share relevant information with development staff and proactively offer relevant research findings, industry analyses and strategic recommendations.
  • Interpret the affinities of prospects for alignment with zoo strategic priorities and funding opportunities.
  • Evaluate and rate donor prospects based on known qualification indicators including wealth, giving capacity, inclination, and affinity utilizing research tools.
  • Review and recommend new wealth screening technologies and/or vendors.
  • Utilize research methodologies to uncover unidentified prospects and engagement opportunities.
  • Maintain knowledge of professional research/relationship management/ethics best practices.
  • Perform tasks to support database integrity and accuracy for data analysis including entering/maintaining data as appropriate and developing and running audits to systematically ensure the integrity of the prospect and fundraising data recorded in the database.
  • Assist in the development, interpretation, and implementation of appropriate trainings, policies and procedures for relationship management and research with all development and advancement staff. Pursue opportunities to optimize business processes to increase operational effectiveness and allow for measurable results in efficiency gain.
  • Maintain and adhere to policies around information gathering and sharing in accordance with professional ethics standards while safeguarding the confidentiality of donor information at all times.
  • Utilize currently available software to develop, review, modify, test, document, and implement queries, reports, dashboards, and analysis to extract data insights.
  • Meet with internal zoo stakeholders to discuss, understand, and document research request requirements.
  • Attend prospect and portfolio review meetings as appropriate.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field and three (3) or more years of experience in prospect research, development, advancement, or other relevant experience; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Ability to assess the relative value of a variety of information and sources, to synthesize and interpret relevant prospect data into coherent, well-written documents.
  • Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal and organizational communication.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and requests and meet deadlines in a professional manner.
  • Ability to be effective while working both independently and as a team member.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products (especially Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams) and online research skills.
  • Experience using a relational database, subscription and free online databases, and internet search engines.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team and adapt to changes in the work environment as well as the ability to work independently.
  • Organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and requests, and meet deadlines in a professional manner.
  • Ability to audit work for accuracy and quality.
  • Experience with creating policies, procedures, and training materials.
  • Commitment to professional ethics and ability to adhere strictly to confidentiality requirements.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to incorporate different perspectives, and work with diverse populations and stakeholders.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with audiences of different backgrounds and experiences.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
  • Ability to work a non-standard/flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

PREFERRED SKILLS

  • Knowledge of fundraising operations and data management.
  • Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge.
  • Experience writing queries in a relationship database.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • This position may be required to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a typical office environment and/or outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Pay: $60,000-$64,000/annually plus benefits

Employment Requirements: 

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. A criminal background check will be required of the selected applicant. 

COVID-19 Vaccination  

  • As of November 24, 2021, employees working on or accessing zoo grounds are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by your first day of employment. 
  • People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. 
  • Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation. 

 

Application Directions: Applications are accepted online through our Jobs Page at zoo.org/jobs; no other forms of application will be accepted. Cover letter and resume are required. 

Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in application and employment for any reason, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, age, disability or medical status including genetic information, and/or veteran’s status. 

Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all of its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org

 
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time  
Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt  
Req Number DEV-21-00006  
EOE Statement Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in application and employment for any reason, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, age, disability or medical status including genetic information, and/or veteran’s status.
 

This position is currently not accepting applications.

To search for an open position, please go to http://WoodlandParkZoo.appone.com



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