Reporting to the Vice President of Development for Strategic Development, this position is responsible for the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of gifts in support of annual operations, special projects, and capital projects. This position’s immediate charge will be to grow the overall donor pipeline with a focus upon the $500 to $10,000 range. At an exciting time of growth for the Zoos, this person will engage prospective donors in creative ways while serving as a positive ambassador for Zoo New England.

Essential Job Functions

Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 donors, prospects and corporate clients
Identify, evaluate, cultivate, solicit individuals capable of contributing gifts of at least $500 annually
Identify, evaluate, cultivate, solicit individuals capable of making capital gifts at in a similar range
Some evening and weekend work to cultivate and manage prospects and donors

Duties & Responsibilities

Rapidly become familiar and conversant regarding our Zoos, programs, policies and our value proposition
Prepare meaningful and effective funding proposals, reports and customized collateral for individual donors, prospects and corporate clients
Schedule, manage and attend regular donor meetings
Attend committee meetings as and represent the Zoos at networking events
Provide executive-level briefing materials in advance of meetings for Vice President of Development and leadership staff
Develop strategies for the cultivation and stewardship of major donors and prospects
Create strategic events to attract prospective donors and engage them with Zoo New England
Identify donors for planned giving cultivation
Work with donors, friends and volunteers of Zoo New England to identify, cultivate and solicit prospects
Manage all information relating to current major donors and prospects in Raiser’s Edge, in a manner that emphasizes the highest standards of accuracy, timeliness, thoroughness, and confidentiality
Develop annual and monthly plans for donor portfolio; monitor productivity and modify as necessary
Solicit gifts from donors and prospects, both independently and working collaboratively with other solicitors

Minimum Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree required, master’s degree preferred.
Experience working with volunteers and program staff or equivalent
Superior written and oral communication skills
Excellent research skills
Outstanding interpersonal skills
Ability to manage complex issues creatively and effectively
Ability to work collaboratively and successfully as a member of a team
Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned

Preferred Job Requirements

Minimum of 1-3 years demonstrated successful experience in fundraising with a focus on prospect identification, relationship building, and solicitation.
Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge, MS Office Suite; Word, Excel, Outlook
Philosophical commitment to Zoo New England’s mission
Strong initiative and self-motivation; ability to make independent decisions
Knowledge of wildlife, environmental and conservation issues highly desirable.

Zoo New England

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Development Officer