Major Gifts Officer

About the role

The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to lead major gift fundraising efforts that support conservation, education, and the Zoo’s strategic priorities. The position is full-time, regular, non-exempt, hourly, with a schedule of Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (some weekends), and compensation of $38.50 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Major Gifts Portfolio Management
• Manage a portfolio of individual major gift prospects and donors, with emphasis on securing gifts of $10,000+
• Conduct prospect research, including producing donor profiles
• Develop and implement customized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor
• Conduct donor visits (in-person, phone, or virtual)
• Oversee planned giving program
• Capital Campaign Management
• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement and relevant teams to design, implement, and manage capital campaigns from planning through completion
• Form and lead campaign committees as needed
• Coordinate with Zoo staff and relevant stakeholders to set timelines, goals, and benchmarks
• Track campaign progress and ensure accurate reporting to leadership, board, and donors
• Develop and execute campaign-related communications and materials
• Ensure campaign donors receive high-quality stewardship and recognition
• Planned Giving Management
• Develop and manage the planned giving program (Phoenix Society)
• Identify and cultivate prospects for planned giving opportunities
• Plan and execute annual Phoenix Society stewardship event
• Provide resources and guidance to donors, staff, and board members regarding planned giving vehicles
• Stewardship & Relationship Building
• Provide thoughtful, timely, and creative stewardship to recognize donor impact and foster long-term engagement
• Translate organizational priorities into compelling cases for support aligned with donor interests
• Maintain accurate donor records in the Zoo database
• General Advancement Responsibilities
• Develops and maintains effective, fruitful, and long-term relationships with donors
• Maintains donor databases and filing system
• Contributes to Z-mail, social media, and other applicable media/publications
• Assists in creating fundraising materials and activities
• Creates mailing lists and reports as needed
• Led some donor cultivation/stewardship tours
• Maintains accurate donor records in the Zoo database

Secondary Duties

• Organization-wide Responsibilities
• Adheres to Zoo’s policies and procedures
• Supports Zoo-wide events
• Participates in All Zoo employee meetings
• Participates in cross-departmental committees/teams
• Guest Relations Responsibilities
• Greets every guest with a smile
• Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met
• Associates with guests to assist and share information
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
• Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo

Position Criteria

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.