GENERAL SUMMARY

Lincoln Park Zoo is the nation’s only privately-managed free zoo and an urban oasis in the heart of Chicago. The zoo’s mission is to create a world in which nature and wildlife thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a local and global leader in conservation, animal care and welfare, learning and community engagement. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo was one of the first zoos in the nation. The zoo is committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment, and we celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, value, and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

The Director of Board Relations will manage three staff and will be responsible for leading the engagement and activity of the zoo’s Board of Trustees; and position the Women’s Board and Auxiliary Board for significant growth in fundraising and civic engagement. An experienced, collaborative, team-oriented development leader, this important role will foster a vibrant board culture, ensure sound governance practices, and oversee best-practice staffing and support of the zoo’s chief volunteers and major donors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Board of Trustees

• Work closely with the Board Chair, Vice President of Development, CEO, and CFO to develop and implement board engagement and activity
• Oversee board meetings, committee structure, orientation and nominating activity, board travel and annual Trustee self-assessment
• Support the Board Annual Fund (with the Director of Annual Giving) and Trustee engagement in an upcoming fundraising Campaign
• Partner with the Vice President of Development to lead the Nominating and Development committees

Women’s Board and Auxiliary Board

• Lead the continued modernization and fundraising success of the Women’s Board and Auxiliary Boards.
• Grow Zoo Ball, the zoo’s signature fundraising event hosted by the Women’s Board; including solicitation of top sponsors (with event consultant)
• Re-imagine the Women Supporting Wildlife event as a mission-driven civic gathering, a fundraising luncheon hosted by the Women’s Board to celebrate women in conservation and wildlife science.
• Position the Auxiliary Board for future growth and impact, including an assessment of the board’s fundraising events
• Cultivate and implement modern, relevant and efficient board identities and practices: meetings, committee structure, fundraising efforts.
• Support individual fundraising strategies with board members in partnership with the Leadership and Individual Giving team.

General

• Will partner regularly with the Board Chair, CEO, CFO and senior staff
• Daily external work with Trustees and top donors
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Exceptional communication and writing skills
• Ability to communicate and be understood in business English
• Thorough knowledge of office practices, procedures and equipment, and ability to operate standard equipment

• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, SharePoint).
• Familiarity with Outlook, Raiser’s Edge and/or Salesforce (fundraising software); and design software is a plus.
• Open to learning new technologies
• Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion
• Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and complete in a timely manner
• Ability to work independently, exercising independent judgment and discretion
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education/experience is required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 5 years of board relations or fundraising experience at a mission-driven organization.
• Experience managing staff
• Non-profit or museum/zoo experience a plus
• Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify an individual

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to work in open office environment
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds to facilitate tours, greet visitors, coordinate meetings

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends or holidays, as assigned.

Salary: $90k-110k/ annually

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.