Overview

Responsible for raising major gifts through effective identification, cultivation and solicitation of individuals, corporate and foundation donors.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, steward and retain qualified prospects and donors to achieve the philanthropy goals of the Zoo and The Wilds.
• Manage a portfolio of 75-100 major gift donor prospects with a giving capacity of $25,000 and above, with a goal of 12-15 donor visits each month. Portfolio includes individual, corporate and foundation donors.
• Develop strategic funding requests based on short, intermediate and long-term funding goals of the Zoo and The Wilds, including preparing proposals, reports and correspondence.
• Assist in the planning and execution of major donor stewardship materials and events as needed.
• Arranges for on-site tours; makes appointments with appropriate personnel with potential funders and leads tours as necessary.
• Track relationship management activity in Raiser’s Edge
• Maintains accurate and timely records and contact reports of all interactions.
• Attends functions as assigned and acts as an informed ambassador.
• Where appropriate, solicit corporate event sponsorships and work proactively and collaboratively with the Strategic Partnership Director and Marketing Team to manage related recognition.
• Adheres to the Donor Bill of Rights.
• Assures the safety of self, animals, co-workers and visitors by observing safety guidelines.
• Functions as a productive and highly collaborative team member and assists with other activities as directed.
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in education, business, and journalism or communications field required. Four years of relevant experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• 5-7 years successful experience in face-to-face solicitation of major gifts for annual and capital campaigns.
• Experience managing a portfolio of 75-100 high net worth individual, corporate and foundation donors.
• Ability to identify and track new prospects through referrals, research, and outreach.
• Experience in creating and implementing moves management plans.
• Fundamental understanding of planned giving.
• Ability to exercise discretion in dealing with confidential and personal information required.
• Ability to develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium or large groups required.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office programs required.
• Working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays and overnight travel required.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
• Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient manner and without direct supervision required.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the Make it G.R.E.A.T. (Greet. Respond. Engage. Access. Teamwork.) standards required.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative professional working relationships with all Columbus Zoo Family of Parks team members and contacts.
• Ability to adhere to safety regulations and procedures required.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required. 
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
• Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.