Development Manager

Job Title:Development ManagerDepartment:Development and MarketingReports to:Director of Development and MarketingEmployment Type:Full -Time (40 hours)Pay Type:SalariedWork Location:Bridgeport, CTCompensation Range:$65,000 – $75,000SUMMARYReporting directly to the Director of Development & Marketing, this position is responsible for coordinating the Zoo's fundraising initiatives, managing donor programs, and overseeing fundraising and stewardship events. The Development Manager will take initiative, work both independently and collaboratively, and serve as a key representative of the Zoo to donors, board members, and community partners. This position requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to successfully facilitate stakeholder and committee meetings. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESEvents (50%) Plan, manage, and execute fundraising events that advance donor involvement, cultivation, and stewardship from gifts. Lead and facilitate committee meetings and calls with major donors, board members, staff, and community leaders to support event strategy and execution. Coordinate and execute Zoo fundraising events including Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari, Car Show, Zoo Gala, and other Zoo fundraising events as required. Work closely with event committees to obtain sponsorships, secure gifts, and engage community partners. Solicit, organize, and manage in-kind donations and silent auction items. Perform complex administrative and logistical duties with minimal supervision, exercising confidentiality, independent judgment, and strong decision-making. Track donor contracts, sponsorship commitments, payments, and event-related financial documentation. Review and submit event invoices and prepare necessary financial and attendance reports. Write acknowledgment and thank-you letters; assemble donor solicitation packets and event materials. Negotiate and manage contracts with venues, vendors, service providers, and artists. Work collaboratively with Zoo staff, Board members, and volunteers to execute events professionally and efficiently. Create or coordinate event materials such as fact sheets, reply forms, solicitations, save-the-dates, invitations, programs, and donor fulfillment items. Provide on-site event management including preparation, setup, execution, volunteer oversight, and tear-down. Represent the Zoo at external functions and serve as a lead contact for event sponsors and partners. Development (50%) Manage donor stewardship programs, including the Zoo's Benches and Bricks programs. Oversee the Animal Adoption Program, including ordering supplies, processing orders, coordinating mailings, and ensuring timely fulfillment. Create sponsorship invoices and donor acknowledgments as needed. Enter donations and maintain accurate donor records as required. Oversee the Zoo's Wishlist, ensuring timely updates and donor engagement. Run financial disbursement reports for the Finance Manager from online giving platforms (Facebook, Benevity, GiveSmart, Bloomerang). Generate database reports for Board giving, mailing lists, donor cultivation, stewardship activities, and campaign tracking. Maintain strong working relationships across departments, especially Finance, Operations, Guest Services, and Animal Care, to support development goals. Take proactive ownership of development projects, identify process improvements, and recommend strategies to increase donor engagement and revenue. Uphold confidentiality and demonstrate exceptional professionalism when communicating with high-level donors and stakeholders. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESNot applicableMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation, Certifications and/or Licenses:Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience/Knowledge/Skills:Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in a development role within a nonprofit environment. Proven ability to take initiative, work independently, and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously. Experience leading stakeholder meetings and working directly with donors, board members, and community leaders. Demonstrated success in fundraising, sponsorship development, and special event management. Strong understanding of development operations, budgets, expense tracking, and charitable giving regulations. Experience working with donor databases (Bloomerang preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and Canva or similar tools. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills using diplomacy, discretion, and professionalism. Ability to solve problems, think analytically, and navigate a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities. A resourceful and team-oriented style with a strong sense of accountability and follow-through. PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel or crouch, talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. This position is mostly located in an office environment, but may require outside engagement on zoo grounds, being near zoo animal life and outside climate conditions The zoo is open year-round, 362 days a year. The ability to work occasional special events including evenings and weekends is required EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYReasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000