Development Officer

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 pip eline 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 se rving as a positive ambassador for Zoo New England.

Essential Job Functions

Manag e a portfolio of approximately 1 5 0 donors, prospects and corporate clients

Identify , evaluat e, cultivate, solicit individuals capable of contributing gifts of at leas t $ 500 annually

Identify , evaluat e, cultivate, solicit i ndividuals capable of making capital gift s at in a similar range

Some evening and weekend work required 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, p rospects and corporate clients

Schedule, manage and attend regular donor meetings

Attend committee meetings as required 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 cultivati on and stewardship of major donors and prospects

Create strategic events to attract prospective donors and en gage them with Zoo New England

• •Identify donors for planned giving
• cultivation

Work with donors, friends and volunteers of Zoo New England to identify , cul tivate 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, tho roughness, and confidentiality

• •Develop annual and monthly plan s
• for donor portfol io; m onitor productivity and modify as necessary

Solicit gifts from donors and prospects, both independently and working collab oratively with other solicitors

Minimum Job Requirements

• •Bachelor's degree required,
• master’s degree preferred .

Experience working with volunteers a nd program staff or equivalent

Superior written and oral communication skills

Excellent research skills

O utstanding interpersonal skills

Ability to manage complex iss ues creatively and effectively

Ability to work collaboratively and succ essfully as a member of a team

Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned

Preferred Job Requirements

Minimum of 1-3 years demonstrated suc cessful 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; abilit y to make independent decisions

Knowledge of wildlife, environmental and conservation issues highly desirable.