Job Title/Department – Advancement Officer
Employee Classification – Exempt, Full-Time
Employee Reports To – Director of Advancement
Job Purpose
The Advancement Officer solicits philanthropic gifts from individuals, family foundations and corporations to support the Cleveland Zoological Society and priority initiatives of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This position entails the full range of development activities: identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of donors and prospects, including face-to-face interactions, frequent one-on-one meetings on the Zoo campus and travel for donor meetings in the Northeast Ohio region.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Actively manage a portfolio of 125-150 prospects with a giving potential of $1,000 annually and up; develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies for each
- Implement and execute annual fundraising plan to meet fundraising goals including special events, major gifts, planned giving, sponsorships, donor cultivation and grant writing
- Maintain and expand support for programs by overseeing execution of grants portfolio including research, prospecting, proposal and report writing
- Develop a deep understanding of program content to ensure integrity and quality of fundraising initiatives
- Develop strategies to retain donors and grow engagement with various Zoo Society giving opportunities in partnership with the Director of Advancement
- Perform data entry in Virtuous, the Zoo Society’s donor relationship management software, including keeping accurate records of interactions with donors; also manage proposal entry and gift tracking
- Attend and assist with all events as directed by the Director of Advancement and Director of Marketing and Events
- Assist with recruitment and stewardship of Board Directors; attend or interact with Board Committees as requested by the Director of Advancement
- Keep current on fundraising research, best practice, and giving trends
- Special projects or other related duties as assigned
Qualifications, Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree and at least three (3) years of specific and progressive experience in fundraising. Planned giving experience is a plus. A proven record of success in securing gifts at this level is expected.
- Superb interpersonal skills, will be comfortable and confident in making direct contact with individual donors to discuss interest and commitment, and will achieve positive financial results.
- Exhibit a polished presence, positive attitude, diplomacy, discretion, and a deep respect and understanding of donor and trustee relations
- Ability to work well with both internal colleagues and external stakeholders, calmly, efficiently and independently in a dynamic and collaborative environment
- High proficiency in computer software programs; Microsoft Office Suite, donor database
- High standards of excellence and commitment to honesty and accuracy as well as the ability to handle confidential information and discussions with donors, trustees and the team
- Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of the Cleveland Zoological Society
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting located at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This is a position that requires approximately 40 hours of work per week. Occasional work outside normal business hours, including special events or donor engagement opportunities that may be early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Generally, work is performed in an office environment and may require meetings outside the office. There is an opportunity to work from home one (1) day a week.
Physical Requirements
Regularly sits at desk or workstation. Frequently moves around facility to coordinate work. Reasonable accommodations can be made to employees with qualified disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the job, so long as there is no undue hardship created upon the organization or other employees within the organization.
Supervision Received
This position requires limited supervision. The Advancement Officer maintains discretion and independent judgment to ensure strategic advancement goals are met.
Direct Reports
N/A
How to Apply – Please submit all resumes to HR at: hr@clevelandzoosociety.org
Conclusion
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the job and the general nature and level of work performed within this job. However, this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or physical demands associated with the position and may be modified from time to time.
The Cleveland Zoological Society provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
