Director, Foundation & Government Funding

Director, Foundation & Government Funding Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America Job Description Posted Friday, May 8, 2026 at 5:00 AM | Expires Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 4:59 AM Join the PRIDE and Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s mission to ignite emotional connections with wildlife that spark conservation action while leading vital programs to protect endangered species. Our beautiful 235‑acre campus offers a living classroom that is home to over 3,500 animals representing 500 species. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is embarking on a groundbreaking, ambitious Next Century Plan to achieve our vision. It is the beginning of an exciting transformative journey! Are you a master storyteller and strategic grant‑maker? Do you thrive on turning innovative ideas into funded reality? We are seeking a creative, proactive Director of Foundation & Government Funding to champion our mission and secure the necessary resources for our future. Working closely with our executive leadership, program teams, and development staff, you won’t just write grants—you will craft compelling cases for support, build lasting partnerships, and directly drive our organization’s sustainability. This is a non‑union full‑time salaried position, grade 10 with an expected hiring range of $89,583 to $98,541 annually. Please see Compensation and Benefits Summary section below the job description information. Similar terminology: Director of Grants, Grants Director, Grants Manager, Grants Administrator, Grants Planning and Development, Government Grants Manager, Grant Writer, Grant Administrator, Philanthropic Giving, Institutional Giving, Government Funding, Foundation Funding. This Director, Foundation & Government Funding contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by designing and directing efforts to secure philanthropic support for the organization, working closely with program staff, Development leadership, the Executive Management Team, and the Development Team to achieve and exceed fundraising goals to ensure a sustainable future for the organization. Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities Seek funding from local, regional, and national foundations, corporate foundations, and government agencies to support strategic initiatives, programs, and projects aligned with institutional goals. Collaborate with program staff to develop fundable projects, exhibits, and programs, and implement communication strategies for effective cultivation and solicitation. Build, cultivate, and maintain relationships with key foundation, corporate foundation, and government agency leadership and staff to advance philanthropic partnerships, and assist other institutional senior staff in building and maintaining their own professional relationships. Work closely with research staff, other development staff, and appropriate Society staff to proactively and creatively identify new foundation and government grant funders. Provide strategic writing support to senior development leaders, including writing and editing grant proposals, solicitation letters, and programmatic updates for donors. Work closely with VP Senior Director Development Operations to utilize the CRM to enhance the portfolio and track proposals, grants, reports, site visits, and stewardship. Maintain a thorough knowledge of issues and trends that may impact the Zoo’s funding and prepare briefing documents as requested by the VP. Ensure representation of foundation and government agency participation in events and prepare required briefing materials. Other related duties as assigned. Position Requirements Bachelor’s degree in arts, sciences, or another relevant business‑related field or equivalent of eight years’ combination of training and experience. High school diploma or equivalent required. Three years of directly relevant development, foundation or competitive government funding experience. Experience developing and executing strategic funding plans and programs, managing budgets, and producing quality deliverables within specific timeframes. Proven track record securing major foundation and government funding. Creative individual; ability to think strategically and manage changing priorities, emergent issues, multiple projects, and stakeholders simultaneously. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal, written, listening, and presentation skills. Must be articulate and able to represent the organization effectively. Strong writing skills essential. Flexible and cooperative team player. Ability to juggle emergent issues, multiple projects and meet critical deadlines. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook required. Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information. Professional appearance and demeanor. Cultural competency; experience or ability to work effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. English fluency at a full professional proficiency required. Valid driver’s license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out‑of‑state driver’s license required for out‑of‑state residents. Desirable/Preferred Qualifications Experience with Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge or other database management software preferred. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus. Additional Information This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Must be self‑motivated, results‑oriented, confident, and customer‑oriented. Must be able to establish and maintain a strong rapport and positive relationships with senior managers, staff, and external partners. Must be able to nurture new prospect relationships, be proactive, persistent, and helpful. Must be able to work within a very fast‑paced environment with rapidly shifting priorities. Incumbent is expected to be present and visible at events sponsored by the Zoo for its employees, trustees, donors, and other audiences, including evenings, weekends and early mornings as needed. This position involves safely operating a golf cart to provide donor tours and transport Development guests. Occupational Requirements: See Occupational Requirements Form. 000645/10/050526 Benefits Summary We are pleased that you are considering joining our team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of the benefits we offer. Non-Union Full‑Time Employees Time Away from Work Paid Time Off (PTO) PTO is accrued based on years of service and pay grade on a per‑pay‑period basis starting on the date of hire. Years of Service New hire (≤5 years): 21 days 10 years: 26 days 15 years: 31 days 18 years: 18 days Holidays Non‑union employees are eligible for eight paid holidays per year. Employee Benefits Coverage begins on the date of hire. Medical Insurance Employees may choose from one of two medical plans: Blue Cross‑Blue Shield HMO or PPO Plan. Employee cost (biweekly): HMO – $48.82–$199.53; PPO – $75.12–$296.58. Annual deductible: $250 Individual / $500 Family. In‑network: $750 Individual / $1,500 Family. Out‑of‑network: $1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family. Out‑of‑pocket maximum: $1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family. Doctors visits: $40/ PCP visit; $60/ Specialist visit. Immunization: $30/ PCP visit; $50/ Specialist visit. Facility fee: $250 admission plus 20% coinsurance. Dental Insurance & Vision Care Coverage A PPO dental plan and an employee‑paid vision care plan are available. Mental Health Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors. Retirement Savings Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre‑tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire. Employee pre‑tax and/or Roth after‑tax contributions available. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive regular matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for full‑time employees is immediately vested. Employer‑Paid Income Protection Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in Short‑Term Disability benefits, Long‑Term Disability benefits, Basic Term Life insurance and Basic AD&D insurance. Pre‑Tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Eligible employees may set aside pre‑tax dollars from their paychecks to save for pre‑tax reimbursement of qualified healthcare and/or dependent care expenses. Voluntary Benefits Supplemental Term Life Insurance – Group Accident Insurance Supplemental Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance – Group Critical Illness Insurance Supplemental Dependent Life Insurance – Identity Theft Protection Work Schedule Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year. Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non‑traditional schedule on‑site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency. Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America #J-18808-Ljbffr Brookfieldzoo