Development Operations Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Development Operations Specialist

Department: Development

Reports To: Development Operations and Database Manager

Location: Hybrid, Central (Audubon Zoo)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date Revised: 08/03/2026

Position Type: Full-Time

Starting rate $45.000.00 commensurate with experience

To be considered for this role, please provide your current resume and cover letter.

Who We Are

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park.

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do

The Development Operations Specialist works in conjunction with the Development Operations and Database Manager to provide strategic operational support to the Development and Development Events Departments. The Development Operations Specialist ensures the departments’ success by providing fundraising support including managing office operations, maintaining accurate financial records and donor correspondence, and providing project assistance as needed. The position requires meticulous attention to detail, superior organizational skills, and exceptional prioritization and time management skills.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Serve as the Development Department’s liaison to guests who contact the department’s main telephone line and View email address on ziprecruiter.com. Responsible for responding to inquiries in a friendly, prompt, and professional manner and routing calls/emails appropriately.

• Work closely with Data Entry Specialist to accurately and efficiently process donations for Development and Development Events departments, including preparing donation record forms and deposits, entering gifts into Raiser’s Edge, and processing event ticket orders in Gateway.

• Lead the acknowledgement of all Development and Development Events contributions by utilizing Raiser’s Edge to generate acknowledgement letters, Honor/Memorial cards, pledge reminders, and cumulative receipts. Work collaboratively with Development officers to create personalized donor correspondence as needed.

• Maintain accurate Raiser’s Edge donor records by entering notes and actions, updating biographical information and performing regular data audits.

• Identify new procedures and build on established procedures that promote data integrity.

• Oversee and implement the Development Department’s file retention procedures, including filing donation records routinely, uploading digital documentation to the Department’s shared drive and Raiser’s Edge, and completing document destruction as needed.

• Fulfill Development and Development Events purchase orders, check requests, journal entries, and other purchasing needs in alignment with Audubon’s procurement policies.

• Work collaboratively with Development officers as needed, including proposal preparation, donor tour preparation, and new employee onboarding.

• Lead the review and update of all internal and external Development policies to ensure the department’s procedures are current and readily available for implementation.

• Work closely with the Development Events department for benefit fulfillment of event ticket orders, including mass sponsor/patron mailings, one-off ticket requests, and Will Calls.

• Ensure all raffles are in compliance with the Louisiana Office of Charitable Gaming, including applying for the charitable gaming license, submitting quarterly reports, and producing raffle cards according to state guidelines.

• Provide strategic and hands-on support for Audubon fundraising and stewardship events including Scales & Ales, exhibit openings, press conferences, donor appreciation events, and Zoo-To-Do events.

Additional/Overall Skills:

• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.

• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.

• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.

• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

• Valid, state-issued driver’s license

• Strong verbal and interpersonal skills (a people person)

• Computer literacy

• To be considered for this role, please provide your current resume and cover letter.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience in a professional office environment

• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar database management system

• Experience working with sensitive information and ability to maintain strict confidentiality

• Knowledge of basic accounting principles related to gift recording

• Proficient in use of Microsoft Windows products

• Proficient in use of Adobe Acrobat

• Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods at a desk or workstation (up to 8 hours).

• Minimal standing and walking required.

• Occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 10 pounds.

• Frequent use of hands to type, handle papers, or operate a computer and office equipment.

• Reaching for office supplies, bending to retrieve documents from lower storage areas.

• Ability to move around the office, attend meetings, and interact with colleagues.

• May involve repetitive motions.

• Ability to hear and communicate clearly in person and over the phone.

• Clear and concise vision (with or without correction) for close-up work.

• Reliable internet connection for remote work opportunities.

• Flexibility to work after hours and weekends as needed.

• Ability to drive a golf cart.

• Primarily indoors with occasional exposure to other work environments.

• Minimal exposure to noise, vibration, or other environmental hazards.