Chief Advancement Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Chief Advancement Officer

Department: Development

FLSA Status : Exempt

Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000

Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm. Occasional weekend and evening hours to assist with events and Development departmental needs.

Direct Supervisor's Name and Title: Pamela Reed Sanchez, President/CEO

Position Summary

Seneca Park Zoo Society is seeking an innovative, strategic, and results-driven Chief Advancement Officer to help lead the organization through a historic period of growth, including the launch of a next-generation Tropics Center that will set a new standard for excellence.

The Chief Advancement Officer oversees the philanthropic fundraising efforts of the Seneca Park Zoo Society and works closely with the President/CEO and Zoo Society trustees to raise necessary support for identified Seneca Park Zoo Society priorities and projects, with an emphasis on broadening and deepening the base of support for the Zoo and Zoo Society. The position has wide-ranging responsibilities for developing and implementing engagement and fundraising strategies to enhance and grow revenue from prospective and current donors for operating, restricted, and capital needs of the organization, and oversees the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Donor Relations Manager, Planned Giving, and Private Events and Corporate Engagement Manager, and Development and Events Assistant. The Chief Advancement Officer holds a portfolio of prospects and donors that include individuals, corporations, foundations, and government sources.

DUTIES

Operational and Restricted Fundraising:

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit financial support from prospective individuals, corporations, foundations, and government sources.
• Create and implement strategies for broadening the prospect pool and the number of active donors to the Zoo and Zoo Society.
• Conceptualize, plan, and write corporate, foundation and government proposals as needed.
• Drive content and design of solicitation materials, working in conjunction with the Communications team.
• Staff lead for Development Leadership Group and Individual Giving Committee; co-staff lead for Events Committee.
• Guide the efforts and growth of the Zoo Society's Leadership Council and Partners in Conservation programs.
• Financial oversight of the Development, Events and Capital Budget.

Capital Campaign Fundraising Oversight:

• Oversee the efforts of the Chief Philanthropy Officer to ensure capital campaign progress and success.

Events:

• Oversee Private Events and Corporate Engagement Manager; ensure meeting business and aspirational goals for all fundraising and private events, including Zoobilation, ZooBrew, Jungle Jog, Spooktacular, Birds Bees & Brews, and other special events.

Sponsorships

• Work with development team and community volunteers/trustees to secure sponsorships for programs and events to meet budgeted revenue goals.

Grants Management

• When appropriate, oversee grant applications, track grants, and update grant tracking in Zoo's database system.
• Oversee implementation of grant awards, grant reporting and other follow-up to funders.

Board of Trustees

• This position is the Staff Liaison for the Individual Giving Committee and the Development Leadership Group, provides support for the Events Committee with the Director of Learning and Engagement, and attends Zoobilation Committee meetings as needed.
• Attend all board meetings.

Miscellaneous Development Items:

• Work with the Learning and Engagement team and the Marketing/Communications team to foster cross-departmental collaborations and development initiatives, as well as with County staff when applicable.
• Activate trustees specifically for lead generation.
• Assist at Special Event fundraisers as needed.
• Assist with donor/stewardship events.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION

This position directly oversees the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Donor Relations Manager, and the Private Events and Corporate Engagement Manager, and the department also includes one full-time year-round Development and Events Assistant.

TECHNOLOGY/ EQUIPMENT/ TOOLS

Desktop/laptop computer

MS Office 365 Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);

Salesforce CRM

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

This position requires sitting, walking, standing, speaking, hearing, interacting with Zoo public, visitors, and staff. Will work at a computer for extended periods of time. Some lifting and carrying less than 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with moderate to light noise; teleworking and hybrid models of remote work are possible. The Director of Resource Development is expected to spend many hours away from the office meeting with prospects and donors. Walking to various locations throughout the Seneca Park Zoo will require exposure to outdoor elements. Work schedule will require weekends, evenings, and extended hours as needed to meet the needs of the position. This includes meetings with donors, attending social, professional and community events, attending committee meetings and other activities. Management retains the right to alter work schedules accordingly.

Qualifications

Education Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of experience is required.

Experience Requirements

• Five plus years of professional fundraising experience with proven record of growing individual philanthropy.
• Specific experience asking for contributions as well as stewarding and cultivating donors.
• Proven success with Corporate, Foundation and Government grant applications is required.
• Prior success in working with trustee's/board members and in serving as staff lead for volunteer committees.
• Previous management experience.
• Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Skills and Competencies Requirements

Other attributes required are strong communications skills - oral and written, attention to detail, ability to work in a busy office, and an ability to implement and analyze all fundraising programs. Must be highly motivated and enjoy working independently and in a team environment; works effectively with all individual donors, corporate and foundation representatives, volunteers, and staff.

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time, exempt position. Annual salary range is $90,000 - $115,000 commensurate with experience. Some of the benefits available include health insurance plans, HSA, FSA, life insurance, long term disability insurance, dental, vision, 403B retirement plan, holiday, personal, birthday, and sick time benefits.

Seneca Park Zoo Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.