Development Specialist ZU

Description The Development Specialist at the Louisville Zoo supports the organization’s strategic direction through small business and individual solicitations, database administration, and various program support activities. The role benefits animal care, capital initiatives, special projects, annual operations, conservation programs, events, and education programs. This position reports to the Individual Giving Coordinator and works independently under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings. Responsibilities Evaluate and monitor programs for effectiveness, recommending modifications and improvements. Process all donations, ensuring proper entry into the donor database and issuing tax receipts. Solicit operational donations via direct‑mail campaigns and support the annual and long‑term philanthropic goals, including creating campaign materials and coordinating mailings. Serve as the Donor Database (Raiser’s Edge) coordinator, keeping records up‑to‑date, importing new information, and cleaning up constituent codes, funds, appeals, attributes, and invalid records. Coordinate the Zoo Kids Inc. field‑trip scholarship program (application portal, award notification, fund tracking, reimbursement). Oversee the Zoo’s tribute and memorial program, developing marketing plans, coordinating vendors, ordering products, and ensuring proper installation. Manage the Zoo’s online wish list, communicating with leadership to identify needs, obtaining approvals, and distributing items to departments. Produce and distribute meeting worksheets for all department events, follow up on day‑of execution, and attend weekly Operations meetings to represent the Development Department. Represent the Louisville Zoo, Zoo Foundation, Friends of the Louisville Zoo, and Louisville Metro Government at zoo and community events. Contact card holders and the public regarding membership renewal and new memberships, maintaining a database to track renewals and processing correspondence. Develop and promote sponsorships and in‑kind services, prepare funding proposals, and schedule events to increase revenue opportunities. Secure, design, and produce advertising and mass marketing materials; conduct sales presentations to potential sponsors. Research foundations and corporations to identify new sponsorships, analyze records, and recommend methods to obtain sponsor information. Operate a vehicle to pick up and deliver supplies and materials. Maintain computer records and produce reports on sponsor payments, compiling data for financial reports. Perform related work as assigned. Minimum Requirements Associate degree in Advertising, Communications, Marketing, Business, English, Public Relations, Hospitality, Public Administration, or related discipline. Two (2) years of donor database and fundraising experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted. Other Minimum Requirements Valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Physical Demands Sedentary work involving walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force regularly, and sustained keyboard operations. Occasional lifting of tables, chairs, boxes, crates, linens, etc., up to 10+ pounds for meeting or event setup. Unavoidable Hazards (Work Environment) Bright light Dust and pollen Extreme heat and/or cold Wet and humid conditions Extreme noise levels Animals/wildlife Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. Standard Clauses May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies (man‑made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities required of an employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. Essential Safety Functions Employees must comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices, follow safety training, wear and maintain required personal protective equipment, and immediately report unsafe conditions or injuries. Supervisors enforce all safety rules and ensure a safe work environment. Benefits Full Time – Regular Medical, Dental, Vision, Group Term Life, Supplemental Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Sick Leave, Vacation, Holiday Pay, Bereavement Leave, Kentucky Public Pensions Authority, 457 Deferred Comp, Voluntary Lifestyle Benefits, Tuition Assistance, Qualified Adult Benefits, Childcare Assistance, Free TARC Use, Paid Parental Leave Part Time – 17.5 to 25 Hours Per Week Vacation (pro rata), Sick Leave (pro rata), Holiday Pay (pro rata) Part Time – Less Than 17.5 Hours Per Week and Temporary Positions Ineligible for Benefits Interns Ineligible for Benefits Selected Candidate Questions Do you have an associate's degree in Advertising, Communications, Marketing, Business, English, Public Relations, Hospitality or Public Administration or related discipline? Answer: Yes / No Do you have two (2) years of donor database and fundraising experience? Answer: Yes / No Do you possess and can you maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history? Answer: Yes / No #J-18808-Ljbffr Louisville Metro Government