Development Officer

Development AmbassadorReporting to the Vice President of Development for Strategic Development, this position is responsible for the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of gifts in support of annual operations, special projects, and capital projects. This position's immediate charge will be to grow the overall donor pipeline with a focus upon the $500 to $10,000 range. At an exciting time of growth for the Zoos, this person will engage prospective donors in creative ways while serving as a positive ambassador for Zoo New England.Essential Job FunctionsManage a portfolio of approximately 150 donors, prospects and corporate clientsIdentify, evaluate, cultivate, solicit individuals capable of contributing gifts of at least $500 annuallyIdentify, evaluate, cultivate, solicit individuals capable of making capital gifts at in a similar rangeSome evening and weekend work required to cultivate and manage prospects and donorsDuties & ResponsibilitiesRapidly become familiar and conversant regarding our Zoos, programs, policies and our value propositionPrepare meaningful and effective funding proposals, reports and customized collateral for individual donors, prospects and corporate clientsSchedule, manage and attend regular donor meetingsAttend committee meetings as required and represent the Zoos at networking eventsProvide executive-level briefing materials in advance of meetings for Vice President of Development and leadership staffDevelop strategies for the cultivation and stewardship of major donors and prospectsCreate strategic events to attract prospective donors and engage them with Zoo New EnglandIdentify donors for planned giving cultivationWork with donors, friends and volunteers of Zoo New England to identify, cultivate and solicit prospectsManage all information relating to current major donors and prospects in Raiser's Edge, in a manner that emphasizes the highest standards of accuracy, timeliness, thoroughness, and confidentialityDevelop annual and monthly plans for donor portfolio; monitor productivity and modify as necessarySolicit gifts from donors and prospects, both independently and working collaboratively with other solicitorsMinimum Job RequirementsBachelor's degree required, master's degree preferred.Experience working with volunteers and program staff or equivalentSuperior written and oral communication skillsExcellent research skillsOutstanding interpersonal skillsAbility to manage complex issues creatively and effectivelyAbility to work collaboratively and successfully as a member of a teamPerform other related duties and tasks as assignedPreferred Job RequirementsMinimum of 1-3 years demonstrated successful experience in fundraising with a focus on prospect identification, relationship building, and solicitation.Proficiency with Raiser's Edge, MS Office Suite; Word, Excel, OutlookPhilosophical commitment to Zoo New England's missionStrong initiative and self-motivation; ability to make independent decisionsKnowledge of wildlife, environmental and conservation issues highly desirable. Zoo New England