Gift Officer

Position Summary

The Gift Officer is responsible for raising significant funds through major and mid-level gift prospect cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with a special focus on individual giving, Big Cat Society, corporate gifts, and fundraising events to support the upcoming capital campaign and into our exciting future. This position has a direct impact on the Zoo’s reputation among our community and involves relationship building with external high net worth stakeholders, including but not limited to: major and mid-level donors and prospective major and mid-level donors in the Palm Beach area. Must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule to attend Zoo and community events that often occur on weekends and evenings.

Essential Position Functions

Support the CDO and Major Gift Officer in successfully implementing the organization’s comprehensive capital fundraising strategy by overseeing a portfolio of 100-150 high net worth individuals, family foundations, and corporations

• Develop individual and corporate donor strategies and close 4-6 figure gifts
• Work with CDO to execute event fundraising strategies to raise capital funds
• Independently exercises ethical and sound judgment, maintains the highest standards of donor privacy and confidence
• Works with the Development Office staff to effectively research prospects, wealth screen current and new donors, develop donor proposals, and successfully move prospects to lifetime engagement of giving
• Work with Vice President of Philanthropy to fulfill gift agreements, sponsorships, event attendance, and donor stewardship

Other

Attend development and program specific events on behalf of or with the CDO and development team which may include holidays and weekends
Adhere to all Zoo policies and procedures
Adhere to, uphold Zoo’s values in relation to conservation and caring for our blue and green planet, animal care and wellness, safety, guest hospitality, and community engagement
Demonstrate core values of kindness and joyfulness, creativity, respect, commitment, responsibility/accountability, and professionalism

Education Requirements and Technical Skills

Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience
CFRE preferred; prior fundraising or sales with Palm Beach donors a plus
Demonstrated success in fundraising with a minimum of three years of related professional experience, preferably with capital campaign fundraising experience
Must understand the importance of high net worth donor engagement and stewardship
Strong relationship skills and ability to convert prospects to supporters of the Zoo

Skills and Competencies

• Teamwork — supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.
• Communication (oral and written) — Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals; preparing and focusing presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; strong writing and editing skills for a variety of audiences.
• Diversity and Inclusion – Demonstrates behaviors that include fairness, respect, inclusiveness, empathy, integrity, and ethical conduct. Fosters a climate and culture in which each person is accepted and has the opportunity to grow and develop. Practices behaviors that promote diversity and inclusion in dealings with and on behalf of the Zoo, consistent with laws, regulations, and Zoo policies.
• Integrity/Trust — Maintaining social, ethical, and organizational values and norms; building trust and confidence with the staff and with internal and external customers; respecting the confidentiality of personal and proprietary information.
• Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation, and friendliness with donors, the public, staff, volunteers, and guests. Actively listens, anticipates, and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on administrative/data needs in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies
• Planning and organizing — Supporting the CDO by tracking fundraising objectives for the zoo; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans in a fast-paced work environment.
• Relationship Management — Attention to detail, especially regarding donor preferences and lifestyles

What We Offer

A competitive salary, commensurate with your skills and experience
An EXCELLENT benefits package (current year/plan), which includes: 100% paid employee level coverage for designated medical & dental plan
100% paid coverage for 100K of life insurance
100% paid short-term disability
100% paid long-term disability
401K – Employer contributes 3% of your salary
Optional vision, accident, and critical illness coverages available through pre-tax payroll deductions
Generous paid time off policy, Zoo Membership, and FREE admission to other Florida Attractions!

Inclusion Diversity Equity and Access (IDEA) Commitment

Our Mission is to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. We recognize that the only way to accomplish our mission is to include all people across all races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, mental/physical abilities, and sexual orientations. Just as we value biodiversity, we recognize and appreciate the value of human diversity as being integral to our ability to connect with our visitors and the communities we serve.