Overview

Inspire Generosity. Drive Impact. Shape the Future of Conservation.

Join the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks as a Development Officer and play a pivotal role in advancing our mission through strategic fundraising and donor engagement. You’ll cultivate meaningful relationships, secure transformational gifts, and create experiences that connect donors’ passions to wildlife conservation. If you’re ready to make a lasting difference, this is your opportunity.

Responsibilities

Responsible for raising major gifts through effective identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individuals, corporate and foundation donors.

Fundraising & Donor Relations

Manage a portfolio of 100–150 major donors and prospects with the capacity to give $100,000 or more.
Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts of $100,000+, working closely with organizational leadership and campaign volunteers.
Responsible for securing a minimum of $1 million annually through strategic fundraising efforts conducted within personal major giving portfolio.
Develop personalized engagement strategies to deepen donor relationships and align their passions with institutional priorities.
Achieve or exceed individual and team-based fundraising goals through strategic donor engagement, solicitation, and stewardship efforts. Performance is evaluated based on portfolio activity, donor outcomes, and revenue generation.
Lead and participate in high-impact donor experiences, such as private tours, cultivation, and stewardship events.
Prepare proposals, briefing materials, and stewardship materials.

Collaboration & Strategy

Partner with Zoo and The Wilds staff to be an informed advocate of the mission.
Collaborate with teams to support donor engagement.
Assist with donor event planning and execution, including soliciting guests, donors, and sponsors.

Administrative & Reporting

Maintain tracking and reporting on fundraising progress and donor engagement metrics in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT database.
Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards and donor confidentiality.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

BA/BS in education, business, and journalism or communications field or equivalent experience required.
5 years successful experience soliciting major gifts.
Experience managing a portfolio of high net worth individual, corporate and foundation donors.
Fundamental understanding of planned giving.

Technical & Presentation Skills

Ability to develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium or large groups is required.
Proficient in computer systems and software applications, with strong skills in data management, digital communication, and workflow tools; experience with Microsoft Office Suite is a plus.
Working knowledge of donor management or CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge preferred.

Communication & Relationship Management

Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing is required.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Columbus Zoo Family of Parks team members and contacts regarding company business required.
Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the guest service standards required.

Compliance & Operational Requirements

Ability to exercise discretion in dealing with confidential and personal information required.
Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient manner and without direct supervision is required.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays and overnight travel as needed.
Ability to adhere to safety regulations and procedures required.
Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required.
Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.

The Columbus Zoological Park Association

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Development Officer