Immediate opening!

The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a full-time Foundation Relations Office and Grant Writer with prior fundraising experience.

Position Status: Full-time Schedule: This position is full time (40 hours) including some weekends and evenings. This individual must be available to work additional hours during the month of August, and be available to work the last two Saturdays of August (for Zoofari Ball). Compensation: $70,000 - $80,000 per year

You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position

SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Director of Advancement, the Foundation Relations Officer is responsible for securing grant funding from foundation, corporate, service organization and government resources in support of the Zoo’s overall mission. They will regularly interact with donors, guests, and community members, providing a high level of customer service while promoting the Zoo’s mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Grants Management

Regularly reports fundraising activities and progress to the Director of Advancement

Actively researches and seeks grant opportunities from various sources that match the goals and objectives of the Zoo

Develops and maintains effective, fruitful, and long-term working relationships with grantors

Prior to submitting proposals, communicates with potential grantors regarding their goals and objectives to ensure they are in line with the goals and objectives of the Zoo

Gathers statistical and other information from various departments using timely and effective communication to ensure grant and reporting deadlines are met

Writes and submits grant proposals on time to foundation, corporate, service organization, and government funding sources

Follows up with grantors to determine/monitor grant status in timely manner

Writes and submits thank you letters and other correspondence with grantors and potential grantors

Engages the board in the grants program with monthly reports and by inviting key members to represent the Zoo during foundation visits

Maintains a grants program calendar to track grant and reporting deadlines as well as to track communication, cultivation, and stewardship efforts. Reviews deadlines annually to ensure calendar is up-to-date

Ensures continuity in relationship management by maintaining files to track contacts, communications, submission and reporting deadlines, and philanthropic commitments in shared Advancement donor database and donor files. This includes maintaining organized grant files including a copy of all submissions (including online)

Accurately tracks and records donor relationship management activities related to grants

Develops and evaluates measures of success in grant activities and produces reports to track results

General Advancement Support

Assists with day-of support for Advancement department special events including VIP experiences, campaign events, and other donor activities and events. Duties vary and include tasks from set up to clean up and follow up.

As needed, assists with final preparation support during the month leading up to Zoofari Ball, day/night of assistance, as well as final wrap up assistance

Guest Relations

Promotes and supports diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) in all aspects of their role

Greets every guest with a smile or a friendly “hello”

Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo

Answers phone calls and emails promptly and professionally

Must stay calm in potentially high emotion situations, be knowledgeable of emergency procedures and be an active participant in drills, emergencies and lost child instances

Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work area and all areas of the Zoo clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions

Associates with guests to share information and assist, identify their needs, and make their experience a more personal one, providing a high level of customer service and satisfaction

Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures

Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code

Must have the ability to reflect a professional image while representing the zoo

Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo such as reading employee communications and attending meetings

Reflects the qualities outlined in our Core Values, the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge

Promotes the Zoo’s mission and conservation efforts

Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual

Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible

Other duties as needed

POSITION CRITERIA: To execute this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform duties satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below represent the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position primarily operates in a professional, shared office environment and involves some outdoors duties. Hybrid options may be available. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. This position is full time (40 hours) including some weekends and evenings. This individual must be available to work additional hours during the month of August, and be available to work the last two Saturdays of August (for Zoofari Ball).

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience preferably in fundraising, communications, marketing, or related field

Prior successful experience in fundraising preferred; minimum four years

Prior grant writing experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Excellent verbal and written communications skills

Capacity for high level attention to detail

Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills

Ability to effectively work under pressure, multi-task effectively, use independent judgment and produce quality work within tight time frame; meeting deadlines

Ability to work successfully in a shared open space work environment with regular interruptions

Ability to think strategically and plan accordingly to further the Advancement effort

Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and guests and to work with all levels of management

Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive information

Demonstrates high degree of accuracy and strong analytical skills

Ability to exercise safe work habits

Excellent organizational skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to effectively multi-task, use independent judgment, and produce quality work within a set timeframe to meet deadlines

Ability to create and implement systems and follow-up processes

Must be a proactive and creative problem-solver; a team player with motivation to develop relationships and work collaboratively

Understanding of telephone and office etiquette

Ability to handle conflict resolution in a professional manner and to respond to sensitive matters or situation with discretion, tact, and confidentiality

Ability to relate to persons of all ages and diverse backgrounds, skills, and abilities

Ability to present self in a personable, professional, and energetic manner

Ability to work flexible hours (including some holidays and weekends) and travel as needed

Ability to exercise safe work habits

Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel

Knowledge of databases/Raiser’s Edge preferred

Demonstrates initiative, creativity and enthusiasm, as well as strong organizational skills

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications

Valid CA Driver’s License with good driving record and insurance coverage is required

Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check

TB testing yearly

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This is an on-site position. Hybrid options may be available

Involves some weekend, early morning, and evening hours

Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility

Supportive and open employment culture

Must attend all events related to the position

Maintains a clean and organized work area

Must be able to kneel, bend, twist, climb stairs, sit, manipulate computer tools, stand and/or move for up to three continuous hours.

Regularly required to communicate, exchange information, or hear face to face, via radio and/or telephone

Ability to use hands to finger, handle, grasp, or feel; and reach with hands and arms

Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

Ability to lift 10-20 pounds frequently, and 30 pounds regularly in course of normal duties

Involves working effectively in a shared office space, as well as out-of-doors in all weather conditions

Must enjoy and thrive in a fast-paced work environment

Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used

Zoo provided computer (Excel, Power Point, Outlook, other but not limited to online working platforms)

Keys

Two-way Radio

Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, calculator, and others as required

Electric Cart

Events equipment

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!

Free parking M-F, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases

Access to the San Diego Zoo Global Academy platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...

You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position

Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

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This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.