Development Director, Delaware Zoological Society

The Delaware Zoological Society is currently seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and dynamic individual to join our team as Development Director. The Development Director will plan, coordinate, and implement strategies to cultivate and develop donors to increase/improve sustainable contributions to support the organization. S/he will create and maintain appropriate systems of fund development, including but not limited to volunteer and donor management, research and cultivation, gift processing, and recognition. A new position in the organization, the Director of Development will have the opportunity to build the development function.

Reports to: Executive Director, Delaware Zoological Society

Compensation: Based on experience

Position Type: Part-time, 20-28 hours per week

Responsibilities and Duties

• Provides general oversight of all of the Society’s fund development activities, manages the day-to-day operations of the development function, and monitors adequacy of activities through coordination with staff, appropriate committees, and the Society’s Board of Directors
• Develops and executes the Society’s annual fundraising plan
• Assists Executive Director in managing the Capital Campaign
• Secures financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations
• Develops and maintains ongoing relationships with major donors
• Will create and execute a strategy to grow the base of individual donors
• Works with Executive Director to identify and resolve procedural issues by developing and implementing protocols
• Coordinates with consultants for Capital Campaign and other major development endeavors
• Develops and tracks proposals and reports for all foundation and corporate fundraising
• Collaborates closely with Marketing & Special Events Manager and Membership Coordinator
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’ degree required
• At least five years of experience in fundraising required
• Knowledge and experience in the following areas is required: the nature and dimensions of philanthropy, ethics, motivations for giving and volunteering, research and cultivation practices, standard fundraising techniques including face-to-face solicitation, proposal writing, special events, telephone, solicitation, and direct mail, and development office functions including gift processing, prospect and donor histories, and fundraising reporting
• The individual must have demonstrated experience and confidence in asking people to contribute time and money
• Excellent written and oral communication skills required
• Capital campaign experience preferred
• Proficiency with email, Microsoft Office, and donor management platforms, especially DonorPerfect Online
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals from a wide variety of ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds
• Excellent time management, organization, and independent judgement skills. Proven ability to take responsibility and problem solve in a proactive manner
• Certified Fund Raising Professional preferred
• Familiarity with Delaware philanthropic community and climate strongly preferred

To apply, send your cover letter, resume, and salary (hourly rate) expectation to development@brandywinezoo.org. Employment is contingent on successful completion of background and reference checks. Applications lacking a cover letter will not be considered.

Applications are due by close of business on June 28th.

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