Job Description
The Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium invites applicants to join our growing organization as a Major Gifts Officer. This position will focus on identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects for the capital campaign. They will build relationships with high-net-worth individuals and foundations, provide personalized stewardship, and secure significant contributions to support the campaign's fundraising goals.
Essential Functions
• Identify and research potential major gift prospects, including high-net-worth individuals and foundations, with a specific focus on those interested in wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and environmental causes.
• Develop and implement strategies to cultivate and steward relationships with major gift prospects, building long-term partnerships and engaging them in the mission and goals of the zoo and aquarium.
• Conduct face-to-face meetings, presentations, and personalized solicitations to secure major contributions for the capital campaign, tailoring proposals to match donor interests and capacity.
• Collaborate with the capital campaign team to develop compelling fundraising materials, case statements, and campaign updates to effectively communicate the organization's mission, vision, and impact to major gift prospects.
• Manage a portfolio of major gift donors, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of interactions, moves management, and gift information in the donor database.
• Coordinate and participate in donor cultivation events, including donor recognition programs, VIP tours, and special experiences, to provide personalized stewardship and deepen donor engagement.
• Ensure donor acknowledgement, stewardship, and public recognition as appropriate.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as the executive team, board members, and program staff, to facilitate their involvement in major gift cultivation and solicitation activities.
• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and philanthropic opportunities to enhance major gift strategies and identify new prospects.
• Provide regular progress reports on major gift activities, including prospect pipeline, solicitation status, and funds raised, to the capital campaign leadership and board of directors.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy within the organization, educating staff and volunteers about major gift fundraising and engaging them in supporting donor cultivation efforts.
• Work collaboratively with the COO, Development Director and development team, who plays a key role in supporting the campaign functions.
• Other duties as assigned.
Competency
• Proven experience in major gift fundraising, including identifying, cultivating, and soliciting high-net-worth individuals and foundations. Familiarity with capital campaigns and comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to engage and inspire major gift prospects. Ability to establish rapport, trust, and long-term partnerships with donors based on shared values and organizational mission.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively articulate the zoo and aquarium's mission, campaign goals, and impact. Proficiency in tailoring proposals, case statements, and fundraising materials to match donor interests and motivations.
• Ability to think strategically and develop innovative approaches to major gift cultivation and solicitation. Adept at identifying fundraising opportunities, leveraging networks, and adapting strategies to meet changing donor preferences and market trends.
• Strong commitment to providing personalized stewardship to major gift donors, ensuring they feel valued, informed, and engaged. Skill in designing and implementing recognition programs, events, and experiences to enhance donor relationships.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities to manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, track interactions and moves management, and maintain accurate donor records in the database. Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, including executive team members, board members, and program staff. Skill in engaging and leveraging the expertise of colleagues to support major gift fundraising efforts.
• Commitment to ethical fundraising practices and adherence to relevant regulations and guidelines. Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in handling sensitive donor information.
• Familiarity with wildlife conservation and animal welfare issues, as well as a genuine passion for the mission and work of the non-profit zoo and aquarium. Ability to effectively communicate the organization's impact and conservation initiatives to potential donors.
Required Education and Experience
• Undergraduate (or higher) degree in in a related field such as nonprofit management, fundraising, marketing, or communications is typically required.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in major gift fundraising, donor relations, or related roles within the non-profit sector.
• Proven track record of successfully soliciting and securing major gifts from high-net-worth individuals and foundations.
• Experience working on capital campaigns or other comprehensive fundraising initiatives is highly desirable.
Preferred Education and Experience
• Additional certifications or professional development courses in fundraising, philanthropy, or nonprofit leadership.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts at the six-figure level or above, preferably within a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife conservation organization.
Additional Qualifications
• Must be able to work some SFZA events which could fall during evening or weekend hours.
• Must be able to meet with decision makers, donors outside of the usual work schedule which may include before or after business hours or on weekends.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a pre-employment background check.
• Be willing to be TB tested annually (required for behind the scenes access).