Major Gifts Officer
Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.
The Impact You’ll Make in this Role
The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is a key member of the Development team, working collaboratively with the development team to secure transformational philanthropic support for San Antonio Zoo. This role is responsible for building and managing meaningful relationships with major gift prospects and donors, advancing them through the full giving cycle, and inspiring investment in the zoo’s mission secure a future for wildlife.
As a Major Gifts Officer, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:
Major Gift Fundraising & Donor Engagement
- Manage an active portfolio of at approximately 150 major gift prospects.
- Personally identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through tailored engagement strategies designed to meet both donor interests and organizational priorities.
- Conduct a minimum of 75 in-person visits annually with prospects and donors for qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Develop individualized giving plans that align donor passions with zoo programs and funding needs.
- Research, prepare, and present compelling philanthropic proposals and gift opportunities.
Strategy & Collaboration
- Participate actively in weekly Development team meetings and prospect strategy sessions.
- Collaborate with leadership and capital campaign consultants to develop and implement effective prospect strategies.
- Maintain a deep understanding of the zoo’s mission, vision, programs, and strategic priorities, and communicate a clear, compelling case for support to donors.
Administration & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive records of donor interactions, strategies, and outcomes in designated database systems.
- Uphold all organizational policies, procedures, and ethical standards as outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures, Team Member Handbook, and Code of Business Conduct.
Culture & Mission Alignment
- Consistently demonstrate a service-oriented mindset, showing professionalism and hospitality both within the zoo and in the community.
- Exhibit a strong commitment to San Antonio Zoo’s mission.
Other Responsibilities
- Perform additional duties as assigned in support of Development operations and organizational goals.
Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Minimum of three years of experience in major gifts fundraising, development, or a related field such as sales or business development.
- Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-net-worth individuals.
Knowledge & Competencies
- Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated writing and editing ability.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams, stakeholders, and organizations.
- Proficiency with donor databases and Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint.
- Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Highly self-motivated, goal-oriented, and able to work independently.
Additional Requirements
- Completion of all required online training by assigned deadlines.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment National Sex Offender Search, Criminal Background Check, and Drug Screen.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and other environmental factors.
- Availability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hours assignments, consistent with a year-round operation.
The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
