DescriptionThe Development Support Coordinator is vital to the Financial Development (Fundraising) Department’s daily needs. The Development Support Coordinator is responsible for creating, maintaining and updating development records, gift and pledge acknowledgements, mailings, invoices, Development Committee minutes, donor event coordination/setup, Capital Campaign administrative duties and overall administrative support. This individual is responsible for tracking any elected Donor benefits and ensuring fulfillment. In addition, this person will be responsible for Zoo Online Auctions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Responsible for Development gift and pledge acknowledgement system, including drafting thank you letters/receipts within 48 hours (two business days) of pledge or gift receipt for all donations. This includes current Capital Campaign correspondence and materials preparation.
- Generates and distributes all monthly invoicing and pledge payment reminders.
- Assists, coordinates, schedules and facilitates on- and off-site donor cultivation events. This individual will handle internal/external communications and scheduling for tours, donor events and visits.
- Assists in preparation of briefing materials for CEO and Development staff and volunteers in the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects, and generates correspondence and packets related to solicitation and stewardship of donors related to capital campaigns.
- Responsible for online auctions for ‘Tails in the Trails and ZooGala events, working with the respective committees to accept and log all items and secure auction item forms. Activities include photographing items and uploading images, researching and writing detailed descriptions of auction items, managing processes before, during and after the auctions and ensuring distribution of goods to winning bidders in a timely manner.
- Assists with mailings to label, sort, stuff and obtain postage if needed.
- Prepares purchase orders for the department.
- Other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
SAFETY ANALYSIS
This position is impacted by hazardous exposures common to an office environment and occasional VIP event set-up.
Specific training and procedures will be provided, designed to maintain safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection.
The Development Support Coordinator, as with any employee of the Zoo, is required to be familiar with the Zoo’s overall safety policies as outlined in the employee handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid office and his/her manager.
The Development Support Coordinator will need to be familiar with radio protocols and all animal safety protocols inherent to accommodating any special client requests.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee should expect the following:
- Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls.
- Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and talk or hear.
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20-25 pounds.
- Occasions of walking long distances or for a lengthy period of time.
- Exposure to wet surfaces.
Depending on assignment, exposure to the elements can be expected.
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS
The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.
- Associate degree or bachelor’s degree preferred with experience in Altru, fundraising or equivalent combination of education/experience.
- Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or Altru preferred.
- Good communication skills, both written and oral.
- Flexibility and the ability to handle multiple projects accurately while meeting frequent deadlines.
- Willingness to be a team player.
- Passionate about the BZI mission and direction.
- The capacity to project the unique aims and values of the institution in the community.
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite and Adobe
- Ability to assess and assign priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise extreme discretion of privileged information.
- Ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse workforce and audience.
- Available to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.
Other Requirements
- Must be willing to travel locally.
- Must have a current, valid driver’s license with no major traffic violations within the last three years. A pre-employment Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check will be conducted, and an annual MVR review is required.
POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK
- Full time
- Weekdays and weekends
- Occasional evening work and holidays required
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Birmingham Zoo is committed to being a place where everyone feels welcome, whether as a guest, team member, or part of our broader community. Our core values— Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion— shape a work environment where respect, collaboration, and learning are valued. We encourage candidates with unique perspectives and experiences to apply.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.
Birmingham Zoo Inc. is a not-for-profit entity. The rate of pay for this position is $19.00/hour.
