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Zoo Careers

Position:  Major Gifts Manager
Location:  Tulsa, OK
Job Id:  443
# of Openings:  1

Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc.
Position Title: Major Gifts Manager
Reports To: Vice President of Philanthropy
FLSA Status: Salaried, Exempt
Safety-Sensitive: Yes
 
Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. (TZMI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of “Connecting, Caring, Advocating for Wildlife, People, and Wild Places.” A dynamic group of passionate individuals brings the zoo to life each day, 365 days per year, caring for animals, greeting guests, educating the public and managing the facilities.  Each member of the team is integral to the success of the zoo as a key asset in the City of Tulsa and the Northeast Oklahoma region, delivering recreational opportunities, providing unplugged family time and conserving animal species for future generations.
 
 
Position Summary:
The Major Gifts Manager serves as a key team member and an active participant in strategic decisions affecting Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. In partnership with the VP of Philanthropy, this position is responsible for establishing, directing, and coordinating major giving, planned giving, and special projects to meet budgetary requirements for both operating expenses and long-term development. The Major Gifts Manager will help forge new relationships to build visibility, impact, and financial resources for Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. This role will act as an ambassador for the Zoo in the community, with the primary goal of developing new funding sources and maintaining positive donor, volunteer, and member relationships.  
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develops, directs, manages, and evaluates major gift funding programs.
 
  • Researches and coordinates all grant and foundation application efforts. Directly involved in and responsible for grant-writing efforts.
 
  • Oversees and assists coordinating, directing, and soliciting all planned legacy giving.
 
  • Works with staff to ensure capital campaigns are supported by interfacing with marketing, publicity, and other important partnerships.
 
  • Develops written proposals, illustrations, gift agreements, renewal letters, and other donor communications.
 
  • Assists VP of Philanthropy with the fundraising needs of any public funding campaigns.
 
  • Assists VP of Philanthropy with the fundraising needs of capital campaigns.
 
  • Develops and manages recognition program for donors.
 
  • Builds and maintains positive relationships in the community through networking and community involvement. Acts as an ambassador for the Zoo, exhibiting understanding and commitment to TZMI’s mission.
 
  • Serves as staff liaison with designated Board committees as requested.
 
  • Serves as an active member of the Zoo’s Philanthropy team, tasked with all philanthropic efforts for the organization.
 
  • Tracks and reports relationship management activity using constituent relationship management system, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, proposal submission, and stewardship of prospective and current individual major donors; assists with review and verification of major gift donor recognition lists.
 
  • In accordance with TZMI policies and procedures, oversees acknowledgements of all gifts and provides necessary documentation according to IRS regulations, ensuring proper and timely stewardship.
 
  • Remains current on laws, policies, and guidelines for charitable giving and planned giving, including the IRS, federal, and state laws.
 
·         Perform other duties consistent with the mission of Tulsa Zoo as assigned by the VP of Philanthropy.
 
Supervisory Responsibilities:                                        
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
 
Values:                                            
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies as they relate to TZMI core values:
  • We are enthusiastically committed to be part of the Tulsa Zoo community.
  • We will all work together as one Zoo Team to support the Zoo’s mission.
  • We will value and appreciate everyone and create a safe, understanding, and welcoming environment for all.
  • We will all be accountable for achieving excellence.
  • We will earn the trust of one another, acting honestly and treating each other with respect.
 
 
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in business, marketing, public relations, or related field; five years related experience in a leadership role in progressive non-profit and demonstrated knowledge of fundraising, advanced gift planning, capital campaigns, and major gifts solicitations.
 
Language Skills                                                    
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries and complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex subjects to TZMI employees, top management, board of directors, and public groups.
 
Mathematical Skills
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions, and percentages. Ability to apply basic concepts of algebra and geometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and decimals to practical situations.
 
Computer Skills
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software; expert level experience with Raiser’s Edge or equivalent donor database; Internet Browser(s) - Explorer, Chrome, Safari, etc. Proficiency in personal computer Windows environment.
 
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Member of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) a plus. CFRE preferred.
 
Other Skills, Abilities or Qualifications  
Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable on TZMI’s insurance carrier.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays. Demonstrated history of success in management and fundraising development and proven relationships with donor community. Creative capacity to enhance event and funding programs. Strong leadership skills, with ability to promote teamwork. Ability to work independently without close oversight, but also as a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside of Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. Diplomatic, able to interface with community leaders and Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. board member. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships. Strong organizational, analytical, negotiating, and time management skills. Good interpersonal skills, high standards for customer service. Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives. Self-starter, resourceful, flexible, and able to follow through. High energy and passion for Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. mission is essential.
 
 
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position as they relate to physical demands and their work environment.
 
This position involves substantial standing; substantial walking; moderate sitting; substantial reaching with hands and arms; minimal climbing or balancing; substantial stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling; substantial talking or hearing; moderate lifting up to 20 to 60 pounds.
 
This work environment involves moderate work in outdoor weather conditions; moderate work with loud noise level.
 

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