GENERAL SUMMARY
Lincoln Park Zoo is the nation’s only privately-managed free zoo and an urban oasis in the heart of Chicago. The zoo’s mission is to create a world in which nature and wildlife thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a local and global leader in conservation, animal care and welfare, learning and community engagement. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo was one of the first zoos in the nation. The zoo is committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment, and we celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, value, and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All. Visit us at lpzoo.org.
The Director of Institutional Giving leads the zoo’s corporate, foundation and government grantmaking portfolio. The Director manages a team of two and is responsible for the corporate sponsorship and sales rights and promotions business. The person in this role also works closely with the zoo’s events and marketing team to secure sponsorship and brand partnerships for programs and events. The director will also partner with zoo leaders to solicit support for a broad range of conservation, science and learning initiatives.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Develop and implement a comprehensive corporate and foundation relations strategy to support fundraising goals ($1M+ per year)
- Lead corporate, foundation and government grant process, in partnership with a grantwriter and Corporate Relations Manager
- Research and identify new corporate and foundation funding sources with a particular focus on expanding the zoo’s corporate sponsorship program
- Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective corporate and foundation partners
- Track and assess the effectiveness of corporate and foundation fundraising efforts
- Represent Lincoln Park Zoo at meetings, conferences, and networking events
- Supervise a team of two people in the corporate and foundation relations department
- As senior development leader, this position will work closely with the CEO, CFO and senior staff
- Perform other duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Exceptional communication and writing skills
- Ability to communicate and be understood in business English
- Thorough knowledge of office practices, procedures and equipment, and ability to operate standard equipment
- Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, SharePoint)
- Familiarity with Outlook, Raiser’s Edge and/or Salesforce (fundraising software)
- Open to learning new technologies
- Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion
- Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and complete in a timely manner
- Ability to work independently, exercising independent judgment and discretion
- Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education/experience is required.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- 5+ years of corporate, foundation and/or fundraising experience at a mission-driven organization.
- Experience managing staff
- Non-profit or museum/zoo experience a plus
- Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify an individual
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to sit for long periods of time
- Ability to work in open office environment
- Ability to traverse zoo grounds to facilitate tours, greet visitors, coordinate meetings
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends or holidays, as assigned.
Salary: $90k-110k/ annually
Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All.
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