Major Gifts Officer

The Organization

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation (Foundation) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to help realize the mission of the Minnesota Zoo by raising contributed income from individuals, corporations, and foundations; securing planned gifts; hosting cultivation and fund-raising events; leading and/or participating in Zoo programs and activities; and advocating on behalf of the Zoo. Our vision is a future where wildlife thrives in Minnesota and beyond, and our mission is to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is an integral member of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation team, pursuing and securing philanthropic gifts of $10,000+ to support the Minnesota Zoo’s operational, special project, programmatic and capital needs. The MGO will work closely with a four-person Major Gifts team along with the Zoo Director/Foundation President, Institutional and Annual Giving Teams to grow support for the Minnesota Zoo from individuals.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Major Giving

• Using research, wealth screening, and discovery calls, develop a portfolio of 150 individuals with capacity and inclination to give $10,000+. This will be a blend of current donors and new prospects.
• Maintaining a focus on donor-driven, relationship-based gift development, build and implement strategies to cultivate and secure gifts of $10,000+ in unrestricted, restricted and/or capital gifts. 
• Conduct a minimum of 150 face to face visits per year (in person or virtually) with significant additional contacts via phone, mail and email.
• Support the efforts of the Director of Major Gifts and Foundation President in securing new and renewed gifts.
• Solicit support from managed prospects for the Zoo’s annual fund-raising event, Beastly Bash.

Organizational and Operational

• Ensure that donor database maintenance, donor contact information, donor gift acknowledgement and recognition, and gift stewardship are completed accurately and timely. 
• Track moves on a regular basis by entering contact reports in Tessitura and prepare regular activity reports. 
• Provide regular update reports on capital campaign activity and results.
• Ensure proper donor recognition in all publications and on signage and oversee accurate donor lists for those places.
• Participate through active involvement in team and all staff meetings, events, and training.
• Provide on-site support for events and programs as needed by the Foundation, which typically occur on the weekends or in the evenings.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the changing needs of the organization and the successful candidate’s interests, aptitude, and experience.

Minimum Skills & Experience Required

• 3+ years of major gift solicitation work, cultivating gifts of 10,000+ 
• 3-5+ years of experience working in development for a nonprofit organization(s) with a focus on individual philanthropy.
• A track record of successfully asking for and closing gifts, including the ability to create personalized proposals and presentations for donors.
• Basic knowledge of planned giving options.
• A passion for the people, animals and programs associated with the Minnesota Zoo.
• Proficiency with donor and contact management databases.
• A valid driver’s license, with a safe driving record, and the ability to travel to offsite meetings with donors and prospects. 

Preferred Skills & Experience

• 3-5+ years of major gift solicitation work, cultivating gifts of 100,000+
• 8+ years of experience fundraising for nonprofit organizations, with a focus on individual major gifts
• Experience with Tessitura CRM Software

Minnesota Zoo Foundation Qualification Requirements:

• Collaborative style and the ability to work with a diverse group of individuals both inside the organization and out in the community. Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class and immigrant status.
• Ability to clearly represent and present the mission and vision of the Minnesota Zoo.
• Ability to work independently and proactively while keeping supervisor apprised of issues, opportunities, and progress.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues in multiple departments/divisions.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines.
• High degree of integrity, ethical decision making, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required and must be capable of planning and managing independent travel.

Education:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience.

Physical, Travel, Additional Requirements:

• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• May need to work occasional weekends and evenings dependent on Foundation events and donor meetings.
• Required to use a computer and phone; Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping.
• Ability to navigate the Zoo premises and accompany donors and prospects on tours in variable weather conditions, both indoor and outdoor.
• May need to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Moderate noise level in an office setting, occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions on the campus of the Minnesota Zoo.
• This position is a hybrid position, and will be 60% in the office and 40% telework or offsite, frequently requiring private transportation by the employee to offsite prospect and donor visits.