Major Gift Officer

Company: The Brevard Zoo
Location: Melbourne
Posted on: May 10, 2022

Job Description:

The Major Gift Officer is responsible for growing philanthropic support from individuals who are inspired by East Coast Zoological Society's (ECZS) mission and our $100M Our Legacy Campaign. This position works closely with the Deputy Director of Philanthropy to cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts to the ECZS. Additionally, the Major Gift Officer will work directly with the Individual Giving team, providing strategic oversight to the Campaign Work Plan and Brevard Zoo's higher-level donors. This position will work collaboratively across the Zoo, partnering with staff to identify fundraising opportunities and to instill a culture of philanthropy across ECZS.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe following reflects ECZS's definition of essential functions for this position but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. ECZS may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.POSITION DUTIES ECZS is seeking an experienced Major Gift Officer to join our Individual Giving team to help grow ECZS's donor support. As a Major Gift Officer, you will be a key member of ECZS's Individual Giving team, which is responsible for generating $5M+ in significant individual gifts annually contributing towards an overall departmental goal of raising $100M+ in 5 years in private philanthropy. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Philanthropy, you will execute the Development department's major gift strategy, including identifying, cultivating and soliciting individuals in support of ECZS's vital mission. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team who are making significant impacts in the field of conservation, animal wellness, education in zoos and aquariums. With a track record of soliciting and closing five- and six-figure gifts, you are a creative, entrepreneurial, and highly motivated fundraising leader who thrives on meeting with donors. You will manage a high-value portfolio of donors with capacity to give at the five- and six--figure levels and work directly with the Individual Giving team to accelerate giving in the region.

RESPONSIBILITESPortfolio Strategy and Management: Manage the strategy for a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects. Manage a portfolio of 100+ donors at the $25K level along with five- to six-figure prospects. Develop customized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans for each. Key Donor Management: Collaborate with the Director of Philanthropy and the Deputy Directory of Philanthropy on the management of select high-capacity donors, including support for meeting preparation and follow up. Maintain complete, updated and accurate records within Donor Perfect software.Donor and Prospect Engagement: Build and manage meaningful relationships with prospects and donors through visits, correspondence and consistent communication. With the support of the Development team, continue to build a qualified pipeline of new prospects and implement effective donor engagement opportunities. Programs and Mission: Develop and maintain familiarity with programmatic needs, budgets and priorities for the Zoos and Aquarium. Represent ECZS's mission and persuasively articulate ECZS's impact and conservation strategies.Fundraising Collateral: Ensure the timely creation and distribution of customized stewardship materials, including highly personalized letters and proposals to support portfolio needs.Fundraising Events: Working with ECZS Development and Special Events teams, attend Campaign events to maximize major donor and prospect cultivation opportunities.

Keywords: The Brevard Zoo, Melbourne , Major Gift Officer, Other , Melbourne, Florida