Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Donor Relations Officer
Job Status: Full-Time
Reports To: VP of Development
Job Summary: The Donor Relations Officer is responsible for managing and enhancing the relationships with individual donors and prospects to secure funding for the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. This role involves developing and implementing strategies for donor engagement, individual giving, and the major gifts program. The Donor Relations Officer will work closely with the development team to ensure the sustainability and growth of the Zoo’s funding sources.
Key Responsibilities:
Growing the Individual Giving Program:
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Develop and execute a strategic plan to expand the individual giving program in preparation for a major capital campaign.
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Identify and engage potential new donors through various outreach efforts and community engagement.
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Strengthen relationships with current individual donors to increase their annual contributions and encourage multi-year commitments.
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Implement innovative fundraising initiatives to diversify and grow the donor base.
Donor Engagement and Stewardship:
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Develop and implement comprehensive donor engagement strategies to build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors.
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Oversee donor recognition programs and ensure timely and personalized acknowledgments of gifts.
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Plan and execute donor appreciation events and activities to enhance donor loyalty and satisfaction.
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Maintain accurate records of donor interactions in the donor management system.
Individual Giving and Major Gifts:
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Design and execute annual individual giving campaigns to attract new donors and retain existing ones.
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Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects to secure significant contributions in support of the Zoo’s strategic priorities.
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Develop and implement individualized major gift cultivation and solicitation plans.
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Monitor and analyze giving patterns to identify opportunities for increased donor engagement and contributions.
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Collaborate with the marketing team to create compelling messages and campaigns that resonate with individual donors.
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Prepare and present detailed proposals and presentations to major gift prospects.
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Track and report on the progress of major gift solicitations and ensure proper follow-up and stewardship.
This job might be for you if:
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You can connect donors to Pittsburgh Zoo’s mission to save species from extinction through your talent for communication and engagement.
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You are a strategic thinker, collaborate on donor strategies, and execute major donor development plans with integrity and enthusiasm.
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You are a true people person with an outgoing nature. You’re an initiative-taker and are driven by results.
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You make donors and volunteer solicitors feel valued because you’re sensitive to their needs.
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You can connect personally with donors and maintain professional relationships that result both in giving and long-term relationships with your organization.
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You are comfortable using a donor database, prospect research, and other wealth screening tools to aid in your moves management process.
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You can make and keep the respect of friends and colleagues. You establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.
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You have honed your writing and speaking skills and use them to compel individuals to action.
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You aren’t someone who spends a lot of time in the weeds, but you know donors expect you to be organized, prepared, detail-oriented and to follow through on promises.
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You are open to feedback and growth and can demonstrate the same generosity with your colleagues and direct reports.
Minimum Qualifications
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At least five (5) years of experience in a nonprofit development department
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A minimum of three (3) years in a forward-facing role with a history of increasing responsibility and successfully securing individual gifts
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Reside in the Greater Pittsburgh area
Preferred Qualifications
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Bachelor’s Degree or higher
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Five or more years in an Individual Giving/Donor Relations/Major Gifts Officer (or equivalent) role
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Specific experience in planning and executing fund development campaigns, prospecting, donor acquisition, and stewardship
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Success in writing solicitations
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Experience in and comfort with making personal solicitations
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Successfully supported a capital campaign through individual gift solicitations
Submit resumes to www.pittsburghzoo.org Careers