Zoo Development Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION   The Development Manager will oversee and execute the further advancement of the Abilene Zoo. Under the direction of the Zoo Director, this position is responsible for developing a diverse portfolio of donors. This position manages the entire development department which consists of Marketing, Events, Membership and Volunteers. This position also serves as the Manager on Duty during on-call weekends for the entire zoo. The goal of the Development Manager is to further grow and enhance the zoo’s image and position within the community.   SUPERVISION EXERCISED   Exercise supervision of lower level staff.   IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES   Selects, develops, evaluates and maintains a highly qualified, motivated and diverse team of professionals in Marketing, Development, Membership, Volunteer Management and Events.   Identifies, develops, and maintains strategic partnerships to promote and strengthen the Abilene Zoo, managing a portfolio of over 600 donors and corporate partners.   Prepares detailed monthly reports for the Zoo Director and Abilene Zoological Society Board.   Responsible for presenting a detailed budget, forecasting costs, anticipating needs and monitoring income and expenses for the entire Development Department.   Research potential funding sources including public, private, state, federal and corporate organizations.   Write grant proposals, grant evaluations and other fundraising content.   Serves as the Manager on Duty overseeing the entire zoo staff and operations during rotating weekend duty or afterhours events. Leads by example and creates high standards to promote exceptional customer service throughout the Zoo.    Addresses and resolves customer services issues.   Manages workflow for the entire team to ensure that objectives are delivered within agreed-upon timelines.   Works directly with the Zoo Director and City of Abilene to handle media inquiries and crisis communication response.   Develop creative sponsorship opportunities and ensure that all sponsorship rights have been fulfilled in a timely manner.   Effectively communicate the zoos needs and mission to the community and donors.   Oversees the development and implementation of every aspect of events including, obtaining sponsorships, communicating the needs of the event to the entire zoo staff, and ensuring proper marketing, event development and volunteer management.   Maintains open, timely, and accurate communication with the Zoo Director.   Research, write and submit evaluation reports for grants to further enhance the zoo.   Assists with theming all new attractions and exhibit series.   Seeks out opportunities to develop a diverse network by attending community events as a representative of the Abilene Zoo with approval from Zoo Director and Community Services Director.   Develops, manages and executes capital campaign strategies to fulfill fundraising requirements for large scale projects.   Serves as the staff liaison for the Abilene Zoological Society Development Committee and Zoobilation Committee.   OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES   Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES   Knowledge of:             Marketing principles utilized within the industry.   Abilene media community and social Media best practices.   Major event management for events with an excess of $250,000 in revenue.   Marketing, promotion, and public relations.   Development, fundraising and grant writing.   Database management skills to ensure the proper upkeep and maintenance of the donor and membership database.   Bookkeeping skills to develop, implement, and maintain multiple department budgets.   Skill to:   Interpret federal, state, and city laws, rules, and regulations related to public events and facilities; as well as, state and local labor and occupational safety and health rules and regulations.   Ensure that all local, state and federal regulations are properly met for all financial donations received by the zoo.   Effectively write content for grants, social media, donor, and board communications.   Give clear and concise oral and written communication; prepare and present reports regarding the zoo’s development department.   Ability to:                         Supervise and direct multi-levels of staff.   Communicate and maintain effective working relationships with media, staff members, AZS board members, and the public.   Work hours outside of a traditional work schedule including   nights, weekends, and special events as the schedule demands.   Work independently with minimal supervision.   Multi-task, prioritize, and organize projects efficiently within a work schedule.   Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.   Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.   Lead and manage a team in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.   Experience and Training Guidelines:   Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.  Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:   Experience:             Four (4) years of related experience in the management of Development, Grant Writing, Marketing, and Events is preferred.   Education/Training:             A high school diploma or equivalent is required.   Bachelor’s Degree in communications, marketing, or a related field from an accredited college or university is preferred.             License or Certificate:             A valid Texas Driver’s License, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is preferred.   Special Requirements:   Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:   With or without accommodation, ability to lift up to 50 pounds.   Some extended work hours are required during events.    Some weekend, evening, and holiday work are required.

Salary : $51,311 - $62,154