What are the responsibilities and job description for the Donor Relations Specialist position at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden?
At the heart of every great city is a great zoo. And at the heart of a great zoo are many individuals and entities who invest in the zoo’s larger mission – saving wildlife to save our planet.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Development Team at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is a small but mighty team of eight, so we consider each of us a fundraiser! We are looking for our next great team member who is excited to help this team meet our audacious goals and support every donor in their lifecycle of giving to the Zoo. This position is our front line of support – assuring excellent donor stewardship in every interaction in addition to gift processing, phone calls, and emails for every gift. Gift processing includes, but is not limited to, gift renewals, gift processing, fulfillment, acknowledgement, donor calls and follow up, and database maintenance. Position also includes other duties as assigned, including after hours’ event support.
RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES INCLUDE (but are not limited to):
GIFT PROCESSING
- Manages frontline donor relations including receiving and returning donor calls and emails. Problem solves with donors and the team to ensure high level stewardship of our donors.
- Manages the receipt and processing of all incoming gifts, pledges, and stock transactions: process credit card charges, soft credits, batch and post to Raiser’s Edge, gift reports as instructed to appropriate individuals, daily delivery of posted batches to Finance, daily delivery of deposits to the vault, and hard files management. Furthermore, continually looks for ways to make the process more efficient.
- Manages recurring gifts, matching gifts, and pledge tracking. Processes gifts and produces a yearly tax receipt letter as needed.
- Supports Donor Clubs (Andrew Erkenbrecher Society, Keeper Circle, and Futures Society): process gifts and update membership dates, produce and mail AES and KC membership cards, maintain rosters and records, and processing and mailing of monthly renewals or yearly invoices, as well as recapture solicitations
- Acknowledges all gifts and commitments in accordance with Development standards: accomplished within two-three working days of receipt. Acknowledgements for gifts are sent to the appropriate Development staff or Zoo Director’s office, with follow up to completion and finally mailing.
- Collaborates with the Director of Corporate Relations to manage and acknowledge the invoicing of all sponsorships appropriately.
- Provides support for special events including Zoofari, Zoo La La, and Zootanical by managing invoicing for sponsors, tracking ticket purchases, etc. and attends events for monetary or other help as needed.
- Manages credit card payment processing accounts (IATS/Blackbaud Merchant Services): processing and issuing credits as necessary.
DATABASE MANAGEMENT
- Oversees Raiser’s Edge database, including database cleanup, records management and overall administration.
- Oversees connection with Galaxy and Raiser’s Edge while continually looking for ways to improve and optimize link, including Omatic software.
- Responsible for pulling mailing lists, reports and other data from Raiser’s Edge to support the team’s cultivation, and acquisition plans.
- Manages relationship between Finance team and Development, including providing reporting and overseeing the management of fund accounts within our database to match finance’s system.
OTHER (DEVELOPMENT TEAM SUPPORT)
- Delivers and picks up department mail from Purchasing Department, including running mail through the postage machine for the team, as needed
- Manages the main printer for the Marketing and Development teams, as well as the letter folding machine, including calling support when broken, maintaining resources needed, and being the in-house expert.
- Performs other duties as assigned to support department goals and zoo mission.
MINIMUM DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
- A minimum of 2 years of related experience in an office environment (experience in data entry and administrative support)
- Raiser’s Edge, donor database, or other CRM platform experience is required
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Detail-oriented, with excellent organizational & communication skills
- Self-starter with demonstrated initiative and excellent follow-through
- The ideal candidate will display a positive attitude and energy, and demonstrate the following attributes: must hold self to high standards and treat others with respect; ability to work well with staff, volunteers, Zoo donors and prospects, as well as the general public.
- Proficiency with Microsoft software programs and the ability learn new programs & tasks
- Possess excellent ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships within an organization; superior interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse personalities; tactful; mature; flexible.
- Be timely and reliable in attendance and performance.
- Have a demonstrated affinity for the Core Values & Mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Working Conditions: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment drug & nicotine screen & background check. While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk, and utilize manual dexterity to use computer mouse and keyboard. As a Development team member participating in events, the incumbent may be exposed to outside weather conditions. This job may require walking throughout the day, (occasionally on the Zoo’s hilly walking paths), ability to work a flexible schedule (including early mornings, evenings & weekends, when needed) to support key events is required.
Position Details: Starting pay range is $22 - $25/hour. This is a full-time, hourly/non-exempt, and eligible for the Zoo’s benefit programs for non-union employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package in support of our employees’ Total Well-Being including affordable medical, dental & vision coverage; free mental health counseling and coaching, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off banks; company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.
To apply for this position: Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application.
We strive to be an organization that is diverse and reflects the fullness of society. With a strongly held value for an organizational culture characterized by inclusion and belonging, we are committed to equity in all we do. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to our organization’s diversity and who want to walk alongside us in our commitment to inclusion and equity. We are a Queen City Certified/Ellequate Leader in Workplace Equity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Salary : $22 - $25
