What are the responsibilities and job description for the Major Gifts Officer (Hybrid) position at Minnesota Zoo Foundation?

Job Description

Minnesota Zoo Foundation

Job Title : Major Gifts Officer

Location : Eagan, MN

Job Classification : Full-Time

Reports To : Director of Major Gifts

Hybrid

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation

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 Minnesota Zoo Foundation accelerates the Zoo’s impact as a driving force for the health and well-being of people, animals, and the planet. As the Zoo approaches its 50th anniversary, we are gearing up to support a bold new strategic and long-range plan. As a Major Gifts Officer (MGO) you will play a critical role in growing our annual fund and raising capital. Successful MGO’s manage a portfolio of 125 existing and prospective donors and are skilled at securing philanthropic gifts of $10,000 – to over $1MM.

Duties and Responsibilities

Major Giving

Using research, wealth screening, and discovery calls, develop a portfolio of 125-150 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 Executive Director 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 individua 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 donor 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

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.

January 2025 posting - Position Details

Type of Position : Full-time, non-exempt, 40 hours / week, including occasional weekends and evenings

Salary Range : $70k-$95k / year, based on experiences & qualifications, plus a generous benefits package (Health,

Dental, Vision, Life / STD / LTD / ADD insurance, HSA, 401K, Paid Parental / Caregiver Leave)

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation to comply with all applicable equal employment opportunity laws and

regulations. The Foundation provides equal opportunity employment for all qualified persons. All our employment practices, benefits and programs will be administered without regard to actual or perceived race (inclusive of traits associated with race, such as hair texture and hair styles such as braids, locs, and twists), color, religion, sex, national

origin or ancestry, age, disability, veteran status or military history, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,

marital status, pregnancy, family history or familial status, genetic information, union membership, creed, status with

respect to receipt of public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, use of lawful

consumable products, or any other basis protected by Federal, State or local law.

This commitment extends to all phases of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, job

assignment, transfers, training and development, promotions, demotions, discipline, compensation, benefits,

terminations, layoff, recall, transfer, access to benefits, leaves of absences, and all other conditions or privileges

associated with employment.

The Foundation expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment or discrimination based on any of the

characteristics mentioned above. Improper interference with the ability of other employees to perform their expected

job duties is not tolerated.

The Foundation will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee

related to an individual’s physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs and practices, and / or

any other reason required by applicable law, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship upon the Foundation’s

business operations.

Applications received by February 23, 2025 will receive first consideration.

Cvj9jmaU6M

Salary : $70,000 - $95,000

Apply for this job

Receive alerts for other Major Gifts Officer (Hybrid) job openings

Major Gifts Officer (Hybrid)

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Major Gifts Officer (Hybrid) position at Minnesota Zoo Foundation?

What is the career path for a Major Gifts Officer (Hybrid)?

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Major Gifts Officer (Hybrid) jobs in the Saint Paul, MN area that may be a better fit.

We don't have any other Major Gifts Officer (Hybrid) jobs in the Saint Paul, MN area right now.

AI Assistant is available now!