Development Manager

Description

The Virginia Zoological Society, a non-profit organization, is looking to welcome a Development Manager to the team!

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Development Manager assists with the donor experience through executing the plan to generate measurable and sustainable increases for the Zoo’s fundraising efforts. Key responsibilities include assisting with the annual acquisition and renewal program, maintaining excellent donor relations and stewardship communications, engaging volunteers and board members for annual giving and unique events, and driving fundraising growth.

The primary focus for this position is to support the Director of Development in implementing strategies and tactics, and responsibilities for the operational functions of the development department, supporting the fundraising efforts of the organization by increasing efficiency and accountability. The Development Manager ensures timely donor acknowledgement and gift processing and provides research, analysis, and data management associated with all fund development programs, including annual fund, major gifts, planned gifts, and capital campaign gifts. 

This is a salaried exempt position. Reports to the Director of Development. 

May require some evenings & weekends as needed for events.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assists in implementing an annual/unrestricted giving plan to reach annual goals, including strategies for acquisition, retention, fulfillment, and stewardship, implementing direct mail solicitation campaigns, and organizing additional retention and upgrade initiatives.
• Supports the donor stewardship program, including the generation of prompt thank you calls, acknowledgment letters, donor outreach, donor recognition, monthly donor update email and quarterly donor highlights and performance analysis of appeals and donor messaging.
• Develops and executes moves management for a curated portfolio of donors and prospects under $500 with revenue goal for annual fund.
• Assists with grant search, writing and proposal preparation.
• Oversees all constituent management systems used by the Development department, including data structure, data retrieval, report customization and analysis, policies and procedures, security, and data entry quality control while maintaining database accuracy and integrity.
• Accurately enters data and confidential processing of gifts from receipting and acknowledgment to pledge reminders, as well as donor information and other data related to relationship tracking and management. 
• Works in concert with the finance team to ensure accounting reconciliation.
• Assists in producing new materials, impact reports, stewardship campaigns, and tools targeted to enhance relationships with donors and prospective donors with the assistance of the marketing and communications department.
• Coordinates with staff leadership, campaign committee members, and board members on prospects outreach and other action items. 
• Supports membership engagement and upgrade opportunities with the Director of Development.
• Maintains and actively increases prospect list of individuals, corporations, and foundations donor list and assist in strategy development for cultivation and stewardship. 
• Supports preparation and logistics for fundraising events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines with multiple ongoing projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Resourceful self-starter with an ability to anticipate business needs.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality of donor and prospect information.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in fundraising.
• At least 2 years of fundraising experience.
• Knowledge of relevant fundraising principles, practices, and techniques
• Experience working with CRM / Donor management system. Donor Perfect preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds capacity at times.

Additional Requirements

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Benefits:

• The Virginia Zoological Society offers a generous amount of Paid Time Off and 15 Paid Holidays.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and retirement plan are offered following a 60-day probationary period.
• Zoo Discounts
• Free Zoo Membership

At Virginia Zoological Society, we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

All Virginia Zoo Employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

The Virginia Zoo is a drug free workplace

Salary : $50,000 - $65,000