Manager of Donor Society Clubs - Zoo Knoxville

Dana Decareaux

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Manager of Donor Society Clubs is a member of the Development Team which is responsible for strategically driving growth of donated revenue for operations, capital building programs and the endowment. The team strives to build a culture of gratitude and ensures that donors are appreciated, informed, and engaged with the mission of Zoo Knoxville. All development team members are expected to and held accountable to support all activities and goals of the department. Within that context, the Manager of Donor Society Clubs primary areas of responsibility is overseeing a dynamic donor recognition program, including managing a portfolio of approximately 150 households, coordinating the department’s prospecting initiatives, reinstating and administering donor and CEO-driven travel programs, and managing a planned giving program. This position works closely with all members of the Development Team in an environment dedicated to advancing the mission of Zoo Knoxville.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In conjunction with the Chief Development Officer (CDO), create, plan, manage, roll out, and evaluate a dynamic Cumulative Donor Recognition program, including the development of specific goals for the number of donors and dollars across each segment of the program. The program includes all giving across the Development department, but will also encompass the Membership department in the future.
• Maintain a portfolio of approximately 150 donors. Work in coordination with Donor Relations Manager and Major Gift Officers to move portfolios through cultivation, qualification, and solicitation, including written and face-to-face solicitation and stewardship, as well as creation and implementation of multi-ask solicitations.
• Supervise the department’s prospecting initiatives through the Development prospecting workgroup, to integrate the backgrounds of prospects and donors, the relationships, interests, cultivation process, and intended eventual solicitation for philanthropic gifts.
• Develop a stewardship plan to maintain personal, regular communications with donors by developing and implementing effective donor communications and cultivation activities, including writing acknowledgment letters and leading onsite events and tours. Utilize Raiser’s Edge to develop and implement a tracking system for site visits and stewardship.
• Work with the President/CEO and CDO to plan and execute two distinct donor travel programs (to include both international and domestic travel). Works with travel vendors, plans and executes pre- and post-travel events for travelers, and assists with communications and printed materials.
• In conjunction with the CDO, create, plan, manage, roll out and evaluate a comprehensive planned giving program.
• Working with Assistant Director of Development, Operations, develop budgets and monitor revenue and expenses on a regular basis. Prepare financial reports and giving fund reports as required.
• Attend zoo events and activities as required.
• Additional duties as assigned or as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A strong affinity for the mission of Zoo Knoxville
• Personable with a sense of humor and positive outlook
• Flexible, detail-oriented, organized and able to respond to multiple demands
• Acts with integrity, has high standards of professional conduct and respect for confidentiality
• Professional demeanor and appearance
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as with a team
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to listen perceptively
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and work collaboratively
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Minimum of BA/BS degree in an applicable area of study (Applicants may request a waiver of the four year degree requirement with significant relevant professional experience)
• Two years of relevant development experience required. Experience developing and executing strategic funding plans and programs, developing and managing budgets, and producing quality deliverables within stated timeframes. Track record working with donors through cultivation to secure annual gifts
• Exceptional communication skills including strong writing, editing and presentation abilities
• Ability and willingness to work outside regular business hours, including some evenings and weekends
• Excellent computer skills including all Microsoft Office programs especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Ability and willingness to learn and utilize complex donor database
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check

WORKING CONDITIONS:

As an employee of Zoo Knoxville, you must possess English communication skills as well as the ability to communicate using a 2-way radio, email and telephone. The position hours vary depending on business needs and will require weekend and some holiday shifts. Depending on the specific tasks, this position will be required to work within close proximity of exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under those conditions. Zoo Knoxville is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace and as such each employee must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Don’t meet every requirement? At Zoo Knoxville we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Dana Decareaux at ddecareaux@zooknoxville.org.