Major Gifts Officer

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to supporting the Minnesota Zoo’s mission to connect people, animals, and nature to save wildlife. By providing essential funding, the Foundation enables impactful initiatives that benefit conservation, education, and community engagement efforts. Partnerships with dedicated donors empower the Foundation to drive meaningful change locally in Minnesota and globally.

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is an integral member of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation team, pursuing and securing philanthropic gifts of $10,000+ to support the Minnesota Zoo’s operational, special project, programmatic and capital needs. The MGO will work closely with a four-person Major Gifts team along with the Foundation Executive Director, Zoo Director/Foundation President, Institutional and Annual Giving Teams to grow support for the Minnesota Zoo from individuals.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 individual 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 donors and prospects.

• 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
• 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…