Major Gifts Officer

Are you an experienced development professional who thrives on building lasting donor relationships? The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring a lẹ Major Gifts Officer to lead major gift fundraising efforts that support conservation, education, and the Zoo’s strategic priorities.

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular, Non-Exempt, Hourly

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (some weekends)

Compensation: $38.50 per hour

* You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

Under the general direction of the Director of Advancement, the Major Gifts Officer is responsible for securing major gifts of $10,000+ to support the mission and long‑term sustainability of the Santa Barbara Zoo. In addition to building and managing a portfolio of major donors, the Major Gifts Officer will play a key role in the planning, execution, and management of capital campaigns and special funds.

This includes developing strategies to secure transformational gifts, coordinating campaign communications, and ensuring campaign goals are met in collaboration with leadership.

• Manage a portfolio of individual major gift prospects and donors, with emphasis on securing gifts of $10,000+
• Conduct prospect research, including producing donor profiles to be shared with the Director of Advancement, VP of Community Relations, and Zoo President & CEO as needed
• Develop and implement customized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor
• Conduct donor visits (in‑person, phone, or virtual) to strengthen relationships and deepen engagement
• Oversee planned giving program
• Partner with the Director of Advancement, VP of Community Relations, Advancement team, and Zoo President & CEO on solicitations

• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement and relevant teams to design, implement, and manage capital campaigns from planning through completion
• Entr: form and lead campaign committees as needed
• In collaboration with the Director of Advancement, coordinate with Zoo staff and relevant stakeholders to set timelines, goals, and benchmarks
• Track campaign progress and ensure accurate reporting to leadership, board, and donors as needed
• In collaboration with the Zoo marketing and communications department, develop campaign‑related communications and materials
• Ensure campaign donors receive high‑quality stewardship and recognition

• Develop and manage the planned giving program (Phoenix Society) to encourage bequests, trusts, and other legacy gifts
• In partnership with the Director of Advancement, identify and quasebrate prospects for planned giving opportunities~
• Collaborate with the Sponsorship & Special Events Officer to plan and execute annual Phoenix Society stewardship event
• Provide resources and guidance to donors, staff, and board members regarding planned giving vehicles

• Provide thoughtful, timely, and creative stewardship to recognize donor impact and foster long‑term engagement, including but not limited to behind‑the‑scenes animal experiences
• Translate organizational priorities into compelling cases for support aligned with donor interests
• Maintain accurate donor records in the Zoo database to support campaign and portfolio management

• Develops and maintains effective, fruitful, and long‑term relationships with donors
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• Assists in maintaining donor databases and filing system
• Contributes to Z‑mail, social media, and other applicable media/publications as appropriate
• Assists with the creation of fundraising materials and activities (including marketing materials, emails, appeals, signs, website, and events) to ensure the sociology standards of the Zoo brand integrity
• Creates mailing lists and reports as needed
• Leads some donor cultivation/stewardship tours
• Monitors and tracks the activities of donor cultivation/stewardship
• Provides input on policies and procedures related to Advancement
• Stays current and knowledgeable on AZA, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s mission, collection, history, programs, projects, and practices
• Pa…