Foundation Relations Officer And Grant Writer

Santa Barbara Zoo

The Santa Barbara Zoo is located on 30 acres near the ocean in Santa Barbara, CA. It was built on the site of what was known as the Child Estate. The zoo has been ranked numerous times as one of the nation's best small zoos. We are dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation. Our values of Integrity, Quality, Respect, Collaboration, Inclusion, Justice and Fun are at the heart of all we do.

Foundation Relations Officer and Grant Writer

Exciting opportunity for an experienced individual to join our Advancement department. We may have the dream job for you right here in beautiful Santa Barbara. Do what you love while contributing to our mission!

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Director of Advancement, the Foundation Relations Officer is responsible for securing grant funding from foundation, corporate, service organization and government resources in support of the Zoo's overall mission. They will regularly interact with donors, guests, and community members, providing a high level of customer service while promoting the Zoo's mission.

Position Essential Duties:

Grants Management

• Regularly reports fundraising activities and progress to the Director of Advancement

• Actively researches and seeks grant opportunities from various sources that match the goals and objectives of the Zoo

• Develops and maintains effective, fruitful, and long-term working relationships with grantors

• Prior to submitting proposals, communicates with potential grantors regarding their goals and objectives to ensure they are in line with the goals and objectives of the Zoo

• Gathers statistical and other information from various departments using timely and effective communication to ensure grant and reporting deadlines are met

• Writes and submits grant proposals on time to foundation, corporate, service organization, and government funding sources

• Follows up with grantors to determine/monitor grant status in timely manner

• Writes and submits thank you letters and other correspondence with grantors and potential grantors

• Engages the board in the grants program with monthly reports and by inviting key members to represent the Zoo during foundation visits

• Maintains a grants program calendar to track grant and reporting deadlines as well as to track communication, cultivation, and stewardship efforts. Reviews deadlines annually to ensure calendar is up-to-date.

• Ensures continuity in relationship management by maintaining files to track contacts, communications, submission and reporting deadlines, and philanthropic commitments in shared Advancement donor database and donor files. This includes maintaining organized grant files including a copy of all submissions (including online).

• Accurately tracks and records donor relationship management activities related to grants

• Develops and evaluates measures of success in grant activities and produces reports to track results

General Advancement Support

• Assists with day-of support for Advancement department special events including VIP experiences, campaign events, and other donor activities and events. Duties vary and include tasks from set up to clean up and follow up.

• As needed, assists with final preparation support during the month leading up to Zoofari Ball, day/night of assistance, as well as final wrap up assistance.

Guest Relations

• Promotes and supports diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) in all aspects of their role

• Greets every guest with a smile or a friendly "hello"

• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo

• Answers phone calls and emails promptly and professionally

• Must stay calm in potentially high emotion situations, be knowledgeable of emergency procedures and be an active participant in drills, emergencies and lost child instances

• Ensures the Zoo's presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work area and all areas of the Zoo clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions

• Associates with guests to share information and assist, identify their needs, and make their experience a more personal one, providing a high level of customer service and satisfaction

• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures

• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo's uniform dress code

• Must have the ability to reflect a professional image while representing the zoo

• Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo such as reading employee communications and attending meetings

• Reflects the qualities outlined in our Core Values, the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge

• Promotes the Zoo's mission and conservation efforts

• Adheres to the Zoo's policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual

• Applies and exemplifies "green" (sustainable) practices whenever possible

• Other duties as needed

To execute this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform duties satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below represent the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position primarily operates in a professional, shared office environment and involves some outdoors duties. Hybrid options may be available. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

This position is full time (40 hours) including some weekends and evenings. This individual must be available to work additional hours during the month of August and be available to work the last two Saturdays of August (for Zoofari Ball).

Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree or relevant experience preferably in fundraising, communications, marketing, or related field • Prior successful experience in fundraising preferred; minimum four years • Prior grant writing experience preferred

Perks

Great team, beautiful grounds, great animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round! Comprehensive benefits package, incl. voluntary supplemental insurances, free parking M-F, a paid conservation day, a paid zoo day to visit another AZA accredited institution, free guest passes, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20 discounts on food services and retail purchases, access to the San Diego Zoo Global Academy platform, and much more...

Salary

65K-75K, DOE

How to Apply

Go to https://www.sbzoo.org/about/careers/ for full job description and to apply.

Santa Barbara Zoo

500 Ninos Drive

Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Phone: 8059625339

Fax: Santa Barbara Zoo

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