Foundation Relations Officer and Grant Writer

Benefits:

• Free Guest Passes
• Free Membership
• SEP Retirement Plan
• 403 (b) Retirement Plan
• Health insurance
• Company parties
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Free food & snacks
• Free uniforms
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

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 Zoos overall mission. They will regularly interact with donors, guests, and community members, providing a high level of customer service while promoting the Zoos 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 Zoos 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 Zoos 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 Zoos mission and conservation efforts
Adheres to the Zoos policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
Applies and exemplifies green (sustainable) practices whenever possible
Other duties as needed

Position Criteria:
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).

Education and Experience
Bachelors 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

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Capacity for high level attention to detail
Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills
Ability to effectively work under pressure, multi-task effectively, use independent judgment and produce quality work within tight time frame; meeting deadlines
Ability to work successfully in a shared open space work environment with regular interruptions
Ability to think strategically and plan accordingly to further the Advancement effort
Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and guests and to work with all levels of management
Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive information
Demonstrates high degree of accuracy and strong analytical skills
Ability to exercise safe work habits
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to effectively multi-task, use independent judgment, and produce quality work within a set timeframe to meet deadlines
Ability to create and implement systems and follow-up processes
Must be a proactive and creative problem-solver; a team player with motivation to develop relationships and work collaboratively
Understanding of telephone and office etiquette
Ability to handle conflict resolution in a professional manner and to respond to sensitive matters or situation with discretion, tact, and confidentiality
Ability to relate to persons of all ages and diverse backgrounds, skills, and abilities
Ability to present self in a personable, professional, and energetic manner
Ability to work flexible hours (including some holidays and weekends) and travel as needed
Ability to exercise safe work habits
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
Knowledge of databases/Raisers Edge preferred
Demonstrates initiative, creativity and enthusiasm, as well as strong organizational skills

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications
Valid CA Drivers License with good driving record and insurance coverage is required
Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check
TB testing yearly

Physical Demands and Work Environment
This is an on-site position. Hybrid options may be available
Involves some weekend, early morning, and evening hours
Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
Supportive and open employment culture
Must attend all events related to the position
Maintains a clean and organized work area
Must be able to kneel, bend, twist, climb stairs, sit, manipulate computer tools, stand and/or move for up to three continuous hours.
Regularly required to communicate, exchange information, or hear face to face, via radio and/or telephone
Ability to use hands to finger, handle, grasp, or feel; and reach with hands and arms
Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
Ability to lift 10-20 pounds frequently, and 30 pounds regularly in course of normal duties
Involves working effectively in a shared office space, as well as out-of-doors in all weather conditions
Must enjoy and thrive in a fast-paced work environment
Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used
Zoo provided computer (Excel, Power Point, Outlook, other but not limited to online working platforms)
Keys
Two-way Radio
Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, calculator, and others as required
Electric Cart
Events equipment

This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned, as deemed necessary by the CEO or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the CEO or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period. The job description does not alter the at-will employment relationship.