Foundation Relations Officer and Grant Writer Job at Santa Barbara Zoo in Santa

The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring a full-time Foundation Relations Officer and Grant Writer to manage grant funding efforts, build relationships with grantors, and support the Zoo's mission. Responsibilities include researching grant opportunities, writing proposals, and maintaining communication with donors. The role requires some weekend and evening hours, especially during special events like Zoofari Ball, and offers a salary between $70,000 and $80,000 per year.
Immediate opening!

The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a full-time Foundation Relations Officer and Grant Writer with prior fundraising experience.

Position Status:

Full-time

Schedule:

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).

Compensation:

$70,000 - $80,000 per year

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Grants Management

1. Regularly reports fundraising activities and progress to the Director of Advancement.
2. Actively researches and seeks grant opportunities from various sources that match the goals and objectives of the Zoo.
3. Develops and maintains effective, fruitful, and long-term working relationships with grantors.
4. 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.
5. Gathers statistical and other information from various departments using timely and effective communication to ensure grant and reporting deadlines are met.
6. Writes and submits grant proposals on time to foundation, corporate, service organization, and government funding sources.
7. Follows up with grantors to determine/monitor grant status in a timely manner.
8. Writes and submits thank you letters and other correspondence with grantors and potential grantors.
9. Engages the board in the grants program with monthly reports and by inviting key members to represent the Zoo during foundation visits.
10. Maintains a grants program calendar to track grant and reporting deadlines as well as to track communication, cultivation, and stewardship efforts.
11. 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.
12. Accurately tracks and records donor relationship management activities related to grants.
13. Develops and evaluates measures of success in grant activities and produces reports to track results.

General Advancement Support

1. Assists with day-of support for Advancement department special events including VIP experiences, campaign events, and other donor activities and events.
2. 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

1. Promotes and supports diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) in all aspects of their role.
2. Greets every guest with a smile or a friendly “hello”.
3. Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo.
4. Answers phone calls and emails promptly and professionally.
5. Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met.
6. Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures.

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 outdoor duties. Hybrid options may be available. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience preferably in fundraising, communications, marketing, or related field.
2. Prior successful experience in fundraising preferred; minimum four years.
3. Prior grant writing experience preferred.

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

1. Valid CA Driver’s License with good driving record and insurance coverage is required.
2. Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check.
3. TB testing yearly.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

1. Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
2. Capacity for high level attention to detail.
3. Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills.
4. Ability to effectively work under pressure, multi-task effectively, use independent judgment and produce quality work within tight time frames; meeting deadlines.
5. Ability to work successfully in a shared open space work environment with regular interruptions.
6. Ability to think strategically and plan accordingly to further the Advancement effort.
7. Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and guests.
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive information.
9. Demonstrates high degree of accuracy and strong analytical skills.
10. Ability to exercise safe work habits.
11. Excellent organizational skills.
12. Excellent interpersonal skills.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

1. This is an on-site position. Hybrid options may be available.
2. Involves some weekend, early morning, and evening hours.
3. Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility.
4. Must attend all events related to the position.
5. Must be able to kneel, bend, twist, climb stairs, sit, manipulate computer tools, stand and/or move for up to three continuous hours.
6. Ability to lift 10-20 pounds frequently, and 30 pounds regularly in course of normal duties.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

1. Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
2. Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases.
3. Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities.
4. Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.