Development Director

This position is primarily based in Brownsville, but it's possible that the employer will consider candidates from other locations if they meet the job requirements. Are you looking for contract work? Gladys Porter Zoo has job listings available. May 7, 2024 marked the opening of the Development Director job opportunity, which will end on June 4, 2024. Since the salary is not exposed by the employer, you can negotiate based on the company's approach to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The address where the work will be done is Brownsville , TX , Brownsville , TX.

Gladys Porter Zoo

Development Director

Position Purpose
The Development Director is responsible for fundraising on behalf of Valley Zoological Society (VZS), dba Gladys Porter Zoo and Valley Zoological Endowment (VZE). The Development Director establishes new relationships with potential donors and cultivates current donor relationships as a means to increase donor funds to support both VZS and VZE operations and capital campaigns. This position also contributes to positive guest experiences and performs other duties as required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty 
satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to 
perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Develops new individual, corporate, and foundation relationships; cultivates current VZS and VZE 
donor relationships; and maintains the VZS and VZE’s donor database.

Develops and implements annual and long-range fund-raising efforts with emphasis on major gifts 
fund-raising and planned giving exceeding totals of five, six and seven figure gifts.

Researches, develops, and implements sponsorships.

Adheres to all sponsorship contract requirements and maintains up-to-date information.

Researches available grants; summarizes, writes, and submits grant proposals; meets proposal 
deadlines.

Coordinates planned-giving opportunities.

Reports directly to the Zoo Director and works with VZS and VZE’s Development Committees to set goals and implement and evaluate fund-raising efforts with an emphasis on major and planned gifts.

Attends board and donor relations committee meetings, is active with the board of VZS and VZE, and assists the boards with various requests and tasks as needed.

Attends senior staff meetings and assists with various requests and tasks as needed.

Coordinates and tracks in-kind donations.

Don't take any chances when applying for jobs online; keep in mind these crucial elements to avoid scams and fraudulent job postings. Be cautious of job postings that have incomplete or missing information about the company or job. Keep your personal information safe by verifying the legitimacy of the employer. A reputable employer will want to have a face-to-face conversation with you before hiring you. To make sure that the job posting is legitimate and that they are hiring for the position, it is advisable to contact the company directly. Researching the company's partnerships and collaborations can give you a better understanding of its industry influence and network before applying for any job. Before taking any actions, double-check that you are on the authorized liquidscapes.info website. If an employer requires you to pay for a job application, it is likely a scam. Always double-check the email address or contact information listed in a job posting to ensure it's legitimate. Any job posting that requires you to use your personal bank account should be avoided.

Networks within the community and stays current on local, regional, and national events.

Actively contributes to positive guest experiences.

Assists with special projects and helps other VZS and VZE personnel as needed.

Experience Required

Comprehensive management skills and experience are required including but not limited to short and long-term planning, evaluation, directing and motivating staff, oral and written communication skills, marketing and financial management, values clarification, organizational behavior and development, and governance. The position requires demonstrated experience in managing and implementing a comprehensive fund development program and producing charitable contributions in excess of five, six or seven figure commitments. The individual is expected to be a highly competent enabler of volunteers and staff. Knowledge and experience in the following areas is required: the nature and dimensions of philanthropy, ethics, motivations for giving and volunteering, research and cultivation practices, standard fundraising techniques including face-to-face solicitation, proposal writing, special events, telephone solicitation, and direct mail, and, development office functions including gift processing, prospect and donor histories, and fundraising reporting. The individual is also expected to have demonstrated experience and confidence in asking people to contribute time and money. Familiarity with computer systems and social media is necessary. The amount of knowledge required would typically be acquired in a bachelor’s degree and strong proven fundraising experience in a professional position. Membership in a professional fundraising association is expected of a professional. Baseline certification in fund raising, the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Professional) is preferred.

Further Comments

As a member of the senior management team, this is a high-stress position that helps set the direction and ensures the success and financial health of the institution. The individual is expected to be a competent fundraising technician and an excellent organizational development specialist. The individual is expected to: Translate broad goals into achievable steps. Help set and manage appropriate expectations. Manage detailed, complex concepts and problems and make rapid decisions regarding management and development issues. Plan and implement programs. Establish strong and appropriate relationships with CEO, staff, governing board, volunteers, donors, and the general community. Develop smooth and constructive relationships with people from all segments of the community. The individual is expected to: Plan and meet deadlines. Maintain a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of executive management. Demonstrate initiative and work as a team player. The individual is expected to: Adhere to the highest ethical standards in management, governance, and fund development. Convey a professional and positive image and attitude regarding the organization and the not-for-profit sector. Demonstrate commitment to continued professional growth and development. The individual is expected to: Develop and manage a team of professional staff with expertise in the various disciplines needed to implement a Development Department.

Perks

100% employer-paid health, vision, dental and life insurance; Paid time off: vacation, holidays and sick leave; Friendly co-workers . . . join our family! Zoo-friendly community; No traffic jams on the freeways; Extremely low cost-of-living!!

Salary

Commensurate with experience

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and references to the Executive Director, Patrick M. Burchfield, at pburchfield@gpz.org before 6/5/2024. Please put the words “Development Director” in the subject line.

Gladys Porter Zoo
500 E. Ringgold Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
Phone: 956 546-7187
Fax: 956 541-4940

Useful link(s) for this job

• E-mail to pburchfield@gpz.org
• http://www.gpz.org
• https://www.facebook.com/gladysporterzoo
• click apply button below

After carefully reviewing this job opening, it's time to make a decision. Have you read it thoroughly? We are excited to receive applications from individuals who are committed to fulfilling the responsibilities and expectations of this job. If you have any questions or concerns about this job posting, please don't hesitate to ask for clarification. The hiring process is competitive, so make sure that your job application stands out by demonstrating accuracy and completeness.