More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE

As our new Institutional Giving Specialist, we know you will be successful in this role because you are able to:

• Support High-Profile Fundraising Events: You are ready to support the Woodland Park Zoo’s annual fundraiser, Jungle Party, and other philanthropic events by procuring proposals, coordinating auction item solicitations from major donors through the Individual Giving Team, tracking and communicating procurement campaign progress, writing auction item descriptions and creating certificates. You can confidently procure approximately $300,000 worth of unique items, composing up to 200+ auction packages to be auctioned off at the zoo’s annual Jungle Party.

• Provide Exemplary Customer Service with Internal and External Stakeholders: This position will work collaboratively with the Donor Relations Manager, Jungle Party Executive Committee, Board development staff on live auction procurement. In this role, you can help direct Jungle Party Executive Committee procurement volunteers and oversee their solicitation process by providing regular communication, solicitation materials and motivational tools. You are also able to assist with internal stakeholder meetings to initiate tasks, keep projects moving forward, and monitor progress.

• Manage Accurate Records and Provide Detailed Updates: You can maintain accurate donor records, engagement notes, and project documentation in CRM systems. You are ready to provide expert level project management support for tracking process and details related to donor reports, proposals, and other fundraising deliverables such as leadership briefings.

• Manage Projects with Ease: You are excited to support your team and the zoo by being dependable ready to help with all event tasks such as event pre-planning, item coordination and delivery, to day-of-event set up and clean up. Using your expertise, you can coordinate photography of tangible items and the use of these photos and images within the auction software, and you can ensure delivery of all items prior to auction and coordinate pick up of auction packages with the bidders after the auction, among other tasks.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• In close partnership with Donor Relations Manager and Development colleagues coordinate and organize the annual Jungle Party auction procurement campaign, which includes researching potential auction items, preparing and tracking procurement prospect list, soliciting potential auction items, in‐kind donations.

• Support Jungle Party and other philanthropic events by procuring proposals, coordinating auction item solicitations from major donors through the Individual Giving Team, tracking and communicating procurement campaign progress, writing auction item descriptions and creating certificates.

• Procure approximately $300,000 worth of unique items, composing up to 200+ auction packages to be auctioned off at the zoo’s annual Jungle Party.

• Provide high-level customer service with prospective donors and internal colleagues.

• This position will work collaboratively with the Donor Relations Manager, Jungle Party Executive Committee, Board development staff on live auction procurement.

• Help direct Jungle Party Executive Committee procurement volunteers and oversee their solicitation process by providing regular communication, solicitation materials and motivational tools.

• Coordinate photography of tangible items and the use of these photos and images within the auction software.

• Partner with zoo staff and Jungle Party volunteer team leads to develop creative and attractive layouts inside auction; assist volunteer auditors to ensure all items have arrived and are in correct locations.

• Ensure delivery of all items prior to auction and coordinate pick up of auction packages with the bidders after the auction.

• Assist with labor‐intensive work for Jungle Party week, including but not limited to set up and clean up.

• Maintain accurate donor records, engagement notes, and project documentation in CRM systems.

• Provide project management support for tracking process and details related to donor reports, proposals, and other fundraising deliverables such as leadership briefings.

• Assist with internal stakeholder meetings to initiate tasks, keep projects moving forward and monitor progress.

• Help coordinate, plan, and execute corporate volunteer events, including gathering corporate volunteer contact information for the CRM database.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

• Experience with Salesforce

• Experience with auction software platforms

• Experience with project management tools and processes, such as Project, Asana, and/or Trello

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, and two (2) or more years of experience and/or training; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Two (2) or more years of experience in fundraising event planning or catering; or equivalent project management experience.

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License.

• Proficient and experienced in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams.

• Ability to work with customized databases and technology and to conduct internet research.

• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal and organizational communication.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team within diverse teams and environments, while treating everyone with respect.

• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with staff, interns, volunteers, academics, and professional conservationists.

• Ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with audiences of different backgrounds and experiences.

• Ability to listen patiently and attentively, ability to express self clearly and effectively, and ability to adapt communication based on audience and purpose with inclusivity.

• Ability to employ best practices associated with position, with an approach to accuracy, while displaying an ongoing commitment to learning and self‐improvement.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and requests and meet deadlines in a professional manner.

• Ability to effectively present information to staff, volunteers, public groups, donors, and others.

• Demonstrated superior written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work a non‐standard/flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff including:

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents

• 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays 

• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

• Tuition reimbursement 

• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days 

• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks  

• Free staff parking 

• 403(b) Retirement Plan 

SELECTION PROCESS

Application: Please include a resume and cover letter with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies. 

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.

Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant to successfully complete a: driving record review.