Join the PRIDE!
Since our opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction, and award-winning educational institution.
This is a non-union full-time salaried position, grade 08 with an expected hiring range of $134,163 to $149,257 annually. For our Benefits Summary Information, follow this link to our Benefits Table or copy and paste the following in your internet browser www.brookfieldzoo.org/custom.czs/files/06/06337b2c-b3db-45a2-8eb2-f8362486bd0e.pdf (please refer to the non-union, full-time employee section) and/or refer to the benefit details provided below after the job description information.
This position contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by working closely with the Senior Vice President, Development to achieve institutional strategic objectives. Leads the strategy and implementation of corporate, foundation, government funding, including corporate partnership, major gifts, sponsorship, and campaign gifts to benefit the organization, and securing philanthropic support for Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in arts, sciences, or other relevant business-related field or eight years’ equivalent combination of training and experience required. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Minimum seven years of relevant senior-level development, fundraising, and management experience, including staff supervision, department management, budgeting and reporting. Effective people manager and strong team leader.
• Demonstrated success in comprehensive capital and annual campaign development, soliciting and securing sponsorships and major gifts from both private and public sources, long-term planning, and significant experience working with Board(s) of Trustees required.
• Excellent organizational skills, follow-up, and proven ability to meet deadlines required.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills. Articulate, well-spoken individual, capable of effectively listening to and representing the Society to various audiences, both within and outside the organization including internal/external high-level VIPS and officials. Understanding and sensitivity to public and private partnerships. Solid written communications and speaking skills including platform/presentation skills required.
• Ability to establish, develop and maintain strong rapport and positive, engaging relationships with all levels of Society staff, donors and external constituents.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Strategic thinking and orientation, solid planning and organizational skills, eye for detail, completeness and accuracy required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, deal with emergent issues, adjust to changes and shifting priorities and activities, and effectively handle multiple projects.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage sensitive/crisis communications issues.
• Computer literate. Ability to use Microsoft Office products and database management software packages essential.
• Strong interest in or appreciation of conservation issues/Society’s mission and vision essential.
• English fluency at a professional working proficiency.
• Cultural proficiency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver’s license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in arts, sciences, or other relevant business-related field or equivalent combination of ten years training and experience preferred.
• Knowledge of/experience with the Chicagoland area and/or Florida donor communities desirable.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge and Microsoft Office Suite software a plus.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.
  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. This is a visible management position and a key member of the Development leadership team. Incumbent is required to gain an intimate understanding of the organization, its mission, vision, values, and philosophies and how development impact the operation and sustainability of BZC. Incumbent will be expected to effectively integrate and coordinate a variety of development disciplines. Incumbent must be comfortable working in an environment that is mission and values driven. Incumbent must be self-motivated, confident, and make strong, compelling presentations to diverse audiences. Incumbent must enjoy a challenge, be passionate about his/her work, and have a commitment to excellence. The incumbent must have the ability to establish strong working relationships, both internally and externally, and work effectively with others throughout the institution. Ability to strategically build and maintain relationships with Society donors required.
  Because Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an organization that runs at a very fast pace with multiple, rapidly changing priorities, the incumbent must be flexible and adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced environment. Incumbent is expected to be present and visible at events sponsored by BZC for its employees, trustees, and other audiences, including evenings, weekends, and early mornings, as needed. Thus, the incumbent must be able to make a significant commitment to the organization. Some travel may be required to meet established work objectives.
  OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.
  001303/022825
  We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s generous employee benefits.
  Please note, benefits vary based on whether benefits are provided through the Teamsters Union for positions represented by the Teamsters or by Brookfield Zoo Chicago for non-union positions. For non-union positions, some benefits also differ by pay grade classification if noted.
  Non-Union Full-Time Employees
  Eligibility: Eligible employee is defined as a regular, full-time employee who is regularly scheduled to work a minimum of 35 hours or more per week. Coverage begins on the date of hire. Have a family? You can also cover your spouse, civil union partner, and/or eligible children who are under age 26.
  Time away from work: Paid Time Off (PTO) is accrued based on Years of Service and pay grade on a per-pay-period basis starting on the date of hire. Unused PTO time carries forward from one calendar year to the next to a specified maximum. Below are the equivalent amounts employees, who work 8 hours per day or 10 hours per day, earn in a 12-month period. An employee’s pay grade is included in the job description.
  Years of Service
  New hire- 5 years
  5+ years
  10+ years
  15+ years
  20+ years

Positions in Grades 01H-06

• 21 days
• 26 days
• 31 days
• 36 days
• 37 days

Positions in Grades

07H-14-14MT-15MT

• 26 days
• 26 days
• 31 days
• 36 days
• 37 days

Positions in Grades

16H-17MT

• 31 days
• 31 days
• 36 days
• 36 days
• 37 days

Positions in Grades

07H1-081 (10hr/day)

• 18 days
• 22 days
• 26 days
• 30 days
• 31 days

Holidays: Non-union employees are eligible for 8 paid holidays per year.
1. New Year’s Day 2. Memorial Day 3. Juneteenth 4. Independence Day
5. Labor Day 6. Thanksgiving Day 7. Day after Thanksgiving Day 8. Christmas Day
Medical Insurance: Employees may choose from one of two medical plans: Blue Cross-Blue Shield HMO or PPO Plan. A waiver credit is available to employees who waive enrollment in medical insurance. Coverage begins on the employee’s hire date.
Benefit Coverage Tiers Available HMO Employee Cost (biweekly) PPO Employee Cost (biweekly) Waiver Credit (biweekly)
Medical Insurance Single, Single +1, Family $71.19 - $279.22 $46.26 - $181.49 Not Applicable
Medical Waiver Not Applicable Not Applicable Not Applicable -$38.47

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position.
1. * Lead and develop corporate, foundation, government funding strategies in alignment with organizational priorities. Execute an integrated plan to secure philanthropic support, including foundation, government and corporate grants, Corporate Membership Program, sponsorship, and additional contributions.
2. * Prioritize key actions for the CEO, SVP, and other senior staff offering advice and counsel in the engagement of existing funding priorities and the cultivation of new partners.
3. * Manage and work to develop and support a cadre of well-trained, high-level trustees and volunteers for the major gifts program. Prepare training materials and actively assist and participate in the solicitation process as appropriate.
4. * Coordinate efforts with other Development staff, including Individual Giving and Planned Giving and Endowment, with the goal of maximizing gift potential for the Society’s major gift campaign and future campaigns.
5. * Manage a portfolio of corporate and foundation relationships with high potential.
6. * Build collaborative relationships with senior staff across the organization, serving as a resource and as a primary point of contact. Assists senior staff in developing program descriptions and budgets to support proposal and reporting efforts.
7. * Develop and implement actions to improve workplace culture with an emphasis on driving results and fostering diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility. Actively lead employee engagement, talent development, recruitment, and retention initiatives. Leverage organizational resources (training and development-Brookfield Zoo Chicago University, performance management systems, employee surveys, communications vehicles, recognition, staff meetings, etc.) to drive continuous improvement, engagement, and positive outcomes.

1. Other related duties as assigned.

• Denotes Essential Job Function(s)