Job Description
TITLE: Major Gifts Officer
SALARY & FLSA: $80,168.40 - $105,705.60 per year; FLSA exempt
The $80,168.40 annual starting pay is structured to be competitive and may extend up to the $88,088.00 midpoint of the annual range, reflecting our commitment to offering competitive compensation to qualified candidates.
OPENING DATE: 07/20/2026
CLOSING DATE: 07/31/2026 - This position may close early if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.
JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-Time
UNION: Non- Represented
OPENINGS: 1
LOCATION: Hybrid (on grounds 2-3 days/week and remainder work remotely)
DEPARTMENT: Development
HOW DO YOU ZOO?
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 Major Gifts Officer, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:
- A Relationship Builder: You are an expert in relationship building with donors and prospects through highly customized interactions. You can translate those conversations into clear, actionable cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans. You can identify and qualify new donor prospects using research tools, donor information and professional networks.
- An Effective Communicator: You are excited to communicate and advocate for the zoo’s mission, priorities, and funding needs with donors and community partners. As our Major Gift Officer, you are excited to partner with zoo board members, volunteers and staff, and to support holistic zoo fundraising efforts at events as appropriate.
- Able to Manage Major Gift Proposals: You are eager to prepare, submit, and follow through on major gift proposals, including solicitations of $10,000 or more, aligned with fundraising priorities, coordinating with the zoo’s individual giving team on proposals and gift documentation as appropriate. You are excited to develop comprehensive moves management plans in support of the zoo’s annual fundraising goals and objectives.
- A Portfolio Manager: You can actively manage a portfolio of philanthropic prospects, focusing on identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors who have the capacity to make major gifts. You are ready to record, with timeliness and precision, information about prospects and donors, strategies and next steps using Salesforce, as well as manage portfolio per the zoo’s prospect management guidelines and policies aimed at advancing best practices in portfolio management.
YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Actively manage a portfolio of philanthropic prospects, focusing on identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors who have the capacity to make major gifts.
- Build meaningful relationships with donors and prospects through highly customized interactions, primarily face-to-face, and translate those conversations into clear, actionable cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans.
- Prepare, submit, and follow through on major gift proposals, including solicitations of $10,000 or more, aligned with fundraising priorities, coordinating with the zoo’s institutional giving team on proposals and gift documentation as appropriate.
- Develop comprehensive moves management plans for all donors and prospects within the portfolio in support of the zoo’s annual fundraising goals and objectives.
- Record, with timeliness and precision, information about prospects and donors, strategies and next steps using Salesforce.
- Partner with the Planned Giving Officer to document planned gifts from donors to ensure their intentions are honored and gifts are eligible for campaign inclusion as appropriate.
- Manage portfolio per the zoo’s prospect management guidelines and policies aimed at advancing best practices in portfolio management.
- Regularly evaluate fundraising programs, assess progress toward goals, and share clear updates on outcomes and impact.
- Partner with zoo board members, volunteers and staff to review and implement cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
- Serve as a liaison between Development and other departments at the zoo as assigned.
- Support holistic zoo fundraising efforts at events as appropriate.
- Assist department leadership with proposals and communications with donors as requested.
- Understand and comply with all policies and procedures, and ensure ethical compliance as defined by the Association for Fundraising Professionals.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience in major gift fundraising, with a strong understanding of the full donor engagement process, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Proven ability to build and maintain donor-centered relationships based on trust, credibility, and long-term partnership.
- Experience working toward clearly defined fundraising goals and activity metrics, with the ability to track progress, manage performance expectations, and use data to inform strategy.
- Effective critical thinking and decision-making skills, particularly in complex or evolving situations.
- Salesforce or other equivalent database program experience.
- Experience fundraising in zoos or aquariums.
- Ability to speak a language in addition to English.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college; and at least four (4) or years successful frontline fundraising experience.
- Ability to analyze research data to align donors with appropriate projects.
- Ability to audit work for accuracy and quality. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Ability to employee best practices associate 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, board members, and others.
- Ability to attend zoo functions and work a non-standard/flexible schedule, which may include 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 and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history
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.
