Job Description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Philanthropy Specialist is responsible for building and fostering the organization's relationship with assigned members, donors, and/or constituents.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Strategizes and oversees programming for defined audience, including qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding gifts
• Serves as the central point of contact for assigned audience, stewarding and building relationships through phone calls, personalized emails, tours, events, and other communications
• Oversees methods to increase giving from defined audience
• Collaborates with internal teams to develop strategies to upgrade donor giving
• Oversees related events for targeted donor audiences
• Monitors and reports on key metrics
• Maintains active prospect management in computer software programs
• Assists in developing and monitoring assigned budgets

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR
Prior experience in fundraising and the philanthropy field, with knowledge of donor cultivation and solicitation strategies, is highly preferred. The ideal candidate will have experience developing and implementing donor stewardship initiatives, coordinating donor recognition programs and events, and creating meaningful engagement opportunities that strengthen donor relationships. This role requires the ability to collaborate across departments to facilitate unique donor experiences, manage stewardship communications and appreciation efforts, oversee donor recognition displays and plaques, and provide strategic input on major donor stewardship activities. Strong organizational, relationship-building, and customer service skills are essential.

JOB EXPERIENCE
• Prior experience in fundraising and in the development field with knowledge of solicitation strategies required.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's Degree In Business Administration, Finance related field or equivalent specialized training
• California Driver License
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of development or non-profit best practices.
• Must have a high level or organization and time management skills.
• Able to successfully manage multiple projects.
• Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge software is desirable.
• Able to use computer base systems (Microsoft Windows, Word and Excel programs and databases).

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly Full-Time Non-Exempt Position
• Hourly Rate: $29.34
About The Salary Ranges
The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.
Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.
As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.