Duties: Under the supervision of the Director of Peoria Zoo & Luthy Botanical Garden, the Director of Development is responsible for:

• Fundraising Leadership:
  • Provides oversight of all of PZS’ development activities.
  • Leads effort to develop and implement fundraising strategies focused first on a large scale, phased Peoria Zoo capital campaign as defined by the Peoria Park District and Zoo leadership, building in long-term development principles to grow and maintain relationships with donors around annual giving, planned giving, special events, and major donor cultivation.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with major donors, corporate sponsors, and community stakeholders.
  • Reports regularly on the progress of the capital campaign goals and strategic plan status with specific fiscal/annual metrics.
  • Sets and achieves annual fundraising goals in collaboration with PPD, Peoria Zoo Director, and PZS Board. Oversees membership services and monitors the adequacy of activities with staff, appropriate committees, and the governing body.
  • Orchestrate and execute the advancement of the major gifts program with prospective donors through the appropriate stages (qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship).
  • Implement a culture of development efforts that prioritizes face to face personal visits to increase major giving to the Society in support of the Zoo.
  • Generate and manage all portfolios for PPD & PZS’s Office of Development.
  • Prepare proposals and gift agreements as required for proper gift documentation.
  • Assist Membership/Annual Giving in coordination with PPD Marketing Staff and PZS Marketing Committee to generate annual/individual giving solicitation schedules.
• Donor Stewardship:
  • Designs and oversees a robust donor stewardship program to enhance donor retention and increase giving levels.
  • Oversees the acknowledgment and recognition of donors through personalized communication, reports, and stewardship-specific events.
  • Acts as the primary spokesperson for PZS to communicate its impact and build strong donor connections.
• Marketing and Communications:
  • Coordinates with PPD Marketing Staff, in collaboration with the PZS Marketing Committee (or internal resources), to develop messaging and materials for fundraising campaigns, events, and donor outreach.
  • Ensures consistent and compelling communication with stakeholders, using appropriate vehicles such as newsletters, social media, impact reports, and others.
  • Serves as a PZS, PPD, and Zoo representative at community events, media engagements, and other opportunities to enhance the visibility of all organizations and departments of PPD.
• Board Engagement:
  • Partners with PZS Board to support governance, strategy, and fundraising efforts.
  • Prepares reports and presentations to inform the board of progress toward goals, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Assists in recruiting, onboarding, and training board members to enhance their engagement and effectiveness.
• Operational Oversight:
  • Provides leadership and oversight for PZS’s day-to-day operations, including budgeting, financial management, and administrative tasks.
  • Develops and manages PZS’s annual operating budget with the Finance Committee, while ensuring compliance with nonprofit regulations, donor intent, and PZS policies.
  • Supervises and mentors’ development and administrative staff, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.
• Supporting all aspects of the Park District’s safety program.
• Performing all other duties as required and as assigned.

Essential Functions:

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard.
• Ability to maintain close concentration for extended periods of time.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. Although a degree is preferred, extensive experience in a like position with similar duties and responsibilities may be substituted for all or part of the educational programs.

Experience: A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or related fields, with a proven track record of success in major gift cultivation and capital campaigns. Supervisory experience including manaing staff and volunteers.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and build relationships with donors, corporations, board members, staff, and community partners.
• Exhibits confidence when cultivating and asking for support.
• Effective strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated success in planning and executing fundraising campaigns, individual/major and planned giving programs, and overseeing fundraising events.
• Proven mastery of donor management systems and financial software.
• High level of organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to interact with diverse populations. Must be dependable, courteous, and able to work with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers
• Understanding of basic philosophies underlying a sound community zoological program and the ability to interpret that philosophy to donors, staff and the public.
• Ability to recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate employees.
• Requires a valid Illinois State Class "B" CDL driver's license.

Benefits and Perks:

• Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays.
• Longevity bonus program and wellness program.
• Pension and retirement programs and Social Security participating.
• Exceptional health plan.
• Paid Life Insurance.
• Disability Insurance.
• Full-time employees and dependents enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.