Senior Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations

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 13 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.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
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.
8. Other related duties as assigned.
* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

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 o