Director of Grants and Foundation Relations

The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium; Toledo (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PNC EarnedIt wage access

Job summary

The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium is seeking a Director of Grants and Foundation Relations to research, write, format, and submit compelling grant proposals and reports to federal, local, foundation and corporate funders. This role also helps cultivate and steward individual and corporate donors to support the Zoo’s Foundation, Capital Campaign, and other fundraising programs.

The ideal candidate will have excellent research, organizational, written and verbal communication skills, and be motivated to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in fundraising, grant writing, communications or related field with 3–5 years in fundraising, marketing or grants.
• Evening and weekend work may be required.
• Valid driver's license and insurability by fleet insurer.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• The Toledo Zoo is a drug-free workplace.

Responsibilities

• Research, write, format, and submit grant proposals and reports to federal, local, foundation, and corporate funders.
• Assist with cultivation and stewardship of individual and corporate donors for Foundation, Capital Campaign and other fundraising programs.
• Collaborate with Development team and report to the Vice President of Development; ensure deadlines and accuracy in all materials.

Skills

Grant writing

Research

Fundraising

Donor relations

Communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in fundraising or related field

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director of Grants and Foundation Relations

1 Attachments

Director of Grants and Foundation Relations – (Full-Time)

Under limited supervision, the Director of Grants and Foundation Relations will research, write, format, and submit compelling, high-quality grant proposals and reports to funding agencies, including federal, local, foundation and corporate grants. This position will assist with the cultivation and stewardship of individual and corporate donors to support the Zoo’s Foundation, Capital Campaign, and other fundraising programs.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent research, organizational, written and verbal communication skills. They will be motivated to work independently through the process of writing grants, preparation of the package, the submission process, follow-up and final grant report. Must be able to work with internal staff effectively in order to obtain the information necessary to prepare grant applications and final reports. Knowledge of fundraising information sources is essential and excellent phone skills and the ability to ask for and acquire donations is critical. Attention to detail and deadlines is crucial.

Works closely with fellow Development team to align efforts and set goals. The Director of Grants and Foundation Relations reports to the Vice President of Development. This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and requires time worked in excess of forty hours per week.

Minimum Training & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in fundraising, grant writing, communications or related field, along with three to five years of experience in fund raising, marketing, communications, grant writing or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Position may require working evenings and weekends
• Must have a valid drivers’ license and be insurable by the fleet insurance carrier.
• Must be at least 21+ years of age.
• The Toledo Zoo is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.

• Toledo Zoo full-time and part‑time employees have exclusive access to PNC EarnedIt, powered by DailyPay. This voluntary benefit allows employees to access a portion of their earned wages before payday, including pay for hours worked that same day. Learn more here.

The Toledo Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, creed, genetic information, sex, age, national origin, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Attachments (1)

Director of Grants and Foundation Relations - Job Description - Oct 2026.pdf