Philanthropy Specialist

Tulsa-Zoo-Management,-Inc.; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zoo membership for family

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k)

Mental health therapy access

Discounts on food, beverages, and zoo‑

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. (TZMI) seeks a Philanthropy Specialist to lead donor engagement and growth of donated revenue through strategic development programs and events.

You will improve gift processing, data management, and donor relations using TZMI’s donor software, while ensuring compliance and effective stewardship. The role requires relationship-building with donors, collaboration across zoo departments, and delivering on fundraising initiatives, including major campaigns and annual fund

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older and insurable on TZMI’s insurance carrier.
• Bachelor's degree from a college or university and a minimum of three (3) years in a development role or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business materials; write reports and respond to inquiries.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts and apply them to practical situations.
• Diplomatic, able to interface with community leaders and TZMI Board members; build long-term donor relationships.
• Member of AFP is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Daily management and cultivation of potential zoo donors.
• Design, implement, and evaluate components of annual giving programs (Art Untamed, ADOPT, ZooPAL, Mission ImPOPsicle, Gallery Show, VET Partners).
• Develop and manage in-kind giving programs and oversee donor signage and records.
• Lead fundraising strategies including grant research, applications, and reporting.
• Represent TZMI at events and conduct donor tours as needed.

Skills

Driver's license

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Mathematical calculations

Diplomacy / interpersonal

AFP membership (plus)

Education

Bachelor's degree in development or related field

Job description

• Location 5701 E 36th St N,Tulsa, OK, 74115,United States
• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Manage Others No

Safety Sensitive: This is a safety-sensitive position. Regardless of whether you are a medical marijuana licensee, you must receive a negative result on a 10-panel, pre-placement drug screening to include THC, prior to beginning work.

The Zoo

Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. (TZMI) is a nonprofit organization driven by our mission of Connecting, Caring, Advocating for Wildlife, People, and Wild Places. From trumpeting elephants to squawking parrots, each member of our team is integral to the success of the Zoo as Green Country’s largest paid daily attraction. At Tulsa Zoo, the IDEA is a zoo for all. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

A Few of Your Many Benefits

• Free family-level Tulsa Zoo membership
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits beginning your first day of employment
• 401k
• Unlimited virtual visits with a mental health therapist at no cost to you
• Food, beverage, and retail discounts on zoo grounds
• Generous paid time off plans

Your Job

The Philanthropy Specialist is responsible for driving growth of donated revenue for TZMI by leading the strategy, development, and execution of multiple donor engagement programs. This role is also responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies for success and effectiveness of all development programs and events. This includes identification, cultivation, and solicitation of current donors and prospects with the purpose of securing new, renewed, and increased support. In addition, this role drives strategic improvement and implementation of best practices in the supporting areas of gift processing, data management, and donor relations, utilizing the donor giving software program.

If you disclose different abilities, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable you to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position

• Daily management and cultivation of potential zoo donors.
• Design, implement, and evaluate all components of designated annual giving programs including Art Untamed, ADOPT, ZooPAL, Mission ImPOPsicle, Gallery Show, and VET Partners.
• Design, implement, and evaluate additional special engagement fundraising opportunities including tribute giving, community collaboration, and other special needs for TZMI operations.
• Solicit and secure cash and vendor partnership needs for the Zoo’s major fundraisers and events.
• Develop and manage an ongoing in‑kind giving program for goods and services, including prioritization and acceptance decisions.
• Collaborate with all zoo departments to determine needs that can be met through in‑kind donations.
• Manage existing TZMI programs including memorial and commemorative donor signage.
• In collaboration with the Philanthropy team, design fundraising strategies to include research, feasibility, creative‑fund development programs, and donor recognition and acknowledgement.
• Independently identify new prospects for all facets of giving using data and strategic analysis.
• Establish and implement best practices for the maintenance of accurate philanthropy and budget records and perform analysis of historical giving data to inform donor cultivation strategy.
• Oversee the completion of federal compliance documents including tax statements for annual fund and in‑kind based donations to the Zoo.
• Manage yearly budget, quarterly review, and revenue projections for designated annual fund efforts including Art Untamed, ADOPT, ZooPAL, Mission ImPOPsicle, Gallery Show, and VET Partners.
• Cultivate prospective and current donors through a variety of techniques including one‑on‑one meetings, special events, direct mailings, donor communication, and follow up.
• Lead grant strategy for annual fund designated asks, including research, application, and reporting oversight.
• Represent TZMI at internal and external events for donor engagement and strategic relationship management.
• Conduct zoo tours for potential and current donors as needed.
• In collaboration with the Philanthropy team, develop and execute additional fundraising initiatives throughout fiscal year (outside of existing events/programs).
• Effectively communicate and demonstrate interpersonal skills with all levels of employees in a clear and professional manner.
• Demonstrate and adhere to TZMI’s workplace values.
• Know and follow zoo policies and procedures, including emergency protocols.
• Attend meetings and training sessions and contribute to strategic planning discussions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct reports; however, provides leadership and direction to cross‑functional teams, vendors, volunteers, and project participants and is accountable for outcomes.

What We Expect

Required Qualifications, Education and/or Experience

• Must be 18 years or older, possess a valid driver’s license, and be insurable on TZMI’s insurance carrier
• Bachelor’s degree from a college or university and a minimum of three (3) years in a development role or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, procedure manuals, and respond to sensitive inquiries and complaints. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of TZMI employees, managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions, percentages, algebra, geometry, fractions, ratios, and decimals and apply them to practical situations
• Member of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) a plus
• Diplomatic, able to interface with community leaders and Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. Board members. Ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships.

What You can Expect

Our Values

• We are enthusiastically committed to be part of the Tulsa Zoo community.
• We will all work together as one Zoo Team to support the Zoo’s mission.
• We will value and appreciate everyone and create a safe, understanding, and welcoming environment for all.
• We will all be accountable for achieving excellence.
• We will earn the trust of one another, acting honestly and treating each other with respect.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Moving about - frequently
• Sitting - frequently
• Standing - frequently
• Reaching with hands and arms – frequently
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling - occasionally
• Exchange of in‑person, phone, radio, or digital communication - constantly
• Carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds – occasionally
• Pushing and/or pulling up to 50 pounds – occasionally
• Gripping, pinching, writing, and other hand movements - frequently
• Climbing and/or balancing – rarely
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions - frequently
• Exposure to high noise levels- occasionally