Executive Director

Miller Park Zoological Society

 

Position Title: Executive Director

Status: Full Time 40 hours/week

Position Reports to:  Miller Park Zoological Society Board

 

Position Overview

Reporting to and in partnership with the Miller Park Zoological Society (MPZS) Board of Directors, the Executive Director will work on behalf of the MPZS.  This position is dedicated to supporting the Miller Park Zoo and its rich history through fundraising, education, and community outreach.

The Executive Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing all the MPZS’s operations, events, and fundraising.  This includes the major gifts program, planned giving, special events, projects, fundraising events, direct mail appeals, and capital campaigns.  The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors, the Zoo Director, and supervise the Development Coordinator.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • In collaboration with the MPZS Board, sets and achieves annual fundraising and operations goals.
  • Manages and plans for annual events, special events, and major projects with teams of volunteers adhering to Zoo protocols and policies. The projects often involve coordinating with architects, builders, construction vendors, and other outside experts. The events include three annual fundraisers: ZooDo, Brews at the Zoo, and Stampede as well as membership appreciation, and other donor recognition events.
  • Provides consistent and effective stewardship with prospective donors and active donors – maintains ongoing contact through effective communication strategies, develops strong long-term relationships, and implements donor’s charitable intentions.
  • Oversees prospect research and grows a major gifts program including identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors.
  • Oversees grant seeking including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements.
  • Builds the planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequests.
  • Directs the annual fund program, including mailings and annual fundraising drives.
  • Manages MPZS external communications through social media presence, website content, and monthly newsletter.
  • Manages donor software and IT systems. Maintains accurate databases with donor and zoological members’ records.
  • Directs capital campaigns and other major fundraising drives.
  • Works closely with Society staff, Zoo staff, Board of Directors, and Advisory Board fostering communication and exchange of ideas in support of Miller Park Zoo and the MPZS. Participates in Zoo Staff meetings
  • Maintains an excellent relationship with the Zoo Director providing ongoing contact, communication, and collaboration.
  • Supervises one staff person and manages the day-to-day running of the MPZS’s operations.
  • Creates and manages MPZS’s budget, monthly finances, and other financial accounts working closely with Bookkeeper and the Board Treasurer.
  • Makes public appearances/accepts speaking engagements to share information about Miller Park Zoo with the community.
  • Remains informed about Zoo operations, communications, and safety protocols including participation in drills or incidents requiring staff response.
  • Oversees and creates publications and collateral materials to support fundraising activities.
  • Performs other related duties as requested.

 

Skills and Qualifications

Track record of creating and achieving clear fundraising plans and targets.

Manage monthly finances to budget and possesses an up-to-date knowledge of income, expense, and other relevant financial information.

Strong skills in fundraising and “friend-raising”

Capabilities in event management, project management, communication, networking, working with Boards and teams of volunteers, public speaking, writing, and social media.

Efficient “following up” on emails, phone calls, and requests from Board, Donors, and Zoo Director.

Ability to write and edit marketing and social media collateral.

Understands the “stewardship cycle” of donors, sponsors or prospective donors - ongoing communication, making the “ask”, frequent contact, and expressions of gratitude, etc.

Ability to manage staff and drive outcomes.

Strong customer service skills and high expectations for quality and performance.

Extremely organized “self-starter” with the ability to complete projects with little or no supervision.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills paired with a high degree of professionalism.

Proficient in the latest versions of Microsoft Office tools, databases (e.g. eTapestry, I-Wave), and website management.

 

Salary Range: $65,000 to $95,000

Benefits: willing to discuss candidate’s needs

If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to Tom Carroll at jobs@mpzoologicalsociety.org