Development - Vice President, Development

This is a non-union full-time salaried position, grade 14MT with an expected hiring range of $167,102 to $185,901 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.

As a key member of the Brookfield Zoo Chicago ("BZC") senior leadership team, the Vice President ("VP") will shape and lead the vision for development, building the infrastructure needed to support a dynamic, organization-wide fundraising program. This role will foster a strong culture of philanthropy, align with the Zoo's Next Century Plan and campaign goals, expand and diversify funding sources, and deepen engagement with donors, members, and families. Additionally, the VP will focus on growing and retaining a talented team while elevating BZC's profile as a global leader in animal care and conservation.

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. *Strategic Leadership & Executive Collaboration
   Serve as a strategic partner to the Senior Vice President and the President & CEO, collaborating closely on all major fundraising initiatives. Provide expert guidance and leadership on philanthropic strategy, ensuring alignment with BZC's institutional goals.
2. *Comprehensive Fundraising Strategy Development
   Design, implement, and manage an integrated development strategy that encompasses corporate partnerships, foundation support, major gifts, government grants, planned giving, and individual giving. Leverage data and trends to drive results and optimize fundraising outcomes across all channels.
3. *Proposal Development & Relationship Management
   Primary responsibility for the development, writing, and execution of compelling proposals to secure philanthropic support. Ensure that proposals are crafted with a long-term, relationship-centric approach.
4. *Donor Stewardship & Engagement
   Lead the creation and implementation of a robust stewardship program that fosters deep, meaningful relationships with donors. Develop strategies to engage supporters through personalized communication, recognition programs, events, and impact reporting.
5. *Research & Foresight in Funding Trends
   Oversee proactive research on current and emerging funding sources, including philanthropic trends, donor interests, and shifts in the local, national, and global funding landscape. Use this insight to strategically position BZC ahead of funding trends and capitalize on new opportunities.
6. *Data-Driven Donor Management
   Oversee the monitoring and maintenance of accurate donor records and data. Provide regular, insightful statistical analysis and reports to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees to inform decision-making and measure development performance.
7. *Progress Monitoring & Accountability
   Establish and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) for the development department. Regularly evaluate the progress of fundraising efforts and report on outcomes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing enhancements as needed.
8. *Team Building & Leadership
   Identify, recruit, and mentor a high-performing development team. Foster a positive and collaborative team culture focused on innovation, accountability, and professional growth. Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and leadership development opportunities. Develop and implement actions to improve workplace culture with an emphasis on driving results and fostering inclusion. Actively lead employee engagement, talent development, recruitment, and retention initiatives. Leverage organizational resources (training and development-BZC University, performance management systems, employee surveys, regular communications vehicles, staff meetings, etc.) to drive continuous improvement and positive outcomes.
9. Other related duties as assigned.

* Denotes Essential Job Function(s)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate degree or four years' equivalent relevant experience required. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required.
• Ten-plus years of professional relevant senior-level experience in a nonprofit organization including fundraising, capital and annual campaigns, staff supervision/management, and budgeting responsibilities. Effective people manager and strong team leader.
• Demonstrated success in managing and forging relationships with multiple donor sources including tangible experience of having expanded and cultivated existing donor relationships over time.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and external constituents effectively building long-term relationships. Experience working with Board(s) of Trustees.
• Strong organizational skills, follow-up and proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strategic thinking and orientation, solid planning, ability to deal with emergent issues and effectively handle multiple projects/priorities.
• Flexible and adaptable style with ability to work effectively under pressure; able to positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives.
• Computer ability/proficiency required; ability to use Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook. Familiarity with database software.
• Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver's license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver's license is required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or eight years' equivalent relevant experience preferred.
• Knowledge of/experience with the Chicagoland area and/or Florida donor communities desirable.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge and Microsoft Office Suite software a plus.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. This is a visible management position and a key member of the Development leadership team. Incumbent is required to gain an intimate understanding of the organization, its mission, vision, values, and philosophies and how development impact the operation and sustainability of BZC. Incumbent will be expected to effectively integrate and coordinate a variety of development disciplines. Incumbent must be comfortable working in an environment that is mission and values driven. Incumbent must be self-motivated, confident, and make strong, compelling presentations to diverse audiences. Incumbent must enjoy a challenge, be passionate about his/her work, and have a commitment to excellence. The incumbent must have the ability to establish strong working relationships, both internally and externally, and work effectively with others throughout the institution. Ability to strategically build and maintain relationships with BZC donors required. Because BZC is an organization that runs at a very fast pace with multiple, rapidly changing priorities, the incumbent must be flexible and adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced environment. Incumbent is expected to be present and visible at events sponsored by BZC for its employees, trustees, and other audiences, including evenings, weekends, and early mornings, as needed. Some travel may be required to meet established work objectives.

OCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: See Occupational Requirements Form.

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We are pleased that you are considering joining our dedicated team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago's generous employee benefits.

Please note, benefits vary based on whether benefits are provided through the Teamsters Union for positions represented by the Teamsters or by Brookfield Zoo Chicago for non-union positions. For non-union positions, some benefits also differ by pay grade classification if noted.

Years of Service New hire- 5 years 5+ years 10+ years 15+ years 20+ years

Positions in Grades 01H-06 * 21 days * 26 days * 31 days * 36 days * 37 days

Positions in Grades 07H-14-14MT-15MT * 26 days * 26 days * 31 days * 36 days * 37 days

Positions in Grades 16H-17MT * 31 days * 31 days * 36 days * 36 days * 37 days

Positions in Grades 07H1-081 (10hr/day) * 18 days * 22 days * 26 days * 30 days * 31 days

Holidays: Non-union employees are eligible for 8 paid holidays per year.

1.	New Year's Day	2.	Memorial Day	3.	Juneteenth	4.	Independence Day
5.	Labor Day	6.	Thanksgiving Day	7.	Day after Thanksgiving Day	8.	Christmas Day

Medical Insurance: Employees may choose from one of two medical plans: Blue Cross-Blue Shield HMO or PPO Plan. A waiver credit is available to employees who waive enrollment in medical insurance. Coverage begins on the employee's hire date.

Benefit	Coverage Tiers Available	HMO Employee Cost (biweekly)	PPO Employee Cost (biweekly)	Waiver Credit (biweekly)
Medical Insurance	Single, Single +1, Family	$71.19 - $279.22	$46.26 - $181.49	Not Applicable
Medical Waiver	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	-$38.47

	HMO	PPO
Annual Deductible	$0	For In-Network: $250 Individual / $500 Family For Out-of-Network: $500 Individual / $1,000 Family
Out-of-pocket maximum	$1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family Prescription drug expense limit: $1,000 Individual / $2,000 Family	For In-Network: $1,000 Individual / $2,000 Family For Out-of-Network: $2,000 Individual / $4,000 Family
Doctor Visits PCP Visit Specialist Visit Preventive care/ screening/Immunization	$20/visit $60/visit No Charge	$20/visit; deductible does not apply $40/visit; deductible does not apply No Charge; deductible does not apply
Hospitalization Facility Fee Physician's/surgeon's fees	$250/day No Charge	20% co-insurance 20% co-insurance
Prescription Drugs Generics Preferred Brand Drugs Non-Preferred Brand Drugs Specialty Drugs	$30/prescription (retail) $60/prescription (mail order) $45/prescription (retail) $90/prescription (mail order) $60/prescription (retail) $120/prescription (mail order) $60/prescription (retail)	Deductible does not apply $5/prescription (retail), $10/prescription (mail order) $15/prescription (retail), $30/prescription (mail order) $30/prescription (retail), $60/prescription (mail order) $5/$15/$30/ prescription (retail)

Dental Insurance & Vision Care Coverage: A dental plan and an employee-paid vision care plan are available. A waiver credit is offered to employees who waive enrollment in the dental plan. Coverage begins on the employee's hire date.

Mental Health: Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to the employee. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.

Retirement Savings: A 401(k) savings plan is available for all employees. Choose either pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive matching contributions of 50% of the first 6% you contribute.

Employer-paid Income Protection: Short-Term and Long-Term disability benefits are available which provide up to 60% of the employee's base weekly wages for the first 90 days, then up to 60% of the employee's monthly wages if the employee is unable to return to work. Basic Term Life & Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance policies each in the coverage amount of 1X the employee's annual salary, plus an additional $10,000 in coverage. Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in these benefits upon hire.

Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Brookfield Zoo Chicago believes in helping eligible employees take advantage of pre-tax savings for eligible healthcare and/or dependent care expenses. Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars from their paychecks to save for pre-tax reimbursement of qualified healthcare and/or dependent care expenses.

Voluntary Benefits:

-Supplemental Term Life Insurance - Group Accident Insurance

-Supplemental Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance - Group Critical Illness Insurance

-Supplemental Dependent Life Insurance - Identity Theft Protection