Position Overview
Under the direction of the Vice President, Institutional
Advancement, the Director of Government & Foundation Relations
manages grants program and related stewardship program and writes
proposals and solicitation letters to maximize support from
government and private foundation granting agencies. Works with the
Development Committee to move initiatives forward in these areas.
Implements cultivation and stewardship strategies for donors and
coordinates activities with appropriate GLAZA and Zoo staff.
Manages and initiates these funding programs which encompasses
solicitations, identification of prospects, cultivation and
stewardship.
Essential Responsibilities
- Manages the Los Angeles Zoo's program for raising funds from
foundations, corporations and government agencies.
Researches and writes applications and proposals and supervises
a Grant Writer.
Identifies and cultivates these prospects with assistance of
GLAZA leadership and volunteers.
Researches guidelines and annual reports and maintains and
updates prospect lists.
Advises and consults with staff on grant opportunities,
feasibility, deadlines and preparation of applications according to
guidelines.
Stays abreast of Zoo programs and activities.
Maintains application/proposal calendar and maintains and
implements appropriate notification procedures. Coordinates the
development of proposals and required information with appropriate
division heads.
Works with Finance division to produce application budgets and
to provide accurate reporting on usage of grant funds.
Manages reporting and monitors progress for matching funds that
may be required by a granting agency.
Monitors acknowledgement system for corporate, foundation and
government grants and gifts and preparation of acknowledgment
letters.
Implements appropriate notification procedures for outcome of
grant applications/proposals and all requirements and deadlines
associated with awarded grants.
Manages stewardship program for government grants and
foundation and corporate donors, and files reports on
contacts.
Prepares regular reports of grant activities for Vice
President, Institutional Advancement.
Oversees maintenance of files for foundation and government
grants.
Supervises and coordinates the production of Development
reports and other reports as requested.
Attends Zoo Commission meetings and workshops with government
funders in order to prepare and submit grants on behalf of the Los
Angeles Zoo. Coordinates with the Zoo’s project management staff
regarding scheduling and funding for capital improvement
projects.
Writes other non-grant materials, including articles and
collateral materials as needed.
Attends GLAZA events to personally steward government and
foundation donors.
Performs other duties, as required.
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- A Bachelor's Degree and at least five years of relevant
experience.
Proven success at government and foundation prospect
identification, relationship building, solicitation and
stewardship.
Demonstrated working knowledge of the principles and practices
of Development, fundraising, donor relations and applicable laws,
rule, regulations, policies, etc.
Demonstrated record of writing successful proposals for a range
of support from foundations.
Superior written and oral communication skills to articulate a
compelling case for philanthropic support for the fundraising goals
of the Los Angeles Zoo. Ability to communicate effectively with
individuals, groups, and corporate and foundation leaders.
Demonstrated supervisory ability to motivate and organize
volunteers to accomplish established Development objectives.
Strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain close and
effective working relationships with curators, keepers, part-time
and full-time staff, members, volunteers, donor prospects, senior
Zoo staff and the general public.
Demonstrated skills in researching prospective major
government, corporate, foundation and individual donors.
Demonstrated ability to initiate programmatic activities
independently; organize, prioritize and complete work in a timely
manner despite many deadlines and competing requirements.
Demonstrated skills in establishing and maintaining effective
relationships with contributions and community relations managers
of major corporations and foundations and program officers of
government granting agencies, exercising tact, diplomacy,
professionalism, flexibility and discretion.
Skill in solicitation techniques.
Skills in listening perceptively, conveying sensitivity and
awareness to prospective donors.
Working knowledge of government, corporate and foundation
philanthropy. General knowledge of corporate and foundation giving
to zoos desirable.
Demonstrated skills in administrative duties, including budget
preparation and project management.
Demonstrated working knowledge of principles and practices of
financing public funded agencies.
Demonstrated skills at word processing and spreadsheet
programs; working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge preferred.
Demonstrated ability to forecast fundraising targets and to
evaluate and report progress.
Demonstrated ability to focus on a computer screen for extended
periods during the day.
Demonstrated ability to remain in a stationary position for
extended periods during the day.
Demonstrated ability to visually see or hear calls being
received.
Willingness and ability to work holidays and weekends as
required. Required to work at GLAZA Development events as needed.
Required to work all GLAZA galas.
Working knowledge of and familiarity with the goals of the Los
Angeles Zoo, with the activities and research interests of the
curators, as well as a practical understanding of zoos.
Demonstrated skills at planning cultivation events such as
dinners and receptions preferred.
Personal Attributes
- Personable, positive and diplomatic individual with integrity
and a sense of humor, who works effectively with Board, donors,
volunteers and colleagues
- Strong initiative, self-confidence, creativity, and
entrepreneurial skills; enjoys working as a team player but also
has the capability to work independently and as a self-starter
- Well-organized, able to plan and manage strategically yet have
sufficient focus on details to assure effective implementation and
follow through
- Genuine interest in animals and conservation, the mission of
the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden and one who has a natural
ability to articulate this mission and role to others
- An innate ability to inspire those working with him/her toward
accomplishing common objectives and goals
**For the protection of our staff, GLAZA requires all
employees to provide proof of vaccination for
COVID-19.
