Director of Government and Foundation Relations

Title: Director of Government and Foundation Relations
Division: Advancement
Reports to: Vice President, Institutional Advancement
Direct Report: Grant Writer
Status: Full time; exempt

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.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $120,000 to $135,000, depending upon experience and qualifications. GLAZA provides full-time employees with a full range of benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance; life and long-term disability insurance; an FSA plan; paid vacation and sick leave; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match and additional employer contributions based on longevity; 16 paid holidays per year; free parking; complimentary daytime passes to the Zoo and to L.A. Zoo Lights; and discounts on Zoo concessions and merchandise.

To apply for this position:

Email your cover letter and resume to: [email protected]

Include Director of Government and Foundation Relations in the subject line of your email.

Submissions without the required subject line, or missing a resume or cover letter, will not be considered.

No phone calls or emails, please