Sponsorship & Special Events Officer
Full Time • Santa Barbara
Are you a dynamic event planner with experience in securing sponsorships and managing high-profile fundraising initiatives? The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a Sponsorship & Special Events Officer to lead signature fundraising events, cultivate corporate partnerships, and enhance donor engagement. Join our team and create unforgettable experiences while supporting wildlife conservation!
Position Status: Regular, Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Position Status: Regular, Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (some weekends as needed)
Compensation: $75,000 - $80,000 annually
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Director of Advancement, the Sponsorship & Special Events Officer is responsible for the planning and implementation of all fundraising events and donor stewardship events and activities and for securing sponsorships for select Zoo signature events.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Leadership:
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Director of Advancement, the Sponsorship & Special Events Officer is responsible for the planning and implementation of all fundraising events and donor stewardship events and activities and for securing sponsorships for select Zoo signature events.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Leadership:
- Chairs the annual Zoofari Ball fundraising event, overseeing 40+ volunteers, 40+ staff, and numerous vendors for the event
Corporate Giving Partnerships:
- Works closely with Guest Services, Events, Animal Events, and Marketing teams to identify sponsorship opportunities throughout the year for select Zoo events
- Researches, identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards relationships with corporations and others interested in sponsorship opportunities to result in annual contributions, grants, program and event sponsorships, workplace giving, in-kind donations, and/or other engagement activities
- Creates strategies to maintain and grow event sponsorships
- Builds strong relationships with companies and organizations by attending networking, civic, and social events
- Works with sponsors to negotiate, finalize, and execute contracts and sponsor benefits
VIP & Behind-the-Scenes Experiences:
- Develops and implements new and exciting VIP opportunities and events for donors
- Communicates effectively with the animal care department and tour hosts to coordinate experiences
Zoo Operations for Zoofari Ball:
- Manages the annual Zoofari Ball fundraising event and related Zoo operations for the event
- Manages all Zoo staff to ensure appropriate staffing needs for Zoofari Ball throughout the year
- Coordinates with all Zoo managers, senior managers, and the executive team
- Creates and manages the Zoo-wide budget for Zoofari Ball
- Responsible for all external relations for Zoofari Ball
- Manages the Zoofari Ball committee, holding regular meetings and consistent communications with committee members
- Manages solicitation and securing of event sponsorship to meet the fundraising goals
- Manages all event fundraising opportunities including solicitation and procurement of auction items, auction set-up, data management, payments, and wrap-up to meet the fundraising goals
- Stewards external partners, sponsors, and donors before, during, and after the event to ensure continued fruitful relations
- Ensures all sponsorship benefits are communicated and executed
- Effectively communicates with the President/CEO, Vice President of Community Relations, Director of Advancement, and Zoofari Ball volunteers to create a VIP experience for sponsors and to ensure a seamless auction process on the day of the event
- Cultivates and coordinates volunteers to support the Zoofari Ball fundraising effort
- Maintains organized Zoofari Ball folders and records of all related activities
Advancement & Special Events:
- Identifies strategic fundraising opportunities within existing or new Zoo events, coordinating with the Advancement and Events teams, as well as other internal departments as needed
- Produces donor-focused cultivation and stewardship events including but not limited to the planned giving society annual event, capital campaign events, Zoo Lights, and other special events, in coordination with the Advancement team
- Manages the Advancement Events Coordinator to assist in the facilitation of all Advancement events
- Responsible for scheduling donor events, managing communications in different media formats (invitations, emails, etc.), creating donor recognition materials, and executing successful events
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship:
- Actively communicates with donors
- Monitors and tracks the activities of donors on a cultivation step program with the goal of increasing donations
- Maintains donor records, profiles, and contacts in Raiser’s Edge database
- Hosts donor tours and experiences
- Organizes year-end donor appreciation engagement activities in coordination with the Advancement team
General Advancement Responsibilities:
- Develops and maintains effective, fruitful, and long-term relationships with donors
- Assists in maintaining donor databases and filing system
- Contributes to Zoo News, social media, and other applicable communications as appropriate
- Assists with the creation of fundraising materials and activities (including marketing materials, emails, appeals, signs, website, and events) to ensure the highest standards of the Zoo brand integrity
- Creates mailing lists and reports as needed
- Leads donor cultivation/stewardship tours
- Monitors and tracks the activities of donor cultivation/stewardship
- Provides input on policies and procedures related to Advancement
- Stays current and knowledgeable on AZA, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s mission, collection, history, programs, projects, and practices
- Participates in and contributes to regular Advancement department meetings
- Participates in and contributes to the Manager's weekly meetings and communicates information to the Advancement department
- Supports fundraising efforts for special projects and special programs
- Contributes to the Advancement Department's annual planning and budgeting process
- Supports all Advancement cultivation/stewardship activities and events
- Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff through meetings that further departmental goals and productivity
- Edits Advancement and Zoo-wide publications as needed
- Attends professional fundraising training opportunities as warranted
- Researches prospective donors and current donors and creates reports as needed
- Creates some donor recognition gifts and coordinates the distribution of these gifts as needed
- Responsible for networking within the fundraising community as a Zoo Advancement representative
- Responsible for networking within the community as a Zoo Advancement representative
- Supports general Advancement efforts as needed
- Tracks the number of Advancement department guests and submits on a monthly basis to Zoo Administration
- Other assignments as needed
SECONDARY DUTIES:
Organization:
- Adheres to Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
- Attends all-employee and department meetings
- Serves on Zoo committees, teams, and task forces as appropriate
- Participates in general Zoo events as needed
- Apply and exemplify “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
Guest Relations:
- Greets every guest with a smile
- Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
- Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
- Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
- Associates with guests to assist and share information
- Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
- Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
- Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
- Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, our Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
- Other duties as assigned
POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education & Experience:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Preferred a minimum of four years of proven successful event fundraising or related experience
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license with good driving record
- Ability to certify for First Aid and CPR Certification
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Ability to think strategically and plan accordingly to further the Institutional Advancement effort
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and guests and to work with all levels of management
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive information
- Capacity for high-level attention to detail
- Demonstrates a high degree of accuracy and strong analytical skills
- Ability to exercise safe work habits
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to effectively multi-task, use independent judgment, and produce quality work within a set timeframe to meet deadlines
- Ability to effectively work under pressure, multi-task effectively, use independent judgment, and produce quality work within a tight time frame; meeting deadlines
- Ability to create and implement systems and follow-up processes
- Must be a proactive and creative problem-solver; a team player with motivation to develop relationships and work collaboratively
- Understanding of telephone and office etiquette
- Ability to handle conflict resolution in a professional manner and to respond to sensitive matters or situations with discretion, tact, and confidentiality
- Ability to relate to persons of all ages and diverse backgrounds, skills, and abilities
- Ability to present self in a personable, professional, and energetic manner
- Ability to work flexible hours (including some holidays and weekends) and travel as needed
- Ability to exercise safe work habits
- Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Knowledge of databases/Raiser’s Edge preferred
- Demonstrates initiative, creativity, and enthusiasm, as well as strong organizational skills
- Enjoys working with people, especially volunteers
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
- Based on business needs during the month of August, must be able to work a flexible schedule including overtime on Zoo grounds
- Ability to effectively work in a shared, open-space environment with regular interruptions
- Most work is performed inside the office environment
- Occasionally involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
- Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility
- Must be able to regularly climb stairs, manipulate computer and office tools, stand/walk for up to eight continuous hours
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs
- The ability to coordinate a variety of tasks simultaneously and handle tension and stress in a positive manner is required
- Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and use tools
- Supportive and open employment culture
- Must attend all events related to the position
- Involves some weekend and evening hours
Tools Used:
- Computer
- Standard office equipment: telephone, copier, calculator, and others as required
- Color and laser printer
- 35 mm and digital camera
- Electric cart
- Paper cutter
- Laminator
- Two-way radio
- Personal and Zoo vehicles
- Wagon
BENEFITS & PERKS:
- Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
- Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
- Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities
- Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
---
This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.
Compensation: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.
(if you already have a resume on Indeed)
Or apply here.
It’s a great place to work!
We strive to: 1. Provide a learning environment with great benefits and advancement opportunities. 2. Work as a team. 3. Enjoy our work and have fun!
We are guest-oriented.
We strive to: 1. Be professional, engaged, warm, friendly, informed, and resourceful because we care about our guests’ experience. 2. Ensure safe, clean, and injury-free facilities. 3. Be a place of choice to visit in town.
We are goal-oriented.
We strive to: 1. Set competitive goals that involve our entire staff. 2. Focus on our mission and the best ways to deliver our care and services to our animals, our staff, and our guests. 3. Be the best place to visit in Santa Barbara!