Position Title:
Development Researcher

Department:
Development

Reports to:
Manager, Development Services

FSLA Status:
Exempt

Salary:
Based on Experience

Posting:
Applications are now being accepted for Development Researcher in the Development Department at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. There is one full-time, regular, hourly, exempt, benefited position to be filled at this time.

Summary:
Manages the prospect research program to help foster fundraising activities for Woodland Park Zoo. Assumes primary responsibility for meeting the prospect identification, research and tracking needs of development staff, enabling them to meet fundraising goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following:

• Manages donor prospect management process: tracks prospect assignments, readiness, capacity and other relevant information; updates and maintains prospect tracking module; and tracks contact reports.
• Builds prospect identification and qualification strategy to promote long-term major gift prospect pipeline through constituent list segmentation, electronic database screening, peer/constituency screening and rating.
• Regularly collaborates with development staff to develop prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and overall fundraising strategies.
• Evaluates and rates donor prospects based on known indicators of wealth and giving capacity.
• Researches and writes quality profiles on major gift prospects, which includes relevant biographical, philanthropic and relational information.
• Prepare development event brief bios, special focus prospect lists and other research reports.
• Keeps up with current events, national and local news, and industry trends. Shares relevant information with development staff.
• Provides research services and assistance to the development team and zoo-wide.
• Manages library of resources, maintains records and inventories, and recommends and acquires new research materials and resources.
• Assists in providing orientation and training of development officers and zoo staff in prospect research techniques and use of The Raiser's Edge.
• Assists in establishing, revising and updating department policies, procedures and standards.
• Safeguards the confidentiality of donor information at all times. Works with Development Services Manager to maintain data integrity and information/knowledge management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Experience in prospect research function including research, profiles, financial analysis and recognition of wealth indicators.
• Ability to work independently, handle confidential information with discretion, and meet deadlines required.
• Ability to recall, recognize and communicate interrelated information pertaining to Zoo benefactors and prospects.
• Strong knowledge of database systems and strong computer skills using Microsoft Windows required. Experience with The Raiser's Edge is desired. Experience writing queries in a relational database is desired. Experience running and reading quantitative reports is desired.
• Knowledge of research tools and electronic sources available through the Internet required.
• Must maintain the professional and ethical standards set forth for the field by the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).
• Commitment to the mission of the zoo and the institution’s Core Values.

Education/Experience:
Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university and two to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Computer Skills:
Strong computer skills including proficiency working with: Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, PPT and Outlook; Windows environment, relational databases; and advanced Internet research and navigation skills. Experience with The Raiser's Edge is preferred.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

How To Apply:

Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.

<No Phone Calls Please>

Our Application for Employment is available below in two formats:

• Online
  Fill out the online application (which allows you to attach your cover letter and resume) and submit electronically.
  
• Portable Document Format
  Print and send the application along with a Cover Letter and Resume via U.S. mail or fax. If you experience difficulty downloading the PDF document you can obtain the necessary software (Adobe Acrobat Reader) here.

Attn: Development Researcher
Fax: 206-548-1538
Email: hr@zoo.org

US Mail:
Human Resources        
Woodland Park Zoo
601 North 59th Street
Seattle, WA 98103

Application Deadline: August 15, 2008