TITLE: Philanthropy Officer

SALARY & FLSA: $33.88 - $50.82 per hour; FLSA non-exempt

The $33.88 hourly starting pay is structured to be competitive and may extend up to $38.99, reflecting our commitment to offering competitive compensation to qualified candidates.

OPENING DATE: 09/15/2026

CLOSING DATE: 10/4/2026 - This position may close early if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.

JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-Time

UNION: Non-Represented

OPENINGS: 1

LOCATION: Hybrid (on grounds 2-3 days/week and remainder work remotely)

DEPARTMENT: Advancement

This role may be required to work occasional weekends or evenings to support donor events. Advanced notice will be provided.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the department leadership and team members to identify new leads of mid-level, major, and principal level relationships for the zoo.
• Work with the department leadership and the team members to develop new donor engagement opportunities, moving prospects into a deeper relationship with the zoo, and future gift conversations.
• Professionally articulate the zoo's mission, vision, and values verbally and in writing to prospects and current donors.
• Develop positive and professional relationships with lapsed donors to reactivate them at the mid-level or major donor level.
• Deepen relationships with new and current mid-level donors to increase their giving.
• Meet annual revenue goals for the mid-level portfolio, as established by department leadership.
• Implement unique and timely gift-ask opportunities that support and enhance donors' partnerships and relationships with the zoo.
• Conduct solicitations on behalf of the zoo through building relationships with donors.
• Give donor tours and meetings. Accompany other members of the major giving and development team on donor tours and visits to expand skill set as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and two or more years of non-profit fundraising experience and or training; and/or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience in philanthropy work, telephone fundraising, cold-calling, or tele-fundraising.
• Excitement to work for Woodland Park Zoo and further its mission to make conservation a priority in everyone's lives.
• Ability to initiate and build relationships with prospective donors and interact via telephone and in-person.
• Ability to build and maintain long-term relationships with donors, potential donors, and volunteers.
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal and organizational communication and ability to work collaboratively across a complex organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with the ability to adapt communication based on audience and purpose with inclusivity.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and requests and meet deadlines in a professional manner.
• Ability to work on a non-standard/flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

REFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time staff including:

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
• 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays
• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days
• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks
• Free staff parking
• 403(b) Retirement Plan

SELECTION PROCESS

Application: Please include a resume and cover letter with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at [email protected].

Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check.