Director, Foundation & Government Funding

Join the PRIDE! Since our opening in 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world’s longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction, and award-winning educational institution. This is a non-union full-time salaried position, grade 10 with an expected hiring range of $89,583 to $98,541 annually. Please see Compensation and Benefits Summary section below the job description information. This Director, Foundation & Government Funding contributes to the success of Brookfield Zoo Chicago (“BZC”) by designing and directing efforts to secure philanthropic support for the organization, working closely with program staff, Development leadership, the Executive Management Team, and the Development Team to achieve and exceed fundraising goals to ensure a sustainable future for the organization. PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions of the position. * Seek funding from local, regional, and national foundations, corporate foundations, and government agencies to support agreed-upon strategic initiatives, programs, and projects aligned with institutional goals. This includes, but is not limited to working directly with program staff to develop fundable projects, exhibits and programs, as well as implementing communication strategies for effective cultivation and solicitation (letters of intent, pre-proposals, phone calls, meetings, proposals and reports). In addition, prepare project-specific budgets and financial reports to be submitted with proposals and reports, while maintaining confidentiality of financial information related to salaries and benefits. * Build, cultivate, and maintain relationships with key foundation, corporate foundation, and government agency leadership and staff to advance philanthropic partnerships, and assist other institutional senior staff in building and maintaining their own professional relationships with key foundation leadership and staff. * Work closely with research staff, other development staff, and appropriate Society staff to proactively and creatively identify new foundation and government grant funders. * Provide strategic writing support to Senior Vice President Development (SVP), Vice President of Development, and peers within the Development Team. Includes, but is not limited to writing and editing grant proposals, as well as solicitation letters and programmatic updates for donors. * Work closely with VP, Senior Director Development Operations, to utilize the CRM to enhance the portfolio. In addition, utilize CRM as an accurate tracking system for foundation and government proposals, grants, reports, site visits and stewardship. * Maintain a thorough knowledge of issues and trends that may impact the Zoo’s funding and prepare briefing documents as requested by the VP to facilitate awareness and discussion of strategic opportunities and challenges in building support for Zoo priorities. * Ensure representation as appropriate of foundation, corporate foundation and government agency participation in events and prepare required briefing materials. Other related duties as assigned. Denotes Essential Job Function(s) POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree in arts, sciences, or other relevant business-related field or eight years’ equivalent combination of training and experience required. High school diploma or educational equivalent (e.g., GED.) required. Three years of directly relevant development, foundation or competitive government funding experience. Experience developing and executing strategic funding plans and programs, developing and managing budgets, and producing quality deliverables within specific timeframes. Proven track record securing major foundation and government funding. Creative individual; ability to think