Development Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title : Development Manager

Department :

Development and Marketing

Reports to :

Director of Development and Marketing

Employment Type :

Full -Time (40 hours)

Pay Type : Salaried

Work Location : Bridgeport, CT

Compensation Range : $65,000 – $75,000

SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the Director of Development & Marketing, this position is responsible for coordinating the Zoo's fundraising initiatives, managing donor programs, and overseeing fundraising and stewardship events. The Development Manager will take initiative, work both independently and collaboratively, and serve as a key representative of the Zoo to donors, board members, and community partners. This position requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to successfully facilitate stakeholder and committee meetings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Events (50%)

• Plan, manage, and execute fundraising events that advance donor involvement, cultivation, and stewardship from gifts.
• Lead and facilitate committee meetings and calls with major donors, board members, staff, and community leaders to support event strategy and execution.
• Coordinate and execute Zoo fundraising events including Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari, Car Show, Zoo Gala, and other Zoo fundraising events as required.
• Work closely with event committees to obtain sponsorships, secure gifts, and engage community partners.
• Solicit, organize, and manage in-kind donations and silent auction items.
• Perform complex administrative and logistical duties with minimal supervision, exercising confidentiality, independent judgment, and strong decision-making.
• Track donor contracts, sponsorship commitments, payments, and event-related financial documentation.
• Review and submit event invoices and prepare necessary financial and attendance reports.
• Write acknowledgment and thank-you letters; assemble donor solicitation packets and event materials.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with venues, vendors, service providers, and artists.
• Work collaboratively with Zoo staff, Board members, and volunteers to execute events professionally and efficiently.
• Create or coordinate event materials such as fact sheets, reply forms, solicitations, save-the-dates, invitations, programs, and donor fulfillment items.
• Provide on-site event management including preparation, setup, execution, volunteer oversight, and tear-down.
• Represent the Zoo at external functions and serve as a lead contact for event sponsors and partners.

Development (50%)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Not applicable

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Certifications and / or Licenses :

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience / Knowledge / Skills :

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.