About Us:

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Job Overview:

ZSL is seeking an exceptional candidate to be our new US Fundraising Development Officer. The successful candidate will be based at ZSL’s Regent’s Park office, with frequent travel to the US required and will be responsible for building a portfolio of active and potential donors in the U.S. through networking, gaining introductions and building relationships with a range of key prospects.

You will have considerable communication skills and a track record of successful large-scale funding applications in the US and of developing and managing relationships with donors, ideally in conservation work.

Key Responsibilities:

Review all current and past relationships with US funders, and to advise which should be pursued into the future.
Identify and scope out new US grant opportunities for ZSL’s work.
Research and build relationships with a range of funders in the US, through networking, calling, visiting, arranging meetings and cultivation events for key ZSL staff, facilitating meetings/visits to projects for prospective donors.
Develop ZSL USA, through identifying and recruiting key individuals with a commitment to conservation who will drive and support US fundraising from individuals.
Contribute to developing a 3 year strategy for approaching US funding streams, matching funding opportunities to ZSL’s funding needs.
Contribute to building partnerships, where appropriate, in order to apply for major funding streams.
Ensure timely, accurate and appropriate reports are provided for all US based funders.

Person Specification:

Proven track record of successful large-scale funding applications to foundations, NGOs and individuals in the US, and of developing and managing relationships with donors, ideally in conservation work.
In depth knowledge of the funding opportunities in the USA.A track record of networking and building relationships with a range of donors in the US.
Experience of scrutinising budgets and sensitively editing proposals for applications;
Clear understanding of how best to identify and research new grant opportunities and subsequently turn research into a fundraising approach.
Ability to work autonomously and identify new opportunities based on consumer behaviour.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
Knowledge of current fundraising issues and trends, both in the US and in the UK;
Educated to degree level or equivalent;
Computer literate, ideally with working knowledge of the Raiser’s Edge database

All applications should be forwarded to hr@zsl.org and should include the following: