Director, Foundation & Government Funding

Director, Foundation & Government Funding Req #336 Chicago Zoological Society | Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America Apply Share Job Description Posted Friday, May 8, 2026 at 1:00 AM | Expires Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 12:59 AM 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 strategically and deal with changing priorities, emergent issues, multiple projects, and stakeholders simultaneously. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal, written, listening, and presentation skills. Must be articulate and able to represent the organization effectively. Strong writing skills are essential. Must be a flexible and cooperative team player. Ability to juggle emergent issues, multiple projects and meet critical deadlines. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook required. Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information. Professional appearance and demeanor. Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience. English fluency at a full professional proficiency required Valid driver's license required at time of hire. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois driver's license or obtain one within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state driver's license is required for out-of-state residents.

DESIRABLE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with Salesforce or Raiser's Edge or other database management software preferred. Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. Must be self-motivated, results-oriented, confident, and customer-oriented. Must be able to establish and maintain a strong rapport and positive relationships with senior managers, staff, and external partners. Must be able to nurture new prospect relationships, be proactive, persistent, and helpful. Must be able to work within a very fast-paced environment with rapidly shifting priorities. Incumbent is expected to be present and visible at events sponsored by the Zoo for its employees, trustees, donors, and other audiences, including evenings, weekends and early mornings as needed. This position involves safely operating a golf cart to provide donor tours and transport Development guests.

OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

: See Occupational Requirements Form. 000645/10/050526 Benefits Summary We are pleased that you are considering joining our team at Brookfield Zoo Chicago (BZC). Below is a summary of the benefits we offer. Non-Union Full-Time Employees Time Away from

Work:

Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO is accrued based on Years of Service and pay grade on a per-pay-period basis starting on the date of hire. Years of Service Positions in Grades 01H-06 Positions in Grades 07H-14-14MT-15MT Positions in Grades 16H-17MT Positions in Grades 07H1-081 (10hr/day) New hire

• 5 years 21 days 26 days 31 days 18 days

Holidays:

Non-union employees are eligible for eight paid holidays per year.

Employee Benefits:

Coverage begins on the date of hire.

Medical Insurance:

Employees may choose from one of two medical plans: Blue Cross-Blue Shield HMO or PPO Plan. Benefit Coverage Tiers Available HMO Employee Cost (biweekly) PPO Employee Cost (biweekly) Medical Insurance Employee, Employee + Spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family $48.82

• $199.53 $75.12
• $296.

58 Common Medical Event HMO PPO Annual Deductible $250 Individual/ $500

Family In-Network:

$750 Individual / $1,500

Family Out-of-Network:

$1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family Out-of-pocket-maximum $1,500 Individual / $3,000 Family Prescription drug expense limit: $1,000 Individual / $2,000

Family In-Network:

$2,000 Individual / $4,000

Family Out-of-Network:

$4,000 Individual / $8,000 Family Doctors Visits $40/ PCP visit $60/ Specialist visit

No Charge:

Preventive care/screening/ immunization $30/ PCP visit; deductible does not apply $50/ Specialist visit; deductible does not apply

No Charge:

Preventive care/screening/ immunization; deductible does not apply.

Hospitalization Facility Fee:

$250/admission plus 20% coinsurance Physician/surgeon fees: No charge

Facility Fee:

20% co-insurance Physician/surgeon fee: 20% co-insurance.

Dental Insurance & Vision Care Coverage:

A PPO dental plan and an employee-paid vision care plan are available.

Mental Health:

Support, counseling, and resources for life issues at no cost to you. Eligible employees and their immediate family have access to Perspectives, a dynamic Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) which provides 24/7, confidential care and resources to address work and life stressors.

Retirement Savings:

Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at 6% on a pre-tax basis as soon as administratively feasible following date of hire. Employee Pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions available. First of the quarter following one year of service, eligible employees receive regular matching contributions of up to 3%. The employer match for full-time employees is immediately vested.

Employer-Paid Income Protection:

Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in Short-Term Disability benefits, Long-Term Disability benefits, Basic Term Life insurance and Basic AD&D insurance. Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars from their paychecks to save for pre-tax reimbursement of qualified healthcare and/or dependent care expenses.

Voluntary Benefits:

• Supplemental Term Life Insurance
• Group Accident Insurance
• Supplemental Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Group Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Dependent Life Insurance
• Identity Theft Protection Brookfield Zoo Chicago is open 363 days each year.

Work schedules vary with each position. This position may require the ability to work a non-traditional schedule on-site that may include holidays, weekends, mornings and/or evenings. The mission of Brookfield Zoo Chicago is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people to wildlife and nature. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, American Humane, and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please note that portions of our recruitment and selection process may involve the support of AI tools to help ensure efficiency and consistency. Job Details Job Function Professionals

• NEC Pay Type Salary Hiring Min Rate 89,583 USD Hiring Max Rate 98,541 USD Scan this QR code and apply!

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