Development Specialist ZU

Development Specialist ZU

Salary

$22.40 Hourly

Location

517 Court Place, Louisville, KY 40202, KY

Job Type

Full_Time

Job Number

15693

Department

Zoo

Opening Date

07/07/2026

Closing Date

7/13/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Summary Objective

The Development Specialist position at the Louisville Zoo contributes to the strategic direction of the organization via small business, individual solicitations, and database administration. All efforts will benefit animal care, capital initiatives, special projects, annual operations, conservation programs, events, education programs, etc. This position reports to the Individual Giving Coordinator.

This class works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Evaluates and monitors programs for effectiveness and recommends modifications and improvements.
• Processes all donations for the Zoo and ensures appropriate entry of all gifts into the donor database and prepares and issues tax receipts.
• Solicits operational donations through via direct mail campaigns and conducts administrative tasks supporting the annual and long-term philanthropic goals of the Zoo. This includes overseeing the creation of the annual campaign materials and working with the mail house to coordinate the mailing., contributions, support and participation from businesses, foundations, organizations, agencies and groups to promote and implement events and activities.
• Serves as the (Raiser's Edge) donor database coordinator for the Zoo to ensure donor records are kept fully up-to-dateup to date. This will require working with software companies to scan the database regularly and import new information (addresses, phone, email, deceased, etc). This position is also responsible for the addition of new donor records and database cleanup of constituent codes, funds, appeals, attributes, invalid records, etc.
• Works with software companies to scan the database regularly and import new information (addresses, phone, email, deceased, etc.).
• Enters new donor records and database cleanup of constituent codes, funds, appeals, attributes, invalid records, etc.
• Coordinates all details of the Zoo Kids Inc. field trip scholarship program, . This including es an annual evaluation of the application process; establishing the online application portal; accepting applications from potential program recipients; communicating with applicants and notifying them of scholarship awards; tracking use of scholarship funds; reconciling attendance and requesting reimbursement from the Zoo Foundation for completed field trips.
• Coordinates all aspects of the Zoo's tribute and memorial program, which consistings of gifts made in honor of/memory of someone, gifts, benches, plaques, specially commissioned carousel animals, etc. This position will create a marketing and promotions plan and work with the Zoo's marketing department to implement; work with external vendors to fulfill a donor's request; order and receive the products; coordinate with Zoo maintenance staff to ensure the proper installation of the items.
• Creates marketing and promotion plans and works with the Zoo's Marketing department to implement; work with external vendors to fulfill a donor's request; order and receive the products; coordinates with Zoo Maintenance staff to ensure the proper installation of the items.
• Coordinates and manages, in person and online, the Zoo's "wish list"Wish List to which includes communicating with the Zoo's General Curator and other members of the leadership team to identify needs to offset annual operations. Communicates regularly with all Zoo department leaders to receiveing approval on items; manages the Zoo's online wish lists; coordinates the acceptance of items and distributes them to Zoo the designated departments appropriately.
• Ensures meeting worksheets are produced and distributed for all department events, meetings, and functions; follows- up the day- of events/meetings to ensure plans are executed as desired.; attends weekly Zoo staff Operations Meeting to represent the Development Department and answer questions about the department or Board events, meetings, activities, etc.
• Attends weekly Zoo Staff Operations meetings to represent the Development department and answer questions about the department or Board events, meetings, activities, etc.
• Serves as a representative of the Louisville Zoo, Zoo Foundation, Friends of the Louisville Zoo and Louisville Metro Government at Zoo events onsite and within the community.
• Contacts card holders and the public concerning renewing zoo memberships, and the purchasing of new memberships.
• Assists the supervisor with preparing materials for training programs.
• Maintains a database to track renewals and new memberships, and processes correspondence regarding memberships.
• Develops and promotes sponsorships, in-kind services, donations and gifts, and prepares funding proposals.
• Schedules events and activities to increase the opportunity for receiving funds and to increase the financial viability of the organization.
• Secures, designs and produces advertising and mass marketing materials, and conducts sales presentations to potential sponsors.
• Researches databases from foundations, charitable organizations, and corporations to identify new sponsorships.
• Analyzes records, identifies trends, and recommends methods to obtain new sponsor information.
• Operates a vehicle to pick up and deliver supplies and materials.
• Maintains computer records, and produces reports and information on sponsor payments.
• Compiles data for financial reports summarizing income from sponsors or donors.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate degree in Advertising, Communications, Marketing, Business, English, Public Relations, Hospitality or Public Administration or related discipline.
• Two (2) years of donor database and fundraising experience.
• EQUIVALENCY: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
• Must have excellent writing and oral communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.
• Occasionally lifts tables, chairs, boxes, crates, linens, etc. 10+ pounds to set-up for a meeting or event.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None.
• Involves routine exposure to:
• Bright light
• Dusts and pollen
• Extreme heat and/or cold
• Wet and humid conditions
• Extreme noise levels
• Animals/wildlife

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Louisville Metro Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Louisville Metro Government to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Louisville Metro Government.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

Louisville Metro Government is committed to providing our employees with the tools they need to lead a fit and healthy life. Aside from community-wide initiatives like the Mayors Hike, Bike and Paddle event every Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the Healthy Hometown Movement, Metro Government provides employees with programs designed to enhance their life and well-being, like a Wellness Center that allows employees and their dependents with Metro health insurance to take care of their basic medical and health needs for a $5 co-pay. Louisville Metro Government understands that a team of healthy, vibrant employees is the greatest asset we have.

Full Time Regular

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Group Term Life
• Supplemental Life
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holiday Pay
• Bereavement Leave
• Kentucky Public Pensions Authority
• 457 Deferred Comp
• Voluntary Lifestyle Benefits
• Tuition Assistance
• Qualified Adult Benefits
• Childcare Assistance
• Free TARC Use
• Paid Parental Leave

Part Time - 17.5 to 25 Hours Per Week

• Vacation (pro rata)
• Sick Leave (pro rata)
• Holiday Pay (pro rata)

Part Time - Less Than 17.5 Hours Per Week

• Ineligible For Benefits

Temporary Positions

• Ineligible For Benefits

Interns

• Ineligible For Benefits

01

Do you have an associates degree in Advertising, Communications, Marketing, Business, English, Public Relations, Hospitality or Public Administration or related discipline?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have two (2) years of donor database and fundraising experience?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess and can you maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Louisville Metro Government

Address 517 Court Place

Louisville, Kentucky, 40202

Phone (502) 574-8100

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisvilleky