The Chicago Zoological Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. The Society 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. The animals at Brookfield Zoo are ambassadors to those in the wild. Through care and breeding and, in some cases, reintroduction to their natural habitat, we replenish nature many times over. Thanks to generous donations, thousands of animals representing 400 species receive state-of-the-art care through top-notch medical, husbandry, and nutrition programs.

The Assistant Director, Institutional Grants (Grant Writer) is responsible for securing philanthropic support for the organization, working closely with program staff, senior staff, and the Development Department to achieve and exceed fundraising goals.

As the Assistant Director, Institutional Grants (Grant Writer), you will write and prepare grant proposals for submission to foundations, corporate foundations, and government agencies for general operating, program, and capital support in alignment with CZS institutional goals, including supporting the development of written proposals and presentations for individual prospects and donors as requested by the Vice President of Conservation Funding Initiatives. In this role, you will also research and identify new foundation, corporate foundation, and government grant funders and prepare prospect briefing memos for review by the Vice President of Conservation Funding Initiatives and the Director of Institutional Giving. Leveraging your creativity and strong communication skills, you will assist in the implementation of communication strategies for effective cultivation, solicitation and stewardship for foundation, corporate, government, and individual donors, including but not limited to thank you letters, letters of intent, pre-proposals, phone calls, e-newsletters, presentations, and reports. As the Assistant Director, Institutional Grants (Grant Writer), you will use Raiser's Edge to manage tracking systems for foundation and government proposals, grants, reports, site visits, and stewardship, including the setup of proposal entries at the beginning of each year, running activity reports for the Development department, and ensuring that all grant agreements and report due dates are entered appropriately. Furthermore, you will be responsible for ensuring proper and timely tracking of all proposals and reports and assist the Vice President of Conservation Funding Initiatives with monthly financial reporting and grant management. Making use of your strategic focus, you will maintain a thorough knowledge of issues and trends that might impact the institution's
funding and prepare appropriate briefing documents as requested by the Vice President of Conservation Funding Initiatives to facilitate awareness and discussion of strategic opportunities and challenges in building support for CZS priorities. As necessary, you will perform other related responsibilities to successfully achieve the Society's development goals and objectives.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for this position include the following:

• Bachelor's degree in arts, sciences, or equivalent combination of training and experience required.


• Proven track record obtaining foundation and government funding and ability to nurture new prospect relationships.


• Creative individual; ability to think strategically and deal with changing priorities, emergent issues, multiple projects, and clients simultaneously.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal, listening, and presentation skills; strong writing skills essential.


• Must be articulate and able to represent the organization effectively both internally and externally.


• Computer proficiency required: Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality of privileged information.


• Must have a professional appearance and demeanor.


• Must be self-motivated, results-oriented, confident, and customer oriented.


• Must be strategic in orientation, proactive, persistent, and helpful.


• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.


• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

The desirable qualifications include:

• Prior budget experience desirable.


• Raiser's Edge and Microsoft Outlook skills desired.


• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information: Normal work weeks of 50-55 hours or more are not unusual. Individual will be expected to be present and visible at development, marketing, and other events sponsored by the Society for its employees, Trustee members, and other professional participants and audiences, including evenings, early mornings, and weekends as needed. Some occasional local and domestic travel may be required.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.