Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the 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. In fact, animal care technologies developed at Brookfield Zoo are employed in 165 countries. And, you can be a part of that.

The Manager of Development Services and Operations serves as financial and operational administrator of the Development Department responsible for preparing annual budgets, monthly reforecast and reconciliations for the Development Department working with Development and Finance staff. The Manager of Development Services and Operations will also manage and supervise the gift and data processing operation to ensure that data is recorded accurately and efficiently.

The primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Responsible for the financial administration and general business operations of the Development Department including preparation, maintaining and reporting of budgets. Develop, implement, and maintain appropriate financial controls and processes within the department in accordance with non-profit rules and regulations. In close coordination with Finance, provide oversight, tracking, reconciliation and reporting on expenditures of multi-year grants and contributions (Net Assets Released ("NAR") and prepare monthly reforecast reconciliation reports to provide an update on fundraising progress. Serve as department liaison to Finance in regard to 990 reporting and auditing. Manage annual budgets for the Women's Board and other volunteer groups as the need may arise, including monthly reconciliation for special events and educational outreach. Manage invoicing of dues for Governing Members. Ensure proper tracking of all special campaign and restricted gifts and pledges including cash flow, progress, reconciliation reports, and pledge reminders as necessary.
• Maintain the integrity of the Development database. Ensure that all relevant data necessary for the fundraising process is properly stored, accurate and easily accessible to staff.
• Supervise the Development Assistant to ensure accurate and timely processing, acknowledgement, and receipt for all contributions and grants. Ensure that gifts and relevant transactions are deposited, recorded, receipted, and acknowledged in accordance with defined standards.
• Review, approve, and process all department purchase orders, and maintain purchase order system. Review all department contracts, flag discrepancies, and process contract payments as needed.
• As needed, and with assistance from Major Gift Officers, prepare Charitable Gift Annuity paperwork for donors. Review all estate gift materials received by the Society, and ensure they are accurate before securing proper signatures. Receive, process, and oversee the sale of all stock transactions, and prepare monthly reports to reconcile stock donations with Finance. Review and update tax deductibility statement on an annual basis.
• Process deposits and report on special Society funds such as, but not limited to, the Avian Scientific Advisory Group Fund, the Zoo Biology Publication Fund, and the Chicago Board of Trade Endangered Species Fund. Review and monitor all online giving avenues, e.g., Mission Fish, FirstGiving, and I Donate. Oversee and manage the Society-wide gift-in-kind and donated services process.
• Maintain the department Standard Operating Procedures manual and ensure its availability for new staff.
• Support special events including, but not limited to: the Whirl, Annual Meeting, Bison Circle events, and select cultivation events for financial accountability.

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

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Data Processing, or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.
• Minimum three years of progressive experience in database management and information systems in a complex, multi-layered organization(s) required.
• Strong computer ability/proficiency required. Ability to use advanced Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook required. Familiarity with common accounting software required.
• Must possess basic accounting skills, mathematical aptitude, and strong analytical skills. Must understand the nature of debits and credits as well as how financial information flows through general ledger accounts or equivalent combination of training/experience required.
• Must be able to break large jobs down into small tasks and complete them on schedule.
• Must be detail oriented, able to accurately proofread and check columns of numbers for accuracy, and be able to track several tasks simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work quickly, effectively, and accurately required.
• Strong, effective listening skills required.
• Must be diplomatic and tactful.
• Must possess adept and persuasive communication skills, including the ability to write persuasive, personal, and grammatically correct written communications.
• Effective problem-solving and sound, logical decision-making skills required.
• Must be self-motivated and be able to work effectively under pressure.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with diverse, multicultural audience.
• A valid driver's license is required on date of hire. If you are an Illinois resident, you must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required at time of hire if the employee is an out-of-state resident.

The desirable qualifications include:

• Three years of experience supervising staff preferred.
• Knowledge of Raiser's Edge fundraising database preferred.
• Non-profit experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of Form 990 requirements preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics Navision (NAV2009) preferred.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information:
Position may require some evenings or weekends. Must represent the Society in a professional manner at all times.

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