Minnesota Zoo Foundation
Senior Capital Campaign Manager
Minnesota Zoo Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
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Senior Capital Campaign Manager
role at
Minnesota Zoo Foundation
The Minnesota Zoo Foundation seeks an experienced fundraising and project management professional to join the Foundation's team and coordinate an upcoming capital campaign. This is a hybrid work position, requiring onsite presence at the Minnesota Zoo or Foundation offices 3+ days per week.
Interested applicants should apply through the Minnesota Zoo Foundation's online application at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3660060?source=Linked-In
Applications received by Sunday, November 9, 2025, will receive first consideration.
Position Summary The Senior Capital Campaign Manager will play a central role in planning, managing, and executing the Minnesota Zoo Foundation’s capital campaign. The Manager will oversee campaign logistics, communications, committee engagement, donor cultivation, and stewardship activities, and identify new capital campaign donors in support of the campaign’s goals.
Duties / Responsibilities Campaign Management and Strategy – 30%
Partner with capital campaign consultants and Foundation leadership to implement and manage campaign strategy.
Coordinate all aspects of the campaign plan, including timelines, benchmarks, donor strategies, and reporting.
Track and report progress toward campaign goals; provide timely updates to leadership, staff, and volunteer committees.
Prepare materials, presentations, and briefings for internal and external stakeholders.
Provide regular written reports on campaign progress, challenges, and corrective strategies.
Manage the campaign fundraising budget in coordination with leadership.
Committee & Volunteer Engagement – 15%
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Capital Campaign Committee, ensuring meetings are well‑organized, productive, and supported with timely materials.
Support and motivate committee members in their roles as campaign ambassadors and fundraisers.
Provide tools, training, and ongoing communication to ensure volunteers are engaged and successful.
Support recruitment, orientation, and logistics for campaign volunteers.
Provide guidance on solicitation strategies and effective ambassador roles for campaign committee members.
Collaborate with leadership and campaign committee members to identify and qualify new capital campaign prospects.
Develop and implement strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective donors throughout the campaign.
Manage a portfolio of up to 75 prospective capital campaign donors, guiding them through the capital giving process.
Partner with the leadership team on donor recognition opportunities and campaign‑related stewardship events.
Track and implement donor acknowledgment, stewardship, and public recognition.
Campaign Communications – 10%
Develop and oversee production of campaign communications assets (case materials, proposals, digital/print collateral).
Partner with communications/marketing team to integrate campaign milestones into broader public relations and media efforts.
Create donor briefings, profiles, and talking points for leadership, board, and volunteers as needed.
Support the development and maintenance of a campaign prospect management system.
Partner with Major Gifts & IG team and executive leadership to track movement through the donor cycle.
Ensure that accurate data related to prospects and donors is recorded and tracked in donor databases.
Generate campaign‑related reports as needed.
Events & Donor Engagement – 10%
Plan and manage cultivation and recognition events tied to campaign milestones working in conjunction with Foundation Events Manager and Marketing team.
Ensure events align with overall donor engagement and stewardship strategies.
Other – 5%
Participate through active involvement in team and all staff meetings, events, and training.
Provide on‑site support for events and programs as needed by the Foundation, typically occurring on the weekends or in the evenings.
Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on changing needs and the employee’s interests, aptitude, and experience.
Requirements Minimum Skills & Experience Required
5+ years of progressive experience in fundraising or major gift development, preferably with large‑scale capital campaign experience.
3+ years of experience in project or campaign management or leading complex division‑wide initiatives with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Strong organizational, project management, and time‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to craft compelling donor communications and reports.
Experience working with volunteer leaders, board members, or campaign committees.
Proficiency with fundraising or sales CRMs, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace.
Demonstrated ability to analyze data and generate actionable reports.
Ability to travel and flexibility for occasional evening/weekend work tied to campaign activities.
Demonstrated experience handling confidential and sensitive information.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including interacting appropriately with donors and the general public via email, phone, and in person.
Valid driver’s license with safe driving record and at least one year of driving experience for off‑site meetings.
Background checks required.
Preferred Skills & Experience
Experience in zoo, cultural institution, or conservation/nonprofit sector.
Familiarity with Minnesota’s philanthropic community.
Strong understanding of campaign best practices, fundraising trends, and ethics.
Strategic thinker with ability to execute detailed plans.
Relationship builder who thrives in a collaborative, team‑oriented environment.
Self‑motivated, proactive, and adaptable in a fast‑paced, evolving campaign environment.
Commitment to the mission and values of the Minnesota Zoo and the Minnesota Zoo Foundation.
Education
Required: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, communications, or a related field.
Preferred: Professional certifications, coursework, or related professional experience.
Physical, Travel, Additional Requirements
Must be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
May need to work occasional weekends and evenings dependent on Foundation events.
Require computer and phone use; frequent data entry and general computer work.
Ability to navigate the Zoo premises and accompany donors and prospects on tours in variable weather conditions.
May lift up to 40 pounds occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently.
Moderate noise level in an office setting.
Time spent on computer: 75%; virtual or in‑person meetings: 20%.
Occasional driving in personal vehicle may be required.
This is a hybrid work position, onsite at the Minnesota Zoo or Foundation offices 3+ days per week.
The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate during any phase of employment for qualified applicants.
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Senior Capital Campaign Manager
role at
Minnesota Zoo Foundation
The Minnesota Zoo Foundation seeks an experienced fundraising and project management professional to join the Foundation's team and coordinate an upcoming capital campaign. This is a hybrid work position, requiring onsite presence at the Minnesota Zoo or Foundation offices 3+ days per week.
Interested applicants should apply through the Minnesota Zoo Foundation's online application at https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3660060?source=Linked-In
Applications received by Sunday, November 9, 2025, will receive first consideration.
Position Summary The Senior Capital Campaign Manager will play a central role in planning, managing, and executing the Minnesota Zoo Foundation’s capital campaign. The Manager will oversee campaign logistics, communications, committee engagement, donor cultivation, and stewardship activities, and identify new capital campaign donors in support of the campaign’s goals.
Duties / Responsibilities Campaign Management and Strategy – 30%
Partner with capital campaign consultants and Foundation leadership to implement and manage campaign strategy.
Coordinate all aspects of the campaign plan, including timelines, benchmarks, donor strategies, and reporting.
Track and report progress toward campaign goals; provide timely updates to leadership, staff, and volunteer committees.
Prepare materials, presentations, and briefings for internal and external stakeholders.
Provide regular written reports on campaign progress, challenges, and corrective strategies.
Manage the campaign fundraising budget in coordination with leadership.
Committee & Volunteer Engagement – 15%
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Capital Campaign Committee, ensuring meetings are well‑organized, productive, and supported with timely materials.
Support and motivate committee members in their roles as campaign ambassadors and fundraisers.
Provide tools, training, and ongoing communication to ensure volunteers are engaged and successful.
Support recruitment, orientation, and logistics for campaign volunteers.
Provide guidance on solicitation strategies and effective ambassador roles for campaign committee members.
Collaborate with leadership and campaign committee members to identify and qualify new capital campaign prospects.
Develop and implement strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective donors throughout the campaign.
Manage a portfolio of up to 75 prospective capital campaign donors, guiding them through the capital giving process.
Partner with the leadership team on donor recognition opportunities and campaign‑related stewardship events.
Track and implement donor acknowledgment, stewardship, and public recognition.
Campaign Communications – 10%
Develop and oversee production of campaign communications assets (case materials, proposals, digital/print collateral).
Partner with communications/marketing team to integrate campaign milestones into broader public relations and media efforts.
Create donor briefings, profiles, and talking points for leadership, board, and volunteers as needed.
Support the development and maintenance of a campaign prospect management system.
Partner with Major Gifts & IG team and executive leadership to track movement through the donor cycle.
Ensure that accurate data related to prospects and donors is recorded and tracked in donor databases.
Generate campaign‑related reports as needed.
Events & Donor Engagement – 10%
Plan and manage cultivation and recognition events tied to campaign milestones working in conjunction with Foundation Events Manager and Marketing team.
Ensure events align with overall donor engagement and stewardship strategies.
Other – 5%
Participate through active involvement in team and all staff meetings, events, and training.
Provide on‑site support for events and programs as needed by the Foundation, typically occurring on the weekends or in the evenings.
Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on changing needs and the employee’s interests, aptitude, and experience.
Requirements Minimum Skills & Experience Required
5+ years of progressive experience in fundraising or major gift development, preferably with large‑scale capital campaign experience.
3+ years of experience in project or campaign management or leading complex division‑wide initiatives with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Strong organizational, project management, and time‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to craft compelling donor communications and reports.
Experience working with volunteer leaders, board members, or campaign committees.
Proficiency with fundraising or sales CRMs, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace.
Demonstrated ability to analyze data and generate actionable reports.
Ability to travel and flexibility for occasional evening/weekend work tied to campaign activities.
Demonstrated experience handling confidential and sensitive information.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including interacting appropriately with donors and the general public via email, phone, and in person.
Valid driver’s license with safe driving record and at least one year of driving experience for off‑site meetings.
Background checks required.
Preferred Skills & Experience
Experience in zoo, cultural institution, or conservation/nonprofit sector.
Familiarity with Minnesota’s philanthropic community.
Strong understanding of campaign best practices, fundraising trends, and ethics.
Strategic thinker with ability to execute detailed plans.
Relationship builder who thrives in a collaborative, team‑oriented environment.
Self‑motivated, proactive, and adaptable in a fast‑paced, evolving campaign environment.
Commitment to the mission and values of the Minnesota Zoo and the Minnesota Zoo Foundation.
Education
Required: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, communications, or a related field.
Preferred: Professional certifications, coursework, or related professional experience.
Physical, Travel, Additional Requirements
Must be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
May need to work occasional weekends and evenings dependent on Foundation events.
Require computer and phone use; frequent data entry and general computer work.
Ability to navigate the Zoo premises and accompany donors and prospects on tours in variable weather conditions.
May lift up to 40 pounds occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently.
Moderate noise level in an office setting.
Time spent on computer: 75%; virtual or in‑person meetings: 20%.
Occasional driving in personal vehicle may be required.
This is a hybrid work position, onsite at the Minnesota Zoo or Foundation offices 3+ days per week.
The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate during any phase of employment for qualified applicants.
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