Capital Campaign Assistant

Description

Position Summary:

The Capital Campaign Assistant for The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens handles a variety of tasks related to the Pride of the Desert Capital Campaign and direct support for the team of Major Gift Officers and the Senior Manager of Development in their roles as they work to fund the Campaign. These duties include administrative support for gift solicitation, drafting proposals, supporting stewardship activities and events, assisting with donor list management, and preparing materials such as invitations, solicitations, and marketing materials. The Capital Campaign Assistant is also responsible for researching, organizing, and managing donor data to optimize the pool of prospective major donors for the Capital Campaign Team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supports the Chief Development Officer, Senior Manager, Development, and Major Gift Officers by researching, analyzing, and maintaining accurate information on current and prospective donors, including philanthropic interests, giving capacity, and other key indicators of engagement.
• Proactively identifies new high-net-worth prospects, maps connections among current donors and potential partners, and monitors digital news sources to surface timely updates that inform relationship-building and cultivation opportunities.
• Conducts prospect research using DonorSearch AI to identify a minimum of 10 new prospects per week with an estimated giving capacity of $100,000 or more and flags them for assignment to Major Gift Officers.
• Maintains and respects the confidentiality of donor relationships and information while recognizing the Donor Bill of Rights.
• Updates donor database(s) with address changes, name changes, etc. 
• Prepares donor thank you letters for all gifts, including drafting and sending the letters, then scanning and filing them to ensure accurate records and timely stewardship.
• Assists with cultivation and stewardship activities by coordinating birthday cards, updating obituary findings and other tasks as identified.
• Pulls mailing lists as asked, including segmenting of constituents to support targeted marketing mailings and eblasts.
• Fields phone calls, emails, and greets walk-in visitors when the team is busy or in meetings.
• Prepares, stocks, and distributes cultivation materials/packets. Works with the CDO and Senior Manager, Development, to update the content in the brochures, as needed, and works with Marketing to print and reprint necessary stock.
• Coordinates reservations and scheduling for onsite tour vehicles and lunches, ensuring vehicles are clean, in good repair, and ready for immediate use by staff.
• Responds to donor queries that come in via email or phone.
• Assists with stewardship activities and events, providing administrative support as needed, including, but not limited to, the RSVP process, check-in sheets, and name badges.
• Provides hands-on support for donor cultivation and stewardship events, including setup, on-site operations, and teardown to ensure seamless execution and a positive guest experience.
• Prepares purchase orders and processes invoices to support campaign and departmental financial needs, ensuring accuracy and timely payment.
• Performs light office duties such as mailings, shipping, printing projects, and other administrative tasks to support daily campaign and departmental operations.
• Serves as a backup for Gift Processing in the event that staff is out of the office.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to show the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. 

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or four years of related administrative experience; fundraising experience a plus. Equivalent experience may substitute for part or all of the education requirement.
• Strong ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic, team environment with regularly shifting priorities while maintaining composure, positivity, and a pleasant demeanor. Proven ability to work effectively and proactively with colleagues, volunteers, and donors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to compose, edit, and proofread correspondence and reports clearly and persuasively.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards; able to perform duties independently with sound judgment.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with keen attention to detail; able to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and CRM fundraising software, including prospect research and wealth screening tools. DonorPerfect and DonorSearch preferred.
• Familiarity with fund development principles and donor relations best practices.
• Commitment to the mission of The Living Desert—desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation—and to modeling sustainable practices that reduce waste, water, and energy use while inspiring others to take conservation action.

Working Conditions:

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Working in an office environment – no unusual exposures; working outdoors in extreme heat or moderate cold for periods of time; occasional work off-grounds in the community.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Occasional standing, walking, bending, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions.  

DISCOMFORT/RISKS: Occasional exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and dust/airborne materials.

HOLIDAY/EVENING WORK: Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work.

TRAVEL: Some travel may be necessary to attend local events within the Coachella Valley, as well as occasionally outside of the Coachella Valley. e.g., to assist with cultivation receptions. 

OTHER: Must hold a valid California driver’s license and be insurable on The Living Desert’s automobile policy.