Development Manager

Position Summary

The Development Manager plays a key role in advancing the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s mission by strengthening relationships with individual donors and corporate partners through thoughtful stewardship, engagement, and program management.

This full-time position is responsible for managing corporate sponsorship fulfillment and engagement while also leading donor club strategy and mid-level donor development, including the Andrew Erkenbrecher Society. The role ensures that corporate partners and donors experience meaningful, mission-driven engagement that fosters long-term support and growth.

Working closely with the Director of Corporate Relations and the Director of Development & Donor Stewardship, this position supports the Zoo’s annual and campaign fundraising goals through strong relationship management, program execution, and strategic donor engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Development Strategy & Donor Program Management

• Partner with the Director of Development & Donor Stewardship to develop and implement strategies that grow annual giving, donor retention, and campaign-related support.
• Serve as the primary staff lead for the Andrew Erkenbrecher Society (AES), overseeing communications, engagement, events, stewardship, and overall program performance.
• Lead the strategic evolution of donor clubs, including managing the transition and sunsetting of the Keeper Circle program and implementing enhancements to strengthen and modernize AES.
• Develop and execute strategies to grow AES membership and revenue by at least 10% annually through acquisition, retention, and donor upgrades.
• Manage and grow mid-level giving and donor participation programs—including donor clubs, campaign initiatives, and targeted fundraising efforts such as the Zoo’s brick paver program—to increase engagement, participation, and revenue.
• Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, cultivating relationships through personalized outreach, engagement opportunities, and targeted stewardship, and identify high-potential donors for advancement to Leadership or Major Giving.
• Collaborate with the Donor Relations Manager and Director of Development & Donor Stewardship to leverage data and Blackbaud Analytics to identify, target, and acquire new Andrew Erkenbrecher Society (AES) members.
• Track and analyze donor engagement, giving trends, and program performance, using data to inform strategy, improve retention, and guide future growth.

Corporate Partnerships Engagement & Administration

• Manage the scheduling, tracking, and fulfillment of all corporate sponsorship benefits throughout the year.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for corporate partners regarding benefit utilization and engagement opportunities.
• Proactively communicate with sponsors to ensure awareness and full utilization of available benefits.
• Actively support corporate sponsor revenue goals for all key Zoo fundraising events including Zootanical, Zoofari, Zoo La La, Toast to the Wild, Cheetah Run, Hops & Holly and others as assigned.
• Manage an assigned portfolio of existing sponsor relationships at the $10,000 (annually) level and below. Responsible for all aspects of sponsor relationship including stewardship, communications, billing and renewal.
• Also responsible for achieving annual targets for new sponsor generation as assigned.
• Coordinate sponsor experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours, onsite activations, VIP visits, ticket distribution, and recognition opportunities.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of sponsorship agreements, benefits, and fulfillment timelines.
• Manage invoicing for all corporate sponsors, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in coordination with internal teams.
• Assist in preparing sponsor engagement summaries, reports, and renewal materials.
• Identify and implement opportunities to enhance sponsor engagement through thoughtful, relationship-focused touches and “surprise and delight” moments.

Ideal Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, business, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit development, donor relations, sponsorship management, or a related field.
• Experience managing donor programs, membership groups, or mid-level donor portfolios preferred.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge), ticketing platforms (e.g., Galaxy), and Microsoft Office applications.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong alignment with the Zoo’s mission to Create Adventure, Convey Knowledge, Conserve Nature, and Serve the Community.
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional donor and sponsor stewardship.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional demeanor with a strong customer-service mindset.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and inform strategy.
• Creativity and initiative in enhancing engagement and donor experiences.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across departments.

Working Conditions: Employment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug & nicotine screen, background check. While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, lift, carry, and utilize manual dexterity to use computer mouse and keyboard and other office/studio equipment. Incumbent may be exposed to outside weather conditions and must be able to lift/move/carry up to 25 pounds without assistance. Requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend hours, as needed in support of Zoo activities; Requires a valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.

Key Position Details & Benefits: This position is full-time, salaried-exempt, and eligible for the Zoo's benefit programs for non-union employees at the first of the month following date of hire. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee “Total-Well-Being,” including affordable medical dental & vision coverage; 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; company-paid disability & life insurance; generous paid time off (PTO), park discounts and free passes.

To Apply: Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application.