Development Operations Specialist

Position Title: Development Operations Specialist

Department: Development

Reports To: Development Operations and Database Manager

Location: Hybrid Central (Audubon Zoo)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date Revised: 2/18/2024

Position Type: FullTime

Who We Are

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park Audubon Zoo Audubon Aquarium Audubon Insectarium Audubon Louisiana Nature Center FreeportMcMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park

At Audubon Nature Institute we are more than a collection of parks museums and conservation centerswe are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate protect and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible realworld outcomes into all our initiatives fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack we constantly seek smarter innovative solutions challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What Youll Do

The Development Operations Specialist works in conjunction with the Development Operations and Database Manager to provide strategic operational support to the Development Department. The Development Operations Specialist ensures the departments success by providing fundraising support including managing office operations maintaining accurate financial records and donor correspondence and providing project assistance as needed. The position requires meticulous attention to detail superior organizational skills and exceptional prioritization and time management skills.

Day to Day Responsibilities

Serve as the Development Departments liaison to guests who contact the departments main telephone line and Responsible for responding to inquiries in a friendly prompt and professional manner and routing calls/emails appropriately.

Work closely with Data Entry Specialist to accurately and efficiently process donations for Development and Development Events departments including preparing donation record forms and deposits entering gifts into Raisers Edge and processing event ticket orders in Accesso.

Lead the acknowledgement of all Development and Development Events contributions by utilizing Raisers Edge to generate acknowledgement letters Honor/Memorial cards pledge reminders and cumulative receipts. Work collaboratively with Development officers to create personalized donor correspondence as needed.

Maintain accurate Raisers Edge donor records by entering notes and actions updating biographical information and performing regular data audits.

Identify new procedures and build on established procedures that promote data integrity.

Oversee and implement the Development Departments file retention procedures including filing donation records routinely uploading digital documentation to the Departments shared drive and Raisers Edge and completing document destruction as needed.

Manage departmental purchase orders check requests journal entries and other accounting documentation in alignment with Audubons procurement policies.

Work collaboratively with Development officers as needed including proposal preparation donor tour preparation and new employee onboarding.

Lead the review and update of all internal and external Development policies to ensure the departments procedures are current and readily available for implementation. .

Work closely with the Development Events department for benefit fulfillment of event ticket orders including mass sponsor/patron mailings oneoff ticket requests and Will Calls.

Provide strategic and handson support for Audubon fundraising and stewardship events including Scales & Ales exhibit openings press conferences donor appreciation events and ZooToDo events.

Additional/Overall Skills:

Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

Thrive in a team environment using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth of creative projects that resonate with our audience.

Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubons mission.

Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What Were Looking For

Must Haves:

Bachelors degree or equivalent

Valid stateissued drivers license

Strong verbal and interpersonal skills (a people person)

Computer literacy

NicetoHaves:

Experience in a professional office environment

Experience with Raisers Edge or similar database management system

Experience working with sensitive information and ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Knowledge of basic accounting principles related to gift recording

Proficient in use of Microsoft Windows products

Proficient in use of Adobe Acrobat

Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising

Physical Requirements:

Ability to sit for extended periods at a desk or workstation (up to 8 hours).

Minimal standing and walking required.

Occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 10 pounds.

Frequent use of hands to type handle papers or operate a computer and office equipment.

Reaching for office supplies bending to retrieve documents from lower storage areas.

Ability to move around the office attend meetings and interact with colleagues.

May involve repetitive motions.

Ability to hear and communicate clearly in person and over the phone.

Clear and concise vision (with or without correction) for closeup work.

Reliable internet connection for remote work opportunities.

Flexibility to work after hours and weekends as needed.

Ability to drive a golf cart.

Primarily indoors with occasional exposure to other work environments.

Minimal exposure to noise vibration or other environmental hazards.