Job Posting Board

The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Major Gifts Officer to help advance our mission through philanthropic partnerships. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, this role is responsible for securing major gifts of $10,000+ from individual donors to support the Zoo’s long-term sustainability, capital priorities, and special initiatives.

The Major Gifts Officer manages a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, developing customized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies. This includes conducting donor research, leading in-person and virtual donor visits, partnering with senior leadership on solicitations, and ensuring exceptional stewardship experiences that deepen donor engagement. The role also plays a key part in the planning and execution of capital campaigns, including coordinating campaign committees, tracking progress, and collaborating with marketing and communications on campaign materials.

In addition, the Major Gifts Officer oversees the Zoo’s planned giving program (Phoenix Society), cultivating legacy gift prospects and supporting planned giving stewardship efforts. Strong relationship-building, communication, and organizational skills are essential, along with experience managing donor databases and maintaining accurate records.

This full-time position is ideal for an experienced fundraising professional who enjoys building meaningful donor relationships and thrives in a collaborative, community-focused environment.

Pay Range: $38.50/hr

Are you a natural leader who loves working with people and believes in the power of volunteerism to support conservation and education? The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking a Volunteer Supervisor to recruit, train, support, and inspire a dynamic team of volunteers who help create exceptional guest experiences every day.

Under the direction of the Director of Education, this full-time role oversees all aspects of the Zoo’s volunteer program—from community outreach and recruitment to scheduling, training, recognition, and program evaluation. You’ll collaborate closely with Zoo departments, manage volunteers on-site and at large events, develop volunteer leaders, and ensure volunteers feel informed, valued, and connected to our mission. This role also serves as a key liaison between volunteers, staff, and the community.

The ideal candidate brings experience in volunteer or personnel management, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to motivate and lead diverse groups. Comfort speaking to large audiences, managing multiple priorities, and working both indoors and outdoors is essential. Experience with volunteer management platforms (such as Volgistics) is preferred.

Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Compensation: $27.98–$29.33/hour
Status: Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Join a supportive team in a beautiful setting and play a meaningful role in advancing wildlife conservation, education, and community engagement.

Applicants must also complete the Zoo’s Official Employment Application to be considered.