Reid Park Zoo seeks a part time experienced office associate for the role of Development Associate.   With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo cares for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world, maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is a leader in the Monarch and Songbird Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs. With more than 600,000 visits annually, the Zoo is in the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbons, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

Reid Park Zoo’s mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo continues to support local and global conservation and the highest standards in animal care while providing educational opportunities and family fun. 

No phone calls or visits please.  This position is open until filled.  We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

Pay Range: $17.65 to $20.74 per hour/DOE

Benefits: This position is not eligible for health and welfare, vacation or holiday pay. Benefits of this position include paid sick time; retirement plan; zoo membership; employee assistance program, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases

The Development Associate is responsible for providing office support for the Development Department including sub-departments of Membership and Events.  

Reports to:  Chief Development Officer

General Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate and model the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provide excellent internal and external customer service as a component of all job duties
• Follows Zoo safety protocols, procedures, and safety drills

Office Support

• Provides excellent customer service to office visitors, guests, donors, volunteers, board members, employees, and vendors
• Responsible for general office filing, organizing office supplies, documents, auction items, storage, etc.
• Responsible for daily mail functions, e.g., scanning, folding, stamping, and mailing documents
• Assist with recording donor interactions for the department
• Assist with phone calls, takes messages, and provides general information
• Copies and/or duplicates materials as requested
• Other office duties as assigned such as shredding, running errands, placing orders, etc.

Development & Special Events

• Assist with mailings
• Assist with follow-up calls and emails to vendors and auction donations
• Assist with submitting online requests for auction donations
• Assist with research for solicitations of restaurants, auction donors, etc.
• Assist at events with set-up, tear-down, check-in, other duties
• Assist with phone calls, takes messages, provides general information
• Processing ticket donation requests from online form, mail and email
• Handle monthly notecard mailings for recent donations.
• Other duties as assigned such as running errands, placing orders, etc.

Minimum qualifications and skills

• Two years of administrative experience in an office environment
• High School diploma or equivalent
• A valid, current, unrestricted driver license
• Successfully complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Comply with periodic random drug testing if selected
• Participates in emergency drills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to complete multiple projects, meet deadlines and produce accurate work product
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, ensuring warm, positive, constructive relationships, at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, donors, board members, volunteers, vendors and the public
• Deliver an exceptional, high-touch customer experience for all external partners (guests, donors, volunteers, vendors) and internal colleagues (employees, board members), treating every interaction with warmth, empathy, and professionalism
• Professional demeanor with ability to problem-solve, exercise sound judgment and adhere to strict confidentiality
• Politely assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast paced, public/guest attraction focused environment
• Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
• Regular physical attendance at work
• Reliable and able to consistently meet the work schedule

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends

• Strong computer skills with proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Google Workspace, multi-line phone systems, phone etiquette, copiers, printers, postage machines, and other general office equipment

• Provides development staff with weekly meeting agendas, attends weekly development meetings and provides meeting notes as requested  

Preferred qualifications and skills

• Additional years of relevant experience
• Degree in business administration or relevant field
• Knowledge & experience of Blackbaud products or Altru software
• Bilingual (any language, including ASL)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to bend, lift and carry up to 20 lbs occasionally
• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to stand and walk frequently
• Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions during outdoor events and times traversing the zoo is required

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required. 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Dept.