Grant Writer

Zoological Society of Milwaukee

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee's mission is to conserve wildlife and endangered species, educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment, and support the Milwaukee County Zoo. The Society was established in 1910 as an informal group of community leaders who bought animals and raised funds for the Zoo. Today it is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with 55 full-time and 45 part-time employees who manage daily operations and programs. In the 2016 fiscal year, the Society raised $7.9 million in cash and in-kind support for the Milwaukee County Zoo plus $256,000 in direct project costs.

Together, the Zoo and Society serve more than 1.3 million Zoo visitors a year. The Society and Zoo work together to attract both a strong family base as well as a diverse audience through free days, targeted school programs, special events and other efforts. Thanks to the vision of community leaders and the generosity of many friends, the Society has invested millions in capital improvements to the Zoo in partnership with Milwaukee County. The Society runs an Education Department that serves about 300,000 children and adults a year through school and Scout programs, fee-based classes and camps, and Kohl's Wild Theater, the largest zoo-based theater program in the country. The Society also operates the Bonobo & Congo Biodiversity Initiative, working to protect the bonobo, an endangered species of great ape, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

https://www.zoosociety.org/

Position Details

Grant Writer
Job
Full-time
Office/WFH
100% remote
8/18/2025
Southeast Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee (the Society) is seeking a Grant Writer to join a fun and talented team of professionals in supporting one of the most cherished community assets – the Milwaukee County Zoo. This role researches, prepares and submits proposals, grant applications and reports for both private and public funding in support of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee’s mission, including development department’s needs and priorities. The Grant Writer also executes the Society’s grant process including coordinating with the grants manager, development team, and finance on budgeting and financial reports, managing grant documents, tracking results, and stewarding grantors. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Write, review and submit proposals, presentations, informational materials, gift agreements, annual reports, financial expenditure reports and other materials for securing gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations, in accordance with funding guidelines, parameters and procedures.  
  • Enhance grant funding by researching new sources of revenue and identifying sustainable grant programs.
  • Assist with developing new initiatives, impact measures and funding success with Society and Zoo team.
  • In coordination with the grants manager, manage grant workflows and optimize grant administration by maintaining an accurate tracking system to ensure submissions within grant, renewal and report deadlines.
  • Develop cultivation and stewardship strategy with funding contacts and program officers for new and existing corporate, foundation and government grant-funding opportunities to support Society and Zoo needs.
  • Support the development department by maintaining strong and engaged relationships with prospects and donors with well-written communications, personal visits, and other meaningful contacts.
  • Work closely with the Society and Zoo to determine and prepare program overviews, other related materials, and budgets that may include confidential information.
  • Execute thank you letters to ensure proper acknowledgement of funders and where appropriate, confirm appropriate donor recognition.
  • Maintain all records required for monitoring, evaluation and auditing of federal and state programs as needed, collaborating with CFO and Finance team.
  • Prioritize and manage multiple projects in a timely and effective manner within deadlines.
  • In coordination with the grants manager, track, maintain and manage monthly grant expenses and budgets effectively to ensure compliance with revenue and expense goals and grant contracts.
  • Work collaboratively across the Society and Zoo in the execution of the goals and objectives of the development department.
  • Participate in regularly scheduled inter-departmental prospect meetings and prepare information for presentation during meetings, as needed.
  • Participate in the cultivation (including tours) of potential funders as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree and minimum five years of experience with research and writing successful grant proposals.
  • Ability to complete multiple projects simultaneously and accurately in a fast-paced, challenging environment under tight deadlines as part of a high-performance, interdisciplinary team.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Experience interacting with donors and grant and fundraising activities in a non-profit environment preferred.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong grammar and editing skills and ability to convey complex ideas in a clear manner to diverse audiences.
  • Strong research skills with ability to apply various techniques for researching fundraising prospects.
  • Strong computer skills including knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Smartsheet.
  • Experience with a donor software program preferred.
  • Ability to effectively work under demand and handle deadline pressure. 
  • Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
  • Experience with budget development and monitoring.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

This is a full-time position eligible for a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, complimentary dental, vision, life, STD and LTD coverage, 401k with up to a 5% match, PTO, paid holidays, and a complimentary zoo pass, up to the family level.


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