A process is disclosed for preparing a zinc-containing molecular sieve having IFR framework topology and having zinc atoms in its crystal framework, said process comprising: (a) preparing an aqueous mixture containing sources of silicon oxide, zinc oxide, an alkali metal, and an N-benzyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane cation having an anionic counterion which is not detrimental to the formation of the molecular sieve; and (b) maintaining the aqueous mixture under conditions sufficient to form crystals of the molecular sieve.