Director of Advancement at Botanical Garden of the Piedmont

Jill TrischmanMarks

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Botanical Garden of the Piedmont (BGP) in McIntire Park, is a 15-acre, growing community resource located near the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia. Our goal is to add to the overall quality of life for residents of Charlottesville and the surrounding communities, attract tourism and support the local economy.

We are seeking an experienced, collaborative and self-motivated fundraising and marketing professional to serve as the Director of Advancement (DoA). This is a full-time opportunity to help lead the development of a public garden as it progresses through design and build out. The successful candidate will oversee and manage both the Philanthropic and Marketing efforts for the Garden.

The DoA must have excellent non-profit development and marketing skills along with an in-depth knowledge of the BGP organization. The DoA will report to the Executive Director (ED), and will work in collaboration with the ED, but will be the lead team member responsible for Philanthropy and Marketing. Confidentiality is essential to this position.

The DoA will be responsible for developing and managing vital revenue streams which will allow the Garden to maximize its impact in the community. He/she will be responsible for the Garden’s Capital Campaign, and the annual giving program, oversee related program staff, as well as driving all development related events and communication and marketing initiatives. In coordination with the ED and BGP’s Treasurer, the DoA will help develop and maintain budgets for both program areas. The DoA will set priorities and expectations; maintain comprehensive metrics to track areas of success and will report regularly to the ED and the Board of Directors, and relevant volunteer Committees.

Qualifications/Skills

• Proven track record of driving successful fundraising campaigns
• Keen understanding of basic fundraising principles and best practices in the areas of communications, and development.
• Strong prospect identification and qualification skills
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
• Proficiency in donor database software

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Certification for Fundraising
• Minimum five or more years of fundraising or non-profit experience

Philanthropy

The DoA will be the lead team member responsible for all philanthropic revenue streams, including the capital campaign, an annual giving program, a grants program, sponsorships and development related events. The DoA will:

• Plan, manage and execute the Capital Campaign for the Garden.
• Work with Capital Campaign Committee (CCC) Chairs to plan meetings and implement strategies.
• Work collaboratively with the CCC to develop a portfolio of potential donors by identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding prospects and existing donors.
• Prepare and provide as needed, all written materials for presentation and meetings with potential donors
• Supervise the Annual Fund Manager who will plan and execute the BGP Annual Fund with goals to support of the operating budget.
• Oversee annual campaign, connect with Development volunteer leadership and oversee staff for fall and spring appeals.
• Develop strategy for donations, sponsorships and partnerships to the Garden from corporations.
• Develop strategy and manage relationships with current and potential donors.
• Research and develop appropriate fundraising programs and events.
• Oversee establishment of a new membership program in 2024 (review timing and ability to manage), and build on it as the Garden progresses.
• Oversee merchandise (electronic) program.
• Design and execute events: cultivation, celebration, stewardship, fundraising, etc., and oversee all aspects and details.
• In collaboration with ED, oversee the grant subcommittee, which identifies, researches and writes grants to secure funding to help further BGP’s mission.
• Oversee policies, procedures and maintenance of donor records, the prospect management process and essential management reports through eTapestry such as donor data, prospect contacts, solicitations, and proposals.
• Oversee the gift acknowledgement process with Administrative Assistant.

Marketing

The DoA will be the lead team member responsible for Marketing the organization in collaboration with the Marketing Committee, ED and graphic designer.

• Oversee development and execution of the marketing strategic plan, and schedule with Marketing team and graphic design consultant.
• Oversee development and execution of all aspects of marketing for events.
• Develop and produce the Annual Report.
• Oversee content and updates to all marketing vehicles, including BGP website, social media channels, newsletter, and all marketing collateral materials.
• Work with BGP’s Administrative Assistant to use metrics to guide the development of BGP website as well as social media presence into a community engagement and information resource.
• Manage BGP PR with area media, including drafting press releases, scheduling interviews and arranging coverage of BGP events with assistance of marketing team.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience. BGP offers a competitive package including salary, benefits and vacation.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Jill Trischman-Marks at info@piedmontgarden.org

Botanical Garden of the Piedmont brings people of all ages and backgrounds together as a community to celebrate and nurture our native flora and fauna. The organization embraces inclusion by inviting everyone to participate in the Garden whether they be visitors, supporters, volunteers, or staff, to further our goal of being a place that promotes human and environmental well-being. In nature and in society, diversity matters—we welcome and celebrate it! For more information, visit https://piedmontgarden.org

Botanical Garden of the Piedmont is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and community that is free of all forms of discrimination.