Donor Relations Manager

A Day in the Life:

$3.1M of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s $8.2M in annual revenue comes from donations and memberships from nearly 6,000 individuals, families, and foundations. After doubling its membership in the past 4 years, the Garden is continuing to expand its fundraising efforts. Overseen by the Development Director and reporting to the Sr. Donor Relations Manager, this donor-focused, full-time (40 hours) exempt position is at the center of securing funds for our essential conservation mission. The Garden is ready to make a significant investment in training the right candidate.

The Team:

We love native plants and more importantly, we love talking about plants to encourage and cultivate support for our mission! We are fortunate to have a diverse development team including folks just starting out and experienced development professionals. All of us understand that our interactions and relationships with our guests, members, and constituents build our support base – we create native plant enthusiasts and consequently, future donors! You will join an amazing team.

What You’ll Do:

• Identify, cultivate, and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects to raise major gifts on behalf of the Garden; prioritize prospects, document all contacts, determine targeted results, and track and document progress
• Portfolio will include donors and foundations with an interest in conservation
• Work to expand our funding base; develop and implement strategies to attract new funders; research prospective corporate, private foundations, and individual donors
• Execute cultivation events such as Pritzlaff Conservation Center behind the scenes tours and membership gatherings
• Track memberships, donations, and other Garden activities looking for new prospects, interesting connections, noteworthy actions and share this information with the team
• Assist in development events; Senior Free Day, donor dinner events, Beer Garden, Conservation Symposium, Blaksley Bliss Brunch, etc., obtain sponsorships, plan calendars, communicate participation with sponsors.
• Monitor and maintain up to date information on Charity Navigator and Candid (GuideStar).
• Lead and assist with fundraising - compile information for grant applications, attend donor meetings and tours, call/return calls from local funders, and encourage donations
• Schedule appointments and meetings; answer phone and email inquiries about donations
• Identify and create processes to support the Garden’s Donor Relationship management
• Embody the Garden’s core value of gratitude leading donor appreciation

You Must Be Able To:

• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
• Multi-task and manage time in a fast-paced environment
• Work independently and as part of a team to further the mission of the organization
• Drive an electric cart on Garden grounds and occasionally drive to offsite locations
• Lift and carry 20 lbs., bending, squatting and walking stairs and the SBBG trails;
• Stand/walk for up to 2 hours at a time, and using a computer or phone for lengthy periods;
• Work evenings and weekends, as needed

You Will Definitely Need:

• Passion for the environment and California native plants
• 3+ years in sales or nonprofit Donor Relations (or equivalent)
• Experience working with Raiser’s Edge or similar constituent database programs
• Extremely strong written and verbal communication skills
• Skill with Microsoft Office suite of products

It Would Be Nice If You Had:

• Commitment to personal and professional growth
• Career interest in fund development
• A fearless approach to trying new ways of doing things
• A goal-driven approach to the job
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge NXT or willingness to learn
• Bilingual skills

More About Us:

The Garden is a beautiful place to work! And in this role, you are often outdoors. In addition to beautiful views, outdoor work environments also include exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure.

Disclaimer:

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.