Houston Arboretum & Nature Center seeks Development Director

About the Arboretum
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide education about the natural environment to people of all ages, and to protect and enhance the Arboretum as a haven and sanctuary for native plants and animals. Located on the western edge of Memorial Park, this 155-acre urban nature sanctuary encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the natural world. One of the first nature education facilities for children in the state of Texas, the Arboretum proudly welcomes over 10,000 school children and 600,000 visitors annually.

Reports To: Executive Director
Employment Status: Full-time

Position Summary
The Arboretum’s Development Director will lead, plan, and manage the day-to-day operations of the
organization’s development department and major gift support for the organization’s fundraising priorities. The ideal candidate has extensive fundraising skills and experience in creating and leading fundraising strategies, campaigns and initiatives at all donor levels. The candidate should have established relationships and demonstrated an ability to build new relationships while securing individual, foundation, and corporate gifts. The Development Director works closely with the Arboretum’s education and conservation staff, as well as its Board of Directors, to identify, solicit, and steward gifts in support of the organization’s mission and strategic goals. The Development Director also supervises a small team consisting of membership, special events, and marketing functions.

Development Director, Specific Responsibilities:

• As a member of the senior leadership team, the Development Director will work closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors to identify and build relationships with a network of potential major funders including individuals, foundations, corporations and government entities. Additionally, will work with Chair(s) of the Board’s Development and Marketing Committee to coordinate scheduling of regular meetings and provide updated information as requested.
• Responsible for the Arboretum’s grant program including closely monitoring grant deadlines, submitting proposals and reports in line with funder timelines and managing relationships with all grant program administrators. Excellent written skills are a must.
• Oversee and work with the Arboretum’s marketing and membership staff to support continued
  stakeholder involvement, increased visitor satisfaction, audience diversity and membership growth.
• Keep up-to-date, accurate records in an electronic database and work closely with Senior Accounting Manager and Administrative Manager to ensure that all donations are accurately entered into the accounting system and fundraising database.
• Ensure that all donor outreach and follow-up is conducted in a timely and efficient manner.
• Develop and implement all long- and short-range strategic development plans to diversify the
  organization’s funding base and support its mission, long-term goals, fiscal health and potential
  expansions.
• Work collaboratively with staff members to increase knowledge and appreciation of the Arboretum.
• Prepare an annual development plan corresponding with budget that outlines revenue and expenses; monitor progress against goals and produce monthly reports to be shared with the Executive Committee.
• Oversee fundraising events including the annual Alfresco Gala, supervising Special Events Manager and engaging with event chairs and vendors as necessary.
• Responsible for the Arboretum’s Annual Fund campaign.
• Manage tribute giving programs, working with other team members as necessary to ensure donor’s
  wishes are fulfilled.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree or professional certification in a related field is desired.
• 7 or more years of experience working in a fundraising capacity, preferably but not necessarily in a
  nonprofit with an environmental and/or education orientation.
• Two or more years of supervisory or managerial experience preferred.
• Strong familiarity and experience with a broad spectrum of giving strategies and campaigns including planned and tribute giving, grant writing, annual campaigns, capital campaigns, direct mail solicitations and individual donor cultivation.
  Personal Attributes:
• A passion for the mission of the Arboretum.
• Ability to lead, in thought and actions, across the stakeholder spectrum and cultivate relationships with individuals, foundations, corporate donors and government.
• Outstanding verbal and written communications skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to be collaborative with others within the Arboretum.
• Must be able to take responsibility for projects, meet frequent deadlines and set priorities with
  minimum supervision.
• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends as needed for fundraising and stewardship events.
  Compensation:
• Salary commensurate with experience: $95,000 – $110,000
• Healthcare premium 100% paid for employee
• 401(k) and company match
• HSA/FSA options
• Generous paid time off
  How to Apply
• Please send resume and cover letter to Debbie Markey, Executive Director, at
  dmarkey@houstonarboretum.org