Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Identifies, cultivates, and solicits corporate and foundation donors in coordination with Corporate Giving Manager and Foundation Relations Manager.
- Researches foundations, corporations, and other sources to identify new funding opportunities and evaluate degree of match to Garden priorities.
- Performs grant writing personally, as well as, coordinates with contracted grant writers and/or division staff performing grant writing.
- Oversees Corporate Partner, sponsorship, and grant administration and management through use of Tessitura to ensure all guidelines are followed and benefits are received.
- Maintains tracking system and proposal schedule to ensure sponsorship, grant, and reporting deadlines are met. Keeps other Division staff informed of upcoming deadlines and deliverables, thereby ensuring smooth completion of work responsibilities.
- Prepares financial or budget plans and allocation with input and participation from other Divisions. Works in coordination with the Finance department to assure that grant proposals meet the operational and financial needs of the Garden.
- Provides detailed reports and responds to evaluation requests of funders and the board of directors with respect to grant progress. Works in coordination with Donor Communications team to provide sponsorship event summary reports to demonstrate impact.
- Works in cooperation with Institutional Advancement operations staff to ensure accurate gift entry and record maintenance of all corporate and foundation records (active and archive), including the reconciliation of non-Development generated grants are initially received and recorded through the Controller’s Office.
- Assists with list generation, review, and edits for the Annual Report.
- Meets expected attendance guidelines.
- Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines, and Department Policies.
- Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors, and others.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies:
Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues’ concerns.
Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
Stewardship – Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of two (2) years experience in the resource development field with an emphasis on corporate and foundation relations, volunteer board relations, grant writing, and grant administration.
- Experience in cultural, academic, or conservation science-based institution or related organization.
- Excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Proven ability to engage and interact with a wide variety of people and provide strong customer service.
- Proven track record of taking initiative and ownership of projects through successful completion required.
- Must be able to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
- Willingness to work as part of a team required; proven ability to work collaboratively with internal team members for the purposes of achieving goals and objectives.
- Adheres to all health and safety policies/procedures.
- The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
- The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
- Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications or a related field required.
- An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.
- Intermediate to advanced skill level using Microsoft Office Word and Excel programs required; strong working knowledge of Outlook features and PowerPoint and Adobe required and SharerPoint or other group working environment knowledge preferred.
- Proficient experience using database software programs (i.e., Tessitura).
Language Skills:
- Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).
- Proficient college math skills; requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc.
- Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques, effective sales strategies, and problem resolution.
Physical Demands:
- Requires ability to make frequent telephone calls and routine in-person visits to the organization’s current and future corporate donors and prospects.
- Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the work day
- Must be able to lift and carry 20 pounds when transporting supplies and assisting constituents; occasional hands-on participation with event set-ups required.
- May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., step stool ladders, etc.).
- Ability to move up and down stairwells (multiple MBG buildings have stairs); walk about facility frequently throughout work day; frequent standing, reaching and stooping - 25% or more of the workday may be spent standing on feet.
- Ability to drive (use of surrey to conduct constituent tours and meetings).
- Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors.
- Quiet indoor office setting; office environment with multiple staff within the department, operate standard office equipment to include computer, copier, fax machines, and other equipment.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., humid conditions, temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
- Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering general questions regarding the questions regarding horticulture collection, Garden’s operations, events, facilities, etc.
- Other Institutional Advancement Division staff as well as cross-divisional staff.
- High profile donors to the Garden.
- Garden volunteers and vendors.
- Colleagues in other non-profit organizations.
- Manager, Corporate Relations