Job Listings

Annual Fund Manager

Cleveland Botanical Garden / Posted March 05, 2025

Opportunity:

The Development department at Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) seeks an Annual Fund Manager. The Annual Fund Manager provides strategic direction to all areas including direct mail, email, social media, and personal cultivation of our donor-member base and mid-level donors. We are looking for a team member who brings a proactive approach to their work, is team-oriented, can build relationships, and is results driven. When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio’s communities through our mission-driven programs. By joining HF&G, you will not only have the opportunity to work in a beautiful setting, but you will also have the opportunity to contribute to our fulfilling and groundbreaking work. This position is based out of the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, OH with occasional travel to the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH.

Position Details:

• Reports to Director of Individual Giving
• Full-Time
• Hybrid office setting

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Annual Fund Manager include but are not limited to:

• Plan, coordinate and manage all aspects of the individual annual fund campaign including helping to set revenue goals and manage annual fund budget
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors for the Annual Fund focusing primarily on mid-level donors ($300 to less than $10,000)
• Manage a modest portfolio of leadership-level donor relationships through in-person, virtual, phone and written communications
• Develop messaging and art concepts for all solicitation letters, emails and social media posts managing a minimum of two annual solicitation campaigns and monthly renewal campaigns
• Work with individuals who desire to make a tribute gift by sharing information; giving private tours; managing internal interdepartmental logistics; coordinating paperwork; arranging and stewarding all details
• Design and implement annual calendar that includes short and long-term plans for Annual Fund solicitations for various constituency groups, to include an annual Board Campaign as well as regular annual renewal program
• Produce and coordinate annual campaign materials and data in collaboration with the Public Relations & Marketing department and external vendors
• With Membership manager, identify members and devise strategies for moving donors to higher giving levels
• Prepare regular status reports and historical analysis of annual fund campaigns for leadership
• Stay informed about HF&G programs, mission work and operations; attend meetings and provide occasional event support on HF&G campuses
• Build relationships with and solicit affiliate garden clubs to advance Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission
• Participate in overall Development department activities, e.g. planning retreats, team meetings and fundraising events
• Participate in local and national peer groups to benchmark and track trends and best practices
• Help promote a culture of philanthropy at Holden Forests & Gardens
• Drive golf carts for constituent tours
• May provide occasional on-site support or attend meetings at the Holden Arboretum campus
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills:

• Support Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values
• Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
• Three or more years annual giving experience including annual campaigns, required
• A Bachelor’s degree, preferred
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Excel along with Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, SharePoint, and OneDrive
• Experience with fundraising software, required
• Raiser’s Edge or Altru experience, a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a strong command of the English language
• Mathematic skills along with accounting experience to analyze report data
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
• Maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle record
• Ability to travel regionally and nationally on occasion

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodations

• Transport oneself over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven, or rocky
• Ability to communicate over the phone and type on a keyboard
• Lift and carry up to 25 lbs. on an occasional basis

Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

We offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year | 403(b) | Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability and short-term disability | Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!

Apply: Holden Forests & Gardens values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G also strives to create a welcoming and accessible environment.

Qualified applicants should submit résumé, cover letter explaining why they want to work at Holden Forests & Gardens & highlighting your experience in donor cultivation, annual fund campaign management, or developing solicitation strategies, including any work with mid-level donors and cross-departmental collaboration and a list of with 3 professional references. Application material will begin being reviewed on March 3rd and will continue until the position is filled.

Holden Forests & Gardens (Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a talented work force who contributes to our mission through each individual’s unique perspective. We seek skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals to join our staff and enhance our reputation as one of the country’s foremost public gardens.

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