Job Listings

Philanthropic Advisor

Cleveland Botanical Garden / Posted December 10, 2024

Philanthropic AdvisorHolden Forests & Gardens
The Development Department seeks a Philanthropic Advisor to join our team at Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G). The Philanthropic Advisor is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospective and current donors who have the potential to make gifts of $10,000 or more, with emphasis on gifts of $50,000 or more, to support Holden Forests & Gardens’ strategic priorities and fundraising initiatives. We are looking for a team member who is passionate about making a positive impact on the world and possesses excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships with philanthropic individuals and organizations. In this role, you will be instrumental in building connections between our organization and donors who share our vision for a brighter future. We are looking for a candidate who wants to do meaningful work in an organization that values diversity of thoughts and perspectives. Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. HF&G strives for a welcoming workplace where everyone feels that they belong. This position is time-limited to the duration of the current capital campaign which is estimated to last for five years. It 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
• Exempt position
• Full-time
  • approximately a 5-year limited-term position
• Hybrid office setting
• Ability to travel regionally and nationally
• Occasional work on nights and weekends, required

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Philanthropic Advisor, include, but are not limited to:

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors with the capacity to make current and deferred gifts of $10,000 or more to support Holden Forests & Gardens’ priorities, focusing on those able to make contributions of $50,000+
• Manage portfolio of donors and prospective donors with specific goals and benchmarks intended to secure major, planned and estate gifts along with determining their level of support and engagement
• Create strategies linking organizational activities, opportunities, and needs with philanthropic interests of donors
• Collaborate with the Director of Individual Giving, Annual Fund Manager, Membership Manager, and Manager of Development Operations to identify potential major and planned giving donors, and assist with securing high-level annual gifts of $5,000 or more
• Prepare briefings and solicitation strategies, organize prospect visits, and draft correspondence related to solicitation and donor relations for President and CEO, Vice President of Development, and Board of Directors
• Collaborate with individual gifts team on Planned Giving marketing strategies
• Document fundraising progress through contact reports, cultivation strategy plans, solicitation plans, and other communication actions as necessary
• Prepare appropriate correspondence, case statements, reports, proposals, solicitations and other development-related communication materials in support of HF&G’s fundraising activities
• Strive to meet and exceed goals such as monthly visits or yearly proposals
• Travel to visit with prospective donors regionally
• Occasional travel outside of Ohio, when necessary
• Help promote a culture of philanthropy at Holden Forests & Gardens
• Participate in overall Development department activities, e.g. planning retreats, team meetings and fundraising events
• Foster new networking channels through participation in area civic and cultural activities
• Participate in local and/or national peer groups to benchmark and track trends and best practices
• Drive Golf Cart and Tram to give donor tours when necessary

Qualifications and Skills:

• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values
• Demonstrated passion for people and nature
• Bachelor’s Degree, required
• Minimum of five years of relevant Development experience, required
• Experience working in a non-profit organization, preferred
• Successful experience in making cold calls as well as developing cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Commitment to professional ethics in working with highly confidential, sensitive information
• Must abide by AFP’s Code of Ethics
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience supporting staff members, planning and executing meetings and small events with occasional work on nights and weekends
• Experience working in fundraising database programs, experience with Altru/Blackbaud or Raiser’s Edge, preferred
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook email & calendar, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive or the ability to learn
• An observant initiator and self-starter
• Ability to recognize and manage priorities and adjust rapidly to changing circumstances
• Collaborative team player with a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to participate within a multi-disciplinary team
• Must have an acceptable motor vehicle record, a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to communicate over the phone and virtually
• Ability to type on a keyboard
• Occasionally lifting and carrying of up to 20 lbs., sometimes 25 lbs.

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. 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. Research shows that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Qualified applicants must submit résumé, cover letter and 3 professional references. Review of applications will begin on Monday, December 2, 2024. Holden Forests & Gardens (Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. 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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