Job Listings

Vice President of Development

Cleveland Botanical Garden / Posted September 03, 2025

Opportunity:

Holden Forests & Gardens seeks a strategic, results-oriented Vice President of Development to lead its donor stewardship and fundraising programs. Reporting to the President & CEO and as a key member of the Leadership Team, this role will shape and execute a comprehensive philanthropic strategy that supports the organization's operating budget, special projects, and major campaigns. This is a unique opportunity to join the leadership team of a vibrant cultural institution at the forefront of conservation, whose mission is to connect people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. The VP of Development will lead the team responsible for raising key contributed income through donations, grants, membership, and fundraising events. This role will provide strategic oversight to major gifts fundraising and manage the development department staff to drive innovation and long-term growth for one of the region’s most vital environmental and cultural institutions. The VP of Development will be joining the organization at an exciting time as we advance plans to transform our campuses through the Together Green Campaign. The ideal candidate is a self-starter and critical thinker with a strong track record in cultivating major gifts, managing complex donor portfolios, and leading multi-faceted fundraising initiatives, including capital campaigns. With a proactive approach, strong relationship skills, and a passion for mission-driven work, the VP of Development will be instrumental in increasing philanthropic support and advancing Holden’s strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Defines and prioritizes long-term and short-term fundraising goals in concert with the CEO
• Serves as member of Leadership Team, contributing to the strategic direction of Holden Forests & Gardens
• Prepares and implements an annual fund-raising plan and calendar, ensuring that all activities are consistent with Holden’s mission and strategic and programmatic goals
• Leads planning and execution of major organizational campaigns
• Secures increasing levels of philanthropic support from an expanding base of donors at all levels to further Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission and plans
• Maintains a portfolio of 75 to 100 donors and lead efforts to cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts of $10,000 or more. Serve as a key partner to advance strategy in the CEO’s donor portfolios.
• Leads a dynamic team of professionals responsible for generating contributed income through individual, planned, and major giving; government, corporate, and foundation grantmaking; donor stewardship and special events
• Works with the CEO and Development staff to plan, prioritize, and set explicit goals for fundraising in the above areas
• Works with the Development Operations Manager on reporting, analysis, and with team members on forecasting the department operating budget
• Reports to the CEO on the performance of fundraising and related programs, both quantitatively and qualitatively, comparing to past performance and to industry benchmarks; and recommends strategic adjustments as appropriate
• Oversees the management of donor cultivation and stewardship efforts including prospect research, planning, solicitation, grant writing and reporting, strategy for donor benefits and recognition programs, tributes, and special events
• Oversees membership strategy
• Partners with the Donor Stewardship & Events Manager and Marketing Department on philanthropic communications to strengthen donor relationships
• Collaborates with colleagues across the institution to identify funding opportunities and support program areas

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in non-profit administration, philanthropic studies, communications, or related field; master’s degree preferred
• Minimum 7 years’ professional experience in fundraising at all levels
• Leadership, supervisory, talent and team development experience
• Experience developing and implementing business plans and budgets
• Experience developing and fostering successful donor relationships, including working with fundraising volunteers and auxiliary groups
• Experience organizing, managing, or playing a key leadership role in a capital campaign, including campaign planning, donor identification and cultivation, solicitation strategy, coordinating internal and external stakeholders to meet fundraising milestones, and reporting a strong plus.
• Proficiency in Office 365, Altru or similar CRMs, and a strong command of financial reporting, budgeting, and data analysis
• Demonstrated knowledge of business, development and marketing principles

Additional:

• Some evening and weekend work is required
• Primarily located at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens with occasional driving to The Holden Arboretum
• Ability to travel regionally and nationally

Why Join Us?

At Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G), you’ll find more than just a place to work—you’ll find a place with purpose. As one of the largest public gardens in the country – with more than 3,600 acres in our care-, we are home to the Holden Arboretum and the Cleveland Botanical Garden, two of Northeast Ohio’s most cherished cultural and environmental institutions. When you join HF&G, you become part of a passionate and collaborative community of professionals driven by a shared set of institutional values guiding a culture of collaboration, learning, and inclusion. Employees enjoy meaningful work in a beautiful setting, along with comprehensive benefits and unique perks (see below). At HF&G, your leadership can help shape a greener, healthier, and more connected future, for Northeast Ohio and beyond. We offer Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 11 Paid Holidays a Year | Matching Retirement Plan | 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:
Qualified applicants should submit their resume, cover letter highlighting key relevant experiences, and a list of 3 professional references.

Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and 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 promotes an equitable approach in its hiring, retention, and promotion; in Board recruitment efforts; and in community partnerships and programming.

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