Director of Advancement

Description

Botanical Garden of the Piedmont is seeking an experienced and driven Director of Advancement (DoA). The ideal candidate will have a passion for our mission, a proven track record in fundraising and relationship building, and the ability to create and execute a strategic development plan. Cultivating relationships and maintaining a pipeline of support through thoughtful engagement will be essential to your success in this position.

Located in Charlottesville, VA, Botanical Garden of the Piedmont invites community members and visitors to engage in nature, to inspire learning through the beauty and importance of plants, to advance sustainability, and to promote human and environmental well-being. The Garden is currently a valued community resource that will be expanding its impact through an award-winning landscape design and building amenities scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

As a key leader in our growing organization, you will play a fundamental role in achieving our goals and ensuring sustainable growth. Together, we are creating a public space to “inspire connection, learning, and joy through nature”.

Job Duties

Philanthropy
The DoA will be the lead team member responsible for all philanthropic revenue streams, including the capital campaign, an annual giving program, a grants program, sponsorships, and development related events, including:

– Planning, managing and executing the Capital Campaign for the Garden.
– Working with the Capital Campaign Committee (CCC) Chairs to plan meetings, implement strategies, and develop a portfolio of potential donors.
– Preparing and providing all written materials for presentation and meetings with potential donors.
– Supervising the Annual Fund Manager who plans and executes the BGP Annual Fund to support of the operating budget.
– Developing and executing corporate donation, sponsorship and partnership strategies.
– Developing and executing strategies to manage relationships with current and potential donors.
– Researching and developing appropriate fundraising programs and events.
– Collaborating with the ED, to oversee the volunteer grant subcommittee, in researching, identifying, and writing grants.
– Overseeing policies, procedures and maintenance of donor records, the prospect management process and essential management reports through donor software.
– Overseeing the gift acknowledgement process.

Marketing:
The DoA will be the lead team members responsible for Marketing the organization in collaboration with the Marketing Committee, ED, and graphic designer, including:

– Overseeing the development and execution of the marketing strategic plan.
– Overseeing development and execution of event marketing and marketing materials such as newsletters and the Annual Report.
– Overseeing content and updates to the BGP website and social media channels.

Skills Required

Collaboration
• Ability to create and align development goals alongside the executive team tailored to the shared mission, vision, and values.
• Experience in and genuine enjoyment of peer-to-peer collaboration and staff development.
• Ability to facilitate key resources and decision-making structures within a small team.
• Actionable strategies for the team responsible for the donor prospects, grants procurement, and marketing events with concrete outcomes that are appropriate to strategic goals.

Communication
• Ability to deliver compelling messaging which will convey the importance of this project for the community.
• An opportunistic and proactive approach to appropriately develop, maintain, and deepen connections with supporters.
• Tailored messaging to a variety of audiences (including individuals and corporate partners) in both formal and informal environments.
• Engaging messaging that shows a deep understanding of the tone of the Garden.
• Outstanding written skills to facilitate proposal writing and other development and marketing content.

Expertise
• Relevant experience in major gift fundraising and capital campaigns.
• Experience in philanthropy best practices; proficiency with donor database software.
• Intuitive ability to identify opportunities and build connections with those who will support the Garden.
• Proven ability to secure major gifts, increase the donor portfolios, and meet fundraising goals.

Work Schedule

Full-time, some nights and weekends are required.

Additional Info

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Jill Trischman-Marks at info@piedmontgarden.org

Botanical Garden of the Piedmont brings people of all ages and backgrounds together as a community to celebrate and nurture our native flora and fauna. The organization embraces inclusion by inviting everyone to participate in the Garden whether they be visitors, supporters, volunteers, or staff, to further our goal of being a place that promotes human and environmental well-being. In nature and in society, diversity matters—we welcome and celebrate it! For more information, visit https://piedmontgarden.org

Botanical Garden of the Piedmont is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and community that is free of all forms of discrimination.