Philanthropy Officer

Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

RRSP matching program

3 weeks paid vacation

Job summary

The Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association (VBGA) is seeking a skilled fundraiser and writer to tell our story and grow support for the Gardens. You will develop fundraising materials, nurture donor relationships, and collaborate with the philanthropy and marketing teams.

As a central member of our community, you will craft compelling proposals, mailings, and reports, while coordinating with a range of funders. This is a full-time, on-site role with future remote flexibility.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in a non-profit or similar organization.
• Must be able to work on-site 4 days per week at VanDusen Botanical Garden for the first 3 months, with potential for flexible remote work following probation.
• Qualified to work in Canada and must pass a criminal record check.
• Proven success in fundraising or marketing communications.
• Extremely competent writer with a range of tones and approaches.
• Excellent command of English, grammar, and public writing best practices.

Responsibilities

• Submit 30–50 high-quality proposals per year to foundations and major donors.
• Identify and qualify prospective funders while maintaining our list of prospects.
• Support philanthropy team to build relationships with diverse funders.
• Develop 8–12 direct mail letters or emails per year.
• Create 3 public reports on core programme areas.
• Collaborate with Marketing for website, social media, and newsletters.

Skills

Strong writing skills

Donor relations

Fundraising communications

Public writing best practices

Listening and relationship-building

Tools

iWave

Grant Connect

Donor Perfect

Job description

Organization Overview

The Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association (VBGA) and Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (Park Board) are joint operating partners of VanDusen Botanical Garden and Bloedel Conservatory. The VBGA is a charitable organization that offers membership, education, volunteer engagement, and fundraising programs to support the Gardens, and fulfills our mission to inspire generations to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural world.

Position Overview

The VBGA believes that when it comes to sharing our story, nothing compares to the human touch. We are seeking a skilled and passionate communicator, able to build authentic relationships and share the mission of the VBGA with our community. Responsible for a broad range of writing-focused activities related to fundraising, we are looking for someone who can do the things that AI cannot replace. We want someone who can truly listen to our donors and our members, someone to make personal connections with potential funders, someone who knows when to use one word instead of ten, and when to use ten words instead of one. If you have passion, drive, creativity, and are looking to trade the office chair for a picnic table, this may be the role for you!

What We Offer

• Permanent, full-time position (35 hours per week)
• Annual salary: $55,000 - $60,000 commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package
• RRSP matching program
• 3 weeks paid vacation, increasing with length of serviceWork at a beautiful, 55-acre botanical garden Responsibilities
• Submit 30-50 high-quality proposals per year to foundations and major donors.
• Identify and qualify prospective funders, while maintaining our existing list of prospects.
• Support members of the philanthropy team to build relationships with a diverse range of funders.
• Develop 8-12 direct mail letters or emails per year.
• In addition to required reporting from specific funders, create 3 public reports on core programme areas.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to develop website, social media, and newsletter content.
• Maintain clear and concise records in all areas related to philanthropy.
• Monitor and report upon the effectiveness of various fundraising campaigns and grant proposals. Using a data-driven approach, identify opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with VBGA events as required.

Skills & Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in a non-profit or similar organization, ideally in Vancouver and/or an organization working in conservation, education, mental health, or museums.
• Qualified to work in Canada and must pass a criminal record check.
• Must be able to work on-site 4 days per week at VanDusen Botanical Garden for the first 3 months, with potential for flexible remote work following probation.
• Proven success in fundraising or marketing communications.
• Must be an extremely competent writer, capable of utilizing a range of tones and approaches.
• Exceptional command of the English language, with a strong working knowledge of grammar and public writing best practices.
• Must thrive under pressure and be able to produce consistently high-quality work at a high volume.
• Experience working with databases, spreadsheets, and prospect research tools, preferably iWave, Grant Connect, and Donor Perfect.
• Able to build personal relationships beyond written communications; confident over the phone and in person.
• Knowledge of botany, gardening, conservation, or an interest in learning more is an asset.

Work Environment

• 35 hours per week, on-site at VanDusen Botanical Garden
• Following probation, regular flexible remote work is available
• Occasional weekend or evening work required
• Free onsite parking available
• Free or discounted access to events and education at the Gardens
• Participation in the Tourism Challenge, offering free or discounted access to BC attractions