Development Director

Wellfieldgardens; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Wellfield Botanic Gardens seeks a Development Director to lead philanthropic revenue development, membership strategy, and community engagement aligned with its mission to cultivate exceptional gardens and lifelong learning.

You will develop and steward relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partners, expanding contributed revenue and connecting people with the Gardens.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of nonprofit fundraising, sales, relationship management, or related development experience; demonstrated leadership of initiatives preferred.
• Strong relationship-building, written communication, organizational, and project-management skills.
• Experience with donor databases, fundraising metrics, and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Donor cultivation and stewardship: Manage a portfolio of annual, mid-level, and major-gift donors. Build strategies to recognize, retain, and grow their support.
• Campaigns and events: Lead annual giving, appeals, and donor campaigns. Drive fundraising and sponsorships for signature events.
• Membership strategy: Grow and retain members. Turn visitors into members and members into donors.
• Sponsorships, grants, and partnerships: Manage corporate sponsorships and lead grant proposals. Build partnerships with community groups, schools, and cultural organizations.
• Data and reporting: Maintain accurate CRM records. Track results and report to the Executive Director and board committees.

Skills

Donor cultivation

Relationship building

Written communication

Organizational skills

Project management

Tools

CRM software

Job description

The Development Director leads philanthropic revenue development, membership strategy, and community
engagement initiatives that advance Wellfield Botanic Gardens’ mission: “Cultivating exceptional gardens
that inspire appreciation of plants and lifelong learning.” The position develops and stewards relationships
with individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partners; builds sustainable contributed revenue;
and expands opportunities for people to connect with the Gardens. The Director works closely with the
Executive Director and collaborates across departments to align development priorities with Wellfield’s
strategic plan.

Duties and Responsibilities

The position develops and stewards relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partners; builds sustainable contributed revenue; and expands opportunities for people to connect with the Gardens.

Donor cultivation and stewardship: Manage a portfolio of annual, mid-level, and major-gift donors. Build strategies to recognize, retain, and grow their support.

Campaigns and events: Lead annual giving, appeals, and donor campaigns. Drive fundraising and sponsorships for signature events.

Membership strategy: Grow and retain members. Turn visitors into members and members into donors.

Sponsorships, grants, and partnerships: Manage corporate sponsorships and lead grant proposals. Build partnerships with community groups, schools, and cultural organizations.

Data and reporting: Maintain accurate CRM records. Track results and report to the Executive Director and board committees.

Requirements

2–5 years of nonprofit fundraising, sales, relationship management, or related development experience; demonstrated leadership of initiatives preferred.

Strong relationship-building, written communication, organizational, and project-management skills.

Experience with donor databases, fundraising metrics, and cross-functional collaboration.

Commitment to Wellfield’s mission and to inclusive community engagement.

Skills

Strong relationship-building, written communication, organizational, and project-management skills.