Event & Donor Relations Coordinator

Holden Forests & Gardens; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & Vision

Paid time off

Holidays & leave

403(b)

Free parking

Museum access

Employee assistance

Job summary

Holden Forests & Gardens seeks an Event and Donor Relations Coordinator to execute events and stewardship initiatives that support major gifts, campaigns, and donor engagement. You will help plan fundraising events, steward donors, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to maximize community impact.

The role emphasizes collaboration with the VP of Development, Affiliate Garden Club activities, and donor communications to demonstrate mission impact and strengthen the donor pipeline.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 3-5 years of equivalent fundraising experience.
• 1-3 years in fundraising and special events planning.
• Experience with fundraising software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate event goals with the VP of Development.
• Plan an annual stewardship events calendar with the team.
• Collaborate with Guest Services, Facility Rentals and Catering.
• Coordinate all aspects of HF&G’s annual fundraising events at both campuses.
• Support donor communications plan with Development and Marketing.
• Produce the Annual Impact Report.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy within HF&G.

Skills

Fundraising

Event planning

Donor relations

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Public interaction

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Altru

Job description

Event and Donor Relations Coordinator

Cleveland Botanical Gardens

Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) connects people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio’s communities through our mission-driven programs.

Opportunity

The Event and Donor Relations Coordinator is responsible for executing events and stewardship tasks with team members responsible for soliciting gifts and establishing major gift, campaign, and stewardship strategies. This role will ensure the delivery of our mission, to connect people to the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants through assisting with the planning, systems, and administrative support needed to support fundraising, event execution, and stewardship strategies.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the Event and Donor Relations Coordinator include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate a plan to successfully execute event goals for fundraising events and stewardship programs in conjunction with the VP of Development
• Coordinate an annual calendar of stewardship events in collaboration with the development team that will draw donors closer to HF&G’s mission
• Coordinate with colleagues in Guest Services, Facility Rentals, and Catering departments to leverage shared resources and effectively execute events at both campuses
• Coordinate all aspects of HF&G’s annual fundraising events at both campuses.
• Collaborate with development colleagues and VP of Development to establish internal systems that support stewardship activities.
• Provide support to Affiliate Garden Club President for Affiliate Garden Club events, including printing event name tags and programs, reviewing the budget and catering order, etc.
• Coordinate stewardship programs as directed by department leads for membership, annual fund, and major giving programs to strengthen the donor pipeline and advance donors on a continuum of giving
• In partnership with the Grants and Communications Specialist, help build and execute a donor communications plan with the Development and Marketing departments to demonstrate mission impact in the community, including stewardship and annual endowment reports
• Coordinate the production of Annual Impact Report
• Help promote a culture of philanthropy at HF&G
• Maintain a strong understanding of mission-based programs and activities
• Manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and stay within budget
• Other duties as assigned by the VP of Development

Qualifications & Skills

• Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
• Bachelor’s degree or 3-5 years of equivalent experience.
• 1-3years of experience in fundraising and special events planning, preferred
• Experience with fundraising software such as Raiser’s Edge or Altru, preferred
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to read & comprehend documents and write reports and business correspondence
• Skilled in interacting with the public and team members in a positive manner
• Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram form
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Excel along with Word & PowerPoint
• Knowledge of Teams, Outlook email & calendar, SharePoint, and OneDrive, preferred
• Must be flexible regarding work schedule, some evenings and weekends required. Typical work week is Monday through Friday
• Ability to work within a team and be self-motivated when working independently
• Take initiative, problem solve, and identify opportunities
• Maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle record (this position may need to drive a golf cart or tram)
• Ability to travel regionally and nationally on occasion

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to understand basic instructions
• Stand and/or sit for extended periods of time
• Perform tasks in all weather conditions; temperatures may range from 0-100°F.
• Effective vision and hearing
• Hand and arm dexterity
• Walk and work on wet, uneven, slippery terrain
• Kneel, bend, stoop, grab, and reach
• Regular lifting and carrying of up to 10 lbs. and occasionally 25 lbs.

Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

In addition to the salary range of $45,000 – $55,000, we offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year + 3 floating holidays | 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!

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.