Donor Relations Manager

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Inc • Mission Canyon, CA

56d • $68,000 - $75,000

About The Position

Join the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden as we prepare to celebrate our 100th anniversary and embark on a transformative capital campaign! We are seeking a passionate and skilled Donor Relations Manager to help build lasting connections with our supporters and drive major gifts in support of our mission. This pivotal public facing role requires exceptional interpersonal abilities, a deep commitment to our vision, and a love for philanthropy.

Requirements

• Passion for the environment and California native plants.
• 3+ years in sales or nonprofit donor relations (or equivalent).
• Experience working with Raiser’s Edge or similar constituent database programs.
• Extremely strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Skill with Microsoft Office suite of products.

Nice To Haves

• Proven experience securing six-figure gifts.
• Commitment to personal and professional growth.
• Innovative and open-minded approach to new fundraising strategies.
• Goal-driven and results-oriented mindset.
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge NXT or a willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects to secure major gifts for the Garden.
• Foster meaningful, relationship-based fundraising to deepen connections between donors and the Garden.
• Lead donor appreciation efforts, embodying the Garden’s core value of gratitude.
• Collaborate with the Development team to plan donor cultivation and stewardship activities.
• Research, cultivate, and solicit lead and major donors.
• Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for the Garden’s capital campaign.
• Prepare solicitation materials for donors and fundraising representatives.
• Schedule Development, Centennial Campaign Task Force, Centennial Steering Committee, and Honorary Advisory Counsel meetings, and ensure action items are followed-up on.
• Organize intimate donor events and facilitate meaningful donor engagement.
• Schedule meetings and document all donor interactions through detailed contact reports.
• Update the campaign reports and ensure current campaign reports are easily accessible.
• Ensure each gift is credited and acknowledged appropriately in the accounting system, noting any ongoing payments and reminders.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Membership in the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).
• Ongoing professional training in major gift solicitation.
• A supportive, fun, and self-driven work environment committed to work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed