Manager of Philanthropic Engagement

New England Botanic Garden•Boylston, MA

5d•$80,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Philanthropic Engagement builds relationships with prospective and current donors to increase major and planned gifts through identification, cultivation, communication, solicitation, and stewardship. Working with board members, volunteers, and staff leaders, the role advances fundraising priorities including unrestricted and restricted gifts, bequests, and gifts of $10,000 or more. Major gifts support operating, capital, and endowment funds. Familiarity with planned giving conversations and vehicles supports gift discussions and the Garden’s mission. The position manages a major-gift portfolio of 75–100 donors and prospective donors and advances the Garden’s planned giving program, including the Perennial Circle. It also supports donor engagement and stewardship, maintains accurate records and monitors fundraising progress, and collaborates across the organization. The role represents the Garden with professionalism, discretion, empathy, and a mission-centered approach. The position is salaried and exempt from overtime. The schedule is typically Monday through Friday, though evening or weekend work may be needed based on organizational needs. The employee must be able to use computer and communications equipment and bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods, including navigating uneven grounds and stairs.

Requirements

Minimum of five years of progressive fundraising experience, including personal solicitation of major gifts and experience with planned giving.
Demonstrated ability to build trust, establish credibility, and cultivate meaningful relationships with prospective and current donors.
Proven success managing and strengthening relationships with diverse constituents, including high-capacity individuals and leadership-level donors.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak confidently and persuasively about the organization’s mission, vision, and funding priorities.
Ability to identify, cultivate, solicit, and close gifts, and confidence initiating conversations about philanthropy, wealth, financial assets, and charitable giving.
Financial acumen and comfort discussing complex gifts, including planned gifts, estate commitments, and other assets.
Understanding of fundraising principles, donor engagement, moves management, stewardship practices, and trends in major and planned giving, or demonstrated willingness to learn.
Sound judgment, strong problem-solving skills, and discretion in managing confidential and sensitive information.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and consistent follow-through.
Ability to establish and achieve measurable goals, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing priorities, with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel.
Ability to learn, accept coaching and feedback, and continuously develop professional skills.
Ability to be strategic and hands-on, manage a portfolio independently, and collaborate with colleagues across the organization.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Experience with a donor/customer relationship management (CRM) database.
Experience collaborating with professional advisors such as attorneys, financial planners, and estate planning professionals.

Responsibilities

Manage an active portfolio of 75–100 major gift donors and prospective donors, evaluating and adjusting it as prospects are qualified, cultivated, solicited, or disqualified.
Develop and implement individualized strategies for qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding assigned prospects and donors.
Identify, engage, and cultivate prospective major donors, learning about their philanthropic interests, values, and giving capacity.
Conduct purposeful donor conversations to align philanthropic goals with the Garden’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
Advance prospective donors through the major-gift pipeline, assess readiness for solicitation, and develop appropriate gift proposals.
Collaborate with Advancement colleagues and Garden staff to connect donors and prospects with programs, people, and initiatives.
Identify and qualify new major gift prospects through research, referrals, networking, and other prospect-development tools.
Manage and advance the planned giving program, including the Perennial Circle.
Develop strategies to identify, cultivate, and steward planned giving prospects and donors, including those interested in estate gifts, bequests, and other legacy gifts.
Coordinate planned giving communications and engagement, including drafting a monthly newsletter, organizing recognition and cultivation events, and developing stewardship opportunities.
Build relationships with donors and, as appropriate, their professional advisors to encourage and facilitate planned and legacy gifts.
Support and participate in donor cultivation, recognition, and stewardship events to increase engagement and attendance.
Develop stewardship strategies that demonstrate philanthropy’s impact and strengthen long-term donor relationships.
Document and fulfill donor preferences, special requests, and relevant relationship information.
Prepare personalized donor communications, including visit invitations, gift proposals, acknowledgment letters, and annual endowed fund stewardship reports.
Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, meetings, contact reports, solicitation strategies, and next steps in the CRM and other portfolio tools.
Monitor portfolio activity and progress toward fundraising and relationship-building goals.
Ensure donor information, gift intentions, special requests, and stewardship commitments are documented, communicated, and fulfilled in a timely manner.
Prepare correspondence, proposals, reports, and other materials supporting donor engagement and fundraising.
Demonstrate professional ethics, integrity, confidentiality, and accountability in donor relationships and fundraising activities.
Represent the Garden enthusiastically and professionally with donors, colleagues, and external constituents.
Follow safety protocols and contribute to a respectful, safe, and supportive workplace.
Perform other duties as assigned.