Philanthropy Officer

Longwood Gardens•Kennett Square, PA

About The Position

Longwood Gardens is seeking a full-time Philanthropy Officer to manage a portfolio of identified high-net-worth individuals. The role builds relationships, communicates philanthropic impact, and secures support for the Gardens’ mission-based programs and strategic priorities. The officer works with individual and institutional donors through personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, while collaborating internally and representing Longwood Gardens at events. The position requires flexible hours, occasional evenings and weekends, and occasional travel.

Requirements

At least 5 years of fundraising experience, including hands-on frontline fundraising experience.
Track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts.
Comfort discussing blended gifts and various planned giving vehicles.
Excellent relationship management skills and sound judgment in a variety of situations.
Superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate the organization’s mission and strategic priorities to stakeholders.
Demonstrated professionalism and ability to work with Trustees, donors, and executive leadership.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, and travel occasionally.
Willingness to adhere to the AFP Code of Ethical Standards and maintain donor and prospect data confidentiality, accuracy, and security.

Nice To Haves

An entrepreneurial mindset, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 mid-level to major gift prospects ($10,000–$100,000+).
Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual and institutional donors through personalized engagement strategies.
Conduct regular in-person and virtual donor meetings to deepen relationships and meet solicitation and stewardship targets.
Develop and present tailored proposals and stewardship materials.
Support the design and implementation of annual fundraising strategies, cultivation events, and recognition events.
Maintain records in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
Form and maintain internal relationships to keep the Philanthropy office updated on programming and initiatives.
Represent Longwood Gardens at internal and external events to promote giving opportunities.
Prepare reports, cases for support, and background materials for donor meetings.
Stay current with fundraising trends and best practices in donor relations.
Handle donor and prospect data with confidentiality, accuracy, and security in accordance with the AFP Code of Ethical Standards.