Corporate Relations Officer

Job Description

As the Corporate Relations Officer, you will drive corporate fundraising and partnerships to support the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s events, programs, operations, and goals. Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, you’ll work closely with departmental leaders to meet fundraising and engagement objectives. Your focus will be growing income by building and managing strong relationships with corporate funders, increasing sponsorships, memberships, grants, and overall support. You’ll also lead community partnerships to boost the FWBG brand’s visibility and collaborate with key stakeholders. This role requires strategic relationship-building, attention to detail, and a passion for supporting the Garden’s success and sustainability.

About Us

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG) is the oldest major botanic garden in Texas, established in 1934 during the Great Depression. Originally created to beautify the community and provide jobs for unemployed residents, the Garden has grown into a 120-acre living museum featuring 23 specialty gardens and over 2,500 plant species.

FWBG’s mission is to explore the world of plants, discover their role in cultural and natural environments, and engage people to conserve nature and improve the human experience. The Garden serves as both a peaceful retreat and a center for scientific discovery, welcoming more than 13,000 students, educators, and families through educational programs each year.

In 2020, FWBG merged with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), founded in 1987. This partnership strengthens the Garden’s commitment to research and conservation, with BRIT maintaining 1.5 million plant specimens in its herbarium and 125,000 volumes of botanical research materials. Together, they work toward a vision of being renowned globally and treasured locally for exceptional research, horticulture, and education.

Located in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, FWBG remains a cherished destination where natural beauty, community connection, and scientific innovation come together.

Duties & Responsibilities

Create sponsorships, corporate memberships, and grant opportunities to support FWBG.
Develop and implement strategic plans for effective, ongoing donor engagement including volunteer opportunities and event attendance.
Maintain records of all cultivation strategies, contacts, solicitations, and donor interactions.
Creatively diversify income streams and seek out new revenue opportunities.
Uphold ethics and confidentiality in all sponsor, donor, and volunteer relationships.
Apply best practices in prospect management and prospect research.
People Management/Interactions

Serve as a community representative for FWBG at events, building relationships to create opportunities for collaborative initiatives.
Provide continuous and effective stewardship to corporate funders.
Facilitate collaboration with community partners to achieve our mission.
Oversee and guide the work of staff members, volunteers, or interns assisting with events and corporate partnership efforts.
Partner with the VP of Marketing on fundraising and community engagement strategies.
Communication

Meet annual fundraising key performance indicators (KPIs) and strategic goals, deliver monthly fundraising progress updates to finance teams and organizational leaders, as well as report progress on goals to the VP of Marketing.
Collaborate closely with the VP of Advancement and the Advancement team to ensure alignment, prevent duplication, and avoid conflicting donor communications.
Ensure timely and consistent follow-up before and after visits to secure commitments.
Effectively articulate the case for support to secure financial contributions in oral and written communications and collateral material.

Education and Experience

Proven experience in fundraising or high-level sales.
In-depth understanding of donor relations and stewardship practices.
Proficiency in using database systems for managing prospects and donors.
Strong ability to develop, cultivate, and analyze sponsor prospect portfolio.
Experience with working effectively with volunteers and community leaders.
Knowledge of budget development and financial management.
Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
Strong problem-solving, research, and analytical skills.

Additional Information

Be adaptable and flexible to changing schedules including occasional weekends and evenings.
Work outside during public exhibits/events in Texas climate conditions.

Every FWBG employee is expected to possess and be willing to use a mobile device for timekeeping and business communications via calls/texts/emails/Teams’ messages.

Maintain a current Texas Driver’s License and auto-related liability insurance.

Application Instructions

Please apply though this link:

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/6593A843A71D6AB648349B61C391D09E/jobs/190291