Development Manager

Job Description

Bookworm Gardens seeks a compelling Development Manager who will effectively and passionately translate Bookworm Gardens’ mission to donors in a way that inspires giving. This individual must thrive in a fast-paced environment and be well-suited to working collaboratively with a small staff. The successful candidate is creative, motivated, and able to build individual relationships with donors to increase their support. They will be the lead team member responsible for all philanthropic revenue streams, including an annual giving program, a grants program, and sponsorships. Bookworm is also in the planning stages for a substantial physical expansion tripling our facility size, which will necessitate a capital campaign in the next few years and will be spearheaded by the Development Manager. The Development Manager will report to the Executive Director.

About Us

Bookworm Gardens is a non-profit botanic garden in Sheboygan, WI, inspired by children’s literature. Our mission is “to inspire the love of books and nature in the young and young at heart.”

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
Work collaboratively with ED, staff, and Development Committee of the Board to develop a portfolio of potential donors by identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding prospects and existing donors. Identify, research and write grants to secure funding to help further the mission.
Prepare and provide as needed, all written materials for presentation and meetings with potential donors.
Collaborate with the Director of Marketing and Communication to ensure accurate and timely gift processing and reporting; brand consistency across all communication; advance member and donor engagement; build a donor pipeline; and foster an organization-wide culture of philanthropy.
Collaborate with the Event Manager to devise engaging member experiences, events, and programs that effectively cultivate and steward both donors and members. Work to develop strategy for donations, sponsorships and partnerships to the Gardens from corporations.
Oversee policies, procedures and maintenance of donor records, the prospect management process and essential management reports through Altru such as donor data, prospect contacts, solicitations, and proposals.

Education and Experience

Possess strong fundraising and relationship-building skills, strategic thinking abilities, and a passion for fostering donor engagement.
Minimum of 5 years of development-related experience in non-profit or an outside sales environment specifically working with engaged funders and/or directly involved with annual fundraising efforts and personal solicitation is preferred.
Excellent customer service skills and verbal and interpersonal communication skills, both in person, in writing, and over the phone, required.
Must be proficient with Microsoft Office and Google applications, and have experience using database systems (Experience with Altru is a plus).
Passion for plants, gardens, children’s literature, and the natural world.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
The Development Officer will be required to obtain a bartending license if not currently licensed (used for occasional duties during special events).

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: The position requires the ability to stand, sit, reach, stoop, kneel, and lift and carry weight up to 50lbs. It also requires work in all outdoor weather conditions. The position requires occasional extended work hours, including evenings and weekends. These requirements are related to the fact that events at Bookworm Gardens incorporate an “all hands on deck” approach where staff works together to accomplish our revenue goals.

Application Instructions

How to apply:
Email completed cover letter and resume to info@bookwormgardens.org. Applications accepted on a rolling basis and associates are hired as needed.