Director of Development
Employment Type
Job (Full-time)Job Categories
Development & Membership
Job Description
The Director of Development is a key position at Bellingrath Gardens and Home. It is responsible for securing and directing all annual and capital gifts for Bellingrath Gardens & Home. Through active coordination with the Executive Director, the Director of Development will be a lead figure interacting with the greater Mobile community and surrounding communities to elevate and enhance Bellingrath Home & Gardens’ physical campus, programs, outreach, and reputation through soliciting and procuring gifts. This position supervises and manages Membership, Admissions, and Marketing heads and their staffs. This position reports to the Executive Director.
About Us
Bellingrath Gardens and Home is the historic 65-acre estate and home of Walter D. Bellingrath and Bessie Morse Bellingrath, opened to the public in 1932. Mr. Bellingrath established a foundation in 1949, on his 80th birthday, to perpetuate the Gardens and Home as a “permanent and fitting memorial” to his wife’s “artistry and genius.” Today, visitors to Bellingrath Gardens and Home stroll through the vibrant and ever-changing estate garden and tour the historic home, built in 1935 and filled with the original furnishings and pieces collected by the two founders. Bellingrath is Alabama’s oldest public garden, remaining relevant today through its many varied programs, including its award-winning “Magic Christmas in Lights” holiday festival. Bellingrath is currently in the midst of developing a new master plan which will result in the reinvigoration and growth of the organization in the coming years and decades.
Duties & Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities:
● Develop, publish, and implement a Development/Fundraising Plan that includes major gifts, corporate sponsors, planned giving, grants, and capital campaigns for ongoing organizational planning and development
● Oversee development and actuation of Marketing Plan that aligns with development goals and increased visitorship metrics
● Create a seamless culture of welcoming and greeting guests, encouraging and stewarding members, and developing a spirit of donor interest and support.
● Utilize all means of communications, including, but not limited to, direct-mail, social media, special events, and personal contact
● Develop and manage a departmental budget, in coordination with the Executive Director and Director of Finance
● Oversee prospect research and review
● Cultivate, solicit and steward annual foundation giving
● Develop and maintain a master grant calendar for all events and deadlines
● Cultivate existing and new grant opportunities and write proposals and applications
● Conduct extensive offsite meetings with existing and potential donors in the community to garner ongoing support for BGH
● Manage and expand the BGH annual fund program
● Research opportunities to and prioritize public appearances and speaking engagements to promote BGH to the community and prospective donors
● Engage, inspire, and work with volunteers to accomplish Development goals
● Identify and implement gift recognition policies and programs with Executive Director
● Train all members of development team, including volunteers and fellow staff
● All other tasks and duties as assigned
Education and Experience
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
● 5+ years of professional fundraising experience, including progressive growth of responsibilities and accomplishments over career
● Knowledge and experience in advanced fundraising techniques, including major gift solicitation and acquisition
● Knowledge and experience in a variety of marketing strategies, tools, and techniques
● Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
● Connections with and understanding of Mobile, Alabama area and neighboring region preferred, but not required
● Strong leadership and relational skills
● Excellent written and verbal communication
● Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team
● Ability to think strategically (“bigger picture”) while still maintaining a keen focus on detail
● Strong working knowledge of fundraising software platforms
● An understanding of how capital campaigns are envisioned, developed, and completed
Additional Information
Bellingrath Gardens & Home is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other legally protected basis under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Bellingrath Gardens & Home makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should submit a current resume, cover letter, and two (2) references to employment@bellingrath.org
Application Deadline:December 1, 2023
