Director, Foundation Relations

The Director of Foundation Relations  in an integral member of the Foundation Relations team who will play a vital and leading role in producing best-in-class fundraising and donor relations results, personally raising $1 million or greater in new commitments annually. The Director will develop grant proposals to private foundations, federal and state agencies, and others to support all aspects of the Garden’s operations including the Annual Fund. In particular, this role will specialize in fundraising for exhibitions, humanities, education programming and horticulture at NYBG. This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Foundation Relations.

 Maintenance of key relationships, both internal and external, will be vital to this position’s success. Proactive and strategic oversight of a growing portfolio of donors is also paramount to the role.

Additionally, this position supports, through actions and conduct, NYBG’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility initiatives and helps to build and maintain an inclusive organization culture throughout the institution.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Partner with the Associate Vice President for Foundation Relations and members of the Foundation Relations team to produce best-in-class fundraising and donor relations results.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward dynamic donor and prospect portfolio, personally raising $1,000,000 or greater in new commitments annually and increasing by 6% year-over-year for the next five years to support the Garden’s strategic planning emphasis.
• Liase with all departments across NYBG including Education, the LuEsther T. Mertz Library, NYBG Science, Horticulture, Exhibitions, Finance, the President’s Office and others.
• Prepare written documents, including proposals, reports, letters, acknowledgements, and other materials as required.
• Prepare program budgets for proposals and financial reports, in collaboration with program staff, Advancement, and Finance and speak knowledgeably about budgeting standards.
• Effectively manage data inputs into a Customer Relationship Management system.
• Initiate and lead donor and prospect calls, meetings, and tours.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends at special events and to meet deadlines.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in fundraising with a demonstrated track record of success in foundation relations, grant-writing and budget development.
• Creative and strategic thinker with superior written and verbal communication skills.  Writing samples required.
• Ability to thrive in an environment that emphasizes teamwork as well as individual initiative.
• Ability to build constructive and effective relationships with all levels of staff, donors, prospects, and public.
• Excellent organization skills to manage multiple priorities and projects and meet deadlines.
• Meticulous and consistent in matters of accuracy, presentation, and attention to detail.
• Driver’s license required.
• Mastery of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge donor tracking software preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in working for a cultural or educational institution preferred.