Foundation Relations Manager

Summary: Develops and manages relationships with new and existing foundations. Manages grant submissions for new and renewal donors and prospects including all grant writing, cultivation and stewardship aspects. Collaborates with Garden staff and community organizations for the purpose of researching and securing new funding to enhance Garden initiatives. In coordination with various internal constituents, builds new relationships with leaders of major regional, national and international foundations. Monitors grant processes and ensures compliance with funder guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements strategies to increase foundation and sponsorship support of the Garden's priorities in conjunction with priorities set by our Intuitional Advancement leadership team.
• Prepares materials and meets other support needs as requested by division management for communication with Board members and other key volunteers engaged in gift solicitation.
• Assists with the sponsorship program to secure support for the Garden in exchange of sponsorship recognition and promotion. Helps to identify, cultivate and steward sponsorship partnerships to enhance public events and exhibitions. Oversees foundation relations program, including proposal management among Garden divisions. Identifies, cultivates and stewards foundation donors and trustees. Works collaboratively with internal and external sources for prospect research, grant writing and grant reporting.
• Assists with general correspondence and Bulletin articles.
• Maintains an updated calendar of deadlines and next steps for foundation proposals and grant reports for projects across all Garden Divisions.
• Works with division staff to ensure accurate gift entry and record maintenance of all corporate and foundation records (active and archive), including the reconciliation of non-Development generated grants that are initially received and recorded through the Controller's Office.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves & communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Coordinator, Foundation Campaign and Grants

Competencies:

• Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration - Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years experience in the resource development field, inclusive of grant writing and progressive foundation relations experience.
• Proven ability to engage and interact, demonstrating a strong customer service orientation, with a wide variety of foundation representatives, corporate and community leaders.
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with internal team members for the purposes of achieving goals/objectives.
• Proven track record of taking ownership of projects through successful completion required; coordinating multiple projects and tasks simultaneously; strong initiative.
• Adheres to all health and safety policies/procedures.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications or a related field required.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Intermediate to advanced skill level using Microsoft Office Word and Excel programs required; strong working knowledge of Outlook features (specifically the electronic calendar feature) required and PowerPoint preferred.
• Proficient experience using database software programs (i.e., Tessitura, Raiser's Edge).

Language Skills:

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  • Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).
  
  
  
  

Mathematical Skills:

• Proficient H. S. Basic math skills; requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques, effective sales strategies, and problem resolution.

Physical Demands:

• Requires ability to make frequent telephone calls and routine in-person visits to the organization's current and future corporate donors and prospects.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the work day
• Must be able to lift and carry 20 pounds when transporting supplies and assisting constituents; occasional hands-on participation with event set-ups required.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., step stool ladders, etc.).
• Ability to move up and down stairwells (multiple MBG buildings have stairs); walk about facility frequently throughout work day; frequent standing, reaching and stooping - 25% or more of the workday may be spent standing on feet.
• Ability to drive (use of surrey to conduct constituent tours and meetings).
• Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors.

Work Environment:

• Quiet indoor office setting; office environment with multiple staff within the department, operate standard office equipment to include computer, copier, fax machines, and other equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., humid conditions, temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering general questions regarding the questions regarding horticulture collection, Garden's operations, events, facilities, etc.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

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  • Other Institutional Advancement Division staff as well as cross-divisional staff.
  • High profile donors to the Garden.
  • Garden volunteers and vendors.
  • Colleagues in other non-profit organizations.
  
  
  
  

Supervisor:

• Director, Major and Institutional Giving