Assistant Director, Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Position: Assistant Director of Special Events and Individual Giving
Organization: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Description
DEPARTMENT: Development
REPORTS TO: Director of Special Events and Individual Giving
The Assistant Director of Special Events and Individual Giving is part of a Special Events team responsible for helping to fund the mission of Brooklyn Botanic Garden by generating approximately $1 million+ annually through an annual series of fundraising and cultivation events. This senior level management position is part of a 14-member team that raises approximately $5 million in annual operating support and seeks to raise an estimated $25 million in additional funding over the next 3 years to support the projects and goals of the Campaign for the Next Century.
BUDGETARY SCOPE: Responsible for approximately $400,000 and raising up to $1 million in income.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES:
Special Events
• Planning, budget development, and income/expense monitoring for all BBG fundraising events, in partnership with the Director of Individual Giving & Special Events and the Vice President of Development.
• Set annual special event fundraising goals with the Director of Individual Giving & Special Events and Vice President of Development. Help identify opportunities and strategies for achieving an increased base of support.
• With the Director of Individual Giving & Special Events, conceive and execute income generating strategies for fundraising events, including sponsorship and underwriting solicitation, peer-to-peer solicitations, ticket sale strategies, and ancillary fundraising activities. Develop cost-efficient, creative and effective ways to raise increased net revenue.
• Manage the production of all BBG fundraising events, including theme selection, catering, data management and gift processing, list selection, mailings, response tracking, production of printed materials, volunteer coordination, and event logistics. Create events and related materials that deliver a compelling message about BBG’s mission and goals.
• Assist in the management of committee activities, including identification, stewardship and cultivation of members, and oversight and administration of fundraising activities undertaken by the committee(s). Ensure committee members and volunteers are actively and constructively engaged and maintain a positive experience in working with the Garden. Encourage opportunities for them to learn more about BBG’s mission and related programs.
• Maintain exemplary relationships with the Garden’s on-site caterer, Charles, Sally & Charles, and any other outside caterers or vendors. Maintain existing and identify appropriate new relationships with businesses and individuals for gift bag, raffle/auction and other event-related donations.
• Oversee work of project-based consultants, vendors and volunteers.
• Work closely with Major Gifts, Institutional Funding team and the Capital Campaign teams.
Individual Giving
• With the Director of Individual Giving & Special Events, conceive and execute income generating strategies for individual giving, including annual email and mail campaigns. Develop cost-efficient, creative and effective ways to raise increased net revenue.
• Oversee production of spring and year end appeals. Ensure campaigns remain on target, budget, and time.
• Oversee Individual Giving gift processes including coding, tracking, reporting and acknowledgments.
• Identify ways for streamlining and making BBG processes more efficient.
Both Individual Giving and Special Events
• Engage current and incoming donor base for both programs
• Monitor progress toward projected goals; provide regular assessment/analysis and trouble-shooting as needed. Ensure high degree of accuracy and accountability.
• Communicate with members and donors to provide leads for Major Donor and Campaign cultivation, with a goal of building BBG’s major donor base. Help to expand and diversify BBG’s donor/member base overall, in partnership with other departmental staff.
• Mentor staff for Special Events and Individual Giving area.
• Create a strong connection with departments institution-wide to ensure the success of shared projects and goals, in particular: communications, design, operations, finance, horticulture, visitor services, volunteers, security, and other key program areas.
• Participate, as appropriate, in meetings with the President, senior management team, Board of Trustees and consultants, and special project planning, etc.
• Work with overall Development & Membership team on project development and long-range planning.
• Provide materials and project management support, as necessary, for other departmental events, institutional collaborations and partnerships.
• Sustain a team-oriented, supportive environment that maintains high standards, and encourages creativity, collaboration and professional growth.
• Perform other related duties or special projects as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
College degree required. Development professional with 5+ years experience and proven track record of success in creating/ implementing major fundraising events and furthering institutional goals. Candidate must be highly motivated, detail-oriented, able to juggle multiple projects, set priorities, trouble-shoot and meet deadlines. A strong marketing and mission-oriented sense to present the institution in print and other mediums and through events in inspiring and engaging ways. Skills in thinking strategically and creatively about ways of building relationships with new and existing members/donors and business partners. Exemplary communication, organizational, budgeting/fiscal management and computer/data management skills. A roll-up-the-sleeves, can-do approach to tasks both large and small. A creative team player with the ability to inspire, motivate and work collaboratively; flexibility and a positive attitude required. Background or strong interest in cultural institutions, environment, education and science desired. Raiser’s Edge competency required. Experience with RE Special Events module a plus.
Be available to work evenings and occasional weekends particularly during the Garden’s peak special events season (February through June).
How To Apply
Apply To:
Human Resources
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
1000 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Fax: 718-622-7826
Email: [email protected]
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
