Director of Philanthropy

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. Meijer Gardens is ranked among the 100 most visited art institutions in the world. The organization embraces the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture & sculpture. Meijer Gardens' commitment is to create a legacy of lifelong learning, enjoyment, and a rich cultural experience for generations to come.

Department: Philanthropy

Supervisor: Vice President of Advancement

Pay Type: Salary, Exempt, Full-Time

Position Summary: Provide inspirational leadership and management to the Philanthropy department, and actively participate in the management team and serve as a staff liaison to the Board of Directors and to committees of the board as related to this position. The Director of Philanthropy leads and coordinates fundraising efforts to secure sponsorship, capital, annual, planned, and special purpose gifts, and identifies grant opportunities and other sources of funding-with the goal of increasing Frederik Meijer Garden’s total philanthropic revenue.

Essential Functions

• Understand the complex and broad scope of the philanthropic landscape of West Michigan.
• Understand and take a lead role in honoring and providing stewardship to the gifts received by all donors, The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation, and The Meijer Foundation.
• Provide leadership, support, and guidance to the members of the Philanthropy department.
• Provide strategic recommendations to the Vice President of Advancement for the planning, implementation, evaluation, and administration of all fundraising activities.
• Support efforts related to recruitment and renewal of memberships for Cultivation Circle and Society members.
• Lead responsibility for donor and sponsorship fulfillment.
• Assist Vice President of Advancement with programs and policies including the development of goals and budgets.
• Supplement the Vice President of Advancement’s role on the executive team to advance the organization’s overall goals that include fostering a culture of philanthropy.
• Proactively communicate.
• Ensure all applicable regulations and laws regarding charitable giving and donor acknowledgement are followed.
• Display accountability, accurate attention to detail, confidentiality, cooperation, timeliness, and guest-centric attitude.
• Report and communicate the above and any other duties assigned by the Vice President of Advancement.
  
  
  

Education and / or Qualifications preferred:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or any combination of equivalent education, training, and work experience.
• Experience: At least 8 years of experience in philanthropy, fundraising, nonprofit management, communications and marketing. Minimum 5 years supervisory experience required.
• Skills/Knowledge/Licenses: Knowledge of Salesforce Nonprofit software desired. Multitasking, flexibility and quick decision-making skills required. Must have leadership and management skills to lead department staff.
  
  
  

Organizational Expectations

• Embrace Meijer Gardens’ mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.
• Embrace the organization’s non-profit status and commitment to serving and treating the public with dignity and working with a broad and diverse group of employees, volunteers, members, and guests in a respectful and professional manner.
  
  
  

Working Conditions: Basic mobility is expected in offices, grounds, and exhibition areas. Ability to observe details at close range and communicate information accurately with others. Manage occasional lifting tasks, and ability to handle objects weighing up to 20 pounds with ease and regularity. This job operates in a professional indoor office environment, across grounds, and exhibition areas. Occasionally, may be required to work outdoors under inclement weather conditions. Occasional assignment to off-shift duties. Requires the willingness to work nontraditional hours and attend external events. Physical presence on the premises is required to interact with Philanthropy and Membership team members to meet team objectives.

As part of our onboarding process, all new hires are required to complete our background check.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.