The Development Manager works closely with the Development team to maximize giving from individuals and corporations. Key responsibilities include overseeing premium membership ($1500+) renewals; coordinating standard corporate renewals; managing all fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events; strategic project management for special fundraising appeals; collaboratively working with the Development team on donor recognition plans; and oversight of the Development Assistant, the Garden’s primary database administrator. The position also manages a small portfolio of individual and corporate donors ($1500-$2500).
Portland Japanese Garden raises approximately $2 million annually and is currently embarking on a major campaign to raise an additional $15+ million in funds for the Japan Institute. The Development Manager works collaboratively with the Marketing and Membership teams to structure dynamic and effective solicitation campaigns; they also collaborate with the Training Center, Garden, and Culture Art and Education departments to maximize cultivation and stewardship opportunities.
This position is great for someone who enjoys a mix of building relationships with donors; developing cases for support; designing and implementing events; and managing and analyzing data. It is a great opportunity to learn and be an integral part of an experienced and growing development team, while also leading efforts to develop and implement new modes of solicitation based on data, research, and evolving modes of communication. The Development Manager reports to the Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer.
Primary Duties
Solicitation
- With oversight from Director of Development, manage a portfolio of 20-25 portfolio of individual and corporate donors ($1500-$2500)
- Independently manage rolling renewals for $1500+ premium level members
- With oversight from Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer, provide support for corporate renewals
- Write and produce solicitation letters, including templates and customized letters
- Regular communication with donors related to donations, donor benefits, and events
- Strategy design, case development, and production of mail and electronic Annual Fund and special appeals, including creation of campaign expense budgets and revenue goals
- Working closely with marketing and communications, manage list segmentation for special appeals
- Creation and analysis of campaign progress and final reports
Events
- With oversight from Director of Development, create annual plan for Golden Crane Events
- Manage planning and production of department cultivation/stewardship events, including budget tracking, invitation lists, RSVP tracking in Tessitura, and event print materials (events are varied including exhibition openings, Night of 1000 Cranes, fundraising house parties, and one corporate partner events like Sake Tasting)
- Oversight of events on the day of
- Work with Volunteer department to staff events, as needed
- Work across all departments to manage in-kind catering and beverage “inventory”
Special Projects
- With oversight from the Director of Development, evaluate effectiveness of existing Global Ambassador Program
- Recommend changes, if needed, to existing Global Ambassador program
- Implement strategies to grow Global Ambassador program
Other Responsibilities
- Provide ongoing supervision and coaching for the Development Assistant, the Garden’s primary database administrator
- Communicate with donors, clients, staff, and other community partners in a friendly and professional manner
- Learn about Japanese culture and art as opportunities arise in the organization
- Maintain a high degree of discretion and confidentiality in dealing with sensitive information
- Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
- Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication
- Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance (business casual dress)
- Other duties and projects as assigned
- Adhere to Garden Dress Code (business casual)
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- At least three to five years of experience in development, or equivalent combination of different experiences
- Demonstrated proficiency with email platforms (like Mailchimp and Prospect2) and comfort with metrics and analytics
- Ability to exercise judgement and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information
- Strong proficiency with Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Experience using a complex CRM, preferably Tessitura
- Strong communication abilities – clear writing and articulate speaking ability
- A proven track record of working well with others, adapting to others’ work styles, and professional interactions with co-workers and/or vendors
- Strong listening skills, giving full attention to what other people are saying or asking, taking time to understand the points being made, and asking questions when appropriate
- Incredibly organized and highly proficient at keeping a systematic schedule and calendar
- Ongoing development and implementation of new processes to improve work efficiency and adapt to new systems
- Experience in organizing and working donor cultivation events of various types
- Experience in the creation and management of budgets
Special Requirements
- Must be able to periodically work evenings/weekends, as required
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position for several hours
- Must be able to work effectively in an open office environment
- Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions (for events only)
- Wage: $47,500 - $50,000 per annum, DOE
- This is a full-time, salaried position with 40-45 hours per week. Workday is typically 8.5 hours (including ½ hour lunch), M-F 8:30am to 5:00pm, with some flexibility. Occasional evenings and weekends required, with corresponding flexibility in weekday schedule.
- Benefits:
- health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees)
- 401k plan (after 90 days, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
- flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
- paid vacation, sick, and holiday time
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related references through our online Career Center (https://japanesegarden.org/careers). Please also provide, separate from your cover letter, a sample solicitation letter written by you. Solicitation sample can be for any real or fictional non-profit organization. Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be scheduled as submissions are received. Early application is encouraged.
All submitted applications will be held in confidence.
Portland Japanese Garden is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.