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Greenwood Gardens

Development Director

Greenwood Gardens, Short Hills, New Jersey, us, 07078

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GREENWOOD GARDENS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

OVERVIEW Greenwood Gardens is a treasured public garden, a former private estate incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2003 and accessible to the public since 2013. Located in Short Hills, New Jersey, approximately 25 miles west of New York City, Greenwood is a historic garden oasis with terraced gardens, woodlands, meadows, grottoes, fountains, Arts and Crafts follies, and winding paths. Guided by a five-year strategic plan, the organization aims to increase visitation through revitalization of historic features, enhanced educational and entertaining programs, and broader community recognition as a peaceful haven. Greenwood has completed capital projects, expanded parking, renovated key garden areas, and is entering a new growth phase focused on expanding and deepening donor support to sustain operations, future capital projects, and endowment. Greenwood seeks a dynamic Development Director to build on these accomplishments and lead long-term development efforts. POSITION SUMMARY/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES In consultation with the Executive Director, the Development Director (DD) will lead fundraising efforts for operating, capital, and endowment needs and secure donations. The DD will serve as a liaison to the Development Committee (DC) and its Chair (DCC). The Development Associate (DA) reports to the DD. The primary responsibilities include: Fundraising Planning and Implementation Assist the Executive Director, with support from the Development Committee, to execute the Development Plan and meet fundraising goals of approximately $1.2 million+ annually in support of a $2 million annual operating budget, securing support from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Develop and maintain relationships with existing and new major donors. Develop tailored strategic plans (Moves Management) for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors, using the existing donor base and other sources. Employ wealth screening, Greenwood’s database, and other research tools to identify prospective donors. Maintain the forward Development calendar to track all steps involved with implementing individual donor plans. Manage Greenwood’s existing portfolio of major donors and identify new prospects; deploy the Executive Director and Trustees in direct face-to-face solicitations; provide strategic counsel on donor communications. Grow a large, sustained base of annual individual donors and steward key segments such as loyal donors, major gift donors, and planned giving using tailored cultivation and communications approaches. Lead efforts to conduct research on foundations and corporations aligned with Greenwood’s mission, identify grant opportunities, and oversee the solicitation process. Create and maintain tracking reports. Prepare Development reports for three annual Board of Trustees meetings. Development Department Administration Oversee the Development Associate’s management of the donor database, research within the database, timely acknowledgement of all donors through letters and our newsletter Seasons, and updating letter content. Oversee the DA’s development of grant requests for submission. Regularly track and report progress toward fundraising goals. Fundraising Event Management In consultation with the Executive Director and select Development Committee members, manage planning and execution of donor events and receptions, including the Garden Luncheon, Autumn Soiree, and Friends’ Night. For the Garden Luncheon held each spring, develop the theme, budget/revenue goals, secure catering, and, with the DA’s help, silent auction items. Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Manager and DA to develop event collateral materials and communications for the Garden Luncheon (save-the-date, invitation, program, and guest list). Ensure timely printing and mailing of materials. Oversee the DA’s tracking of ticket sales, attendance, sponsors, and silent auction donations; coordinate with the event Benefit Committee; manage food and beverage, guest list, invitations, RSVPs, and related logistics for events. Direct Mail Campaign Management In collaboration with the Executive Director and the DA, develop annual written appeals and donor communications on topics such as the Greenwood Gardens Legacy Society (planned gifts) and special events, through email, direct mail, and Seasons. Manage project timelines to ensure deliverables are met. QUALIFICATIONS B.A. degree from an accredited university. Seven-plus years of development experience with demonstrated success in securing annual major gifts of $100,000+ for operations, endowments, and capital projects. Strong organizational, managerial, and communication skills; able to work independently, understand the big picture, and pay attention to detail. Solid knowledge of donor database management, including maintaining donor information, running reports; proficiency with Versai is a plus and Microsoft Office is required. Proficiency in crafting cogent written content for donor communications. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Willingness to work full-time on-site at Greenwood and attend evening and weekend programs and events as needed; flexible schedule as required. Team player. TO APPLY Please send your resume and a cover letter expressing your reasons for applying to: aoneill@greenwoodgardens.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

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