Employment at River Farm

American Horticultural Society
Director of Institutional Advancement
September 2011

The American Horticultural Society (AHS), a nonprofit national membership organization located in Alexandria, Virginia, is seeking a full-time Director of Institutional Advancement.

The AHS has nearly 20,000 members across the country and around the world. Through membership in the Society, members receive a variety of benefits (including The American Gardener magazine, complimentary admission to gardens across North America, an annual Member’s Seed Exchange, and exclusive on-line content) as well as help support the Society’s vision of “making America a nation of gardeners, a land of gardens.” The Society’s national headquarters is located at River Farm, a historic 25-acre property in Alexandria, Virginia.

As a key report to the Executive Director, the Director of Institutional Advancement is expected to establish and achieve fundraising goals and priorities and actively lead the institution’s advancement in this area. He/she is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing a comprehensive program designed to secure ongoing support and major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Society is seeking a creative critical thinker to join our leadership team and work closely with the staff, Board, and volunteers to help facilitate an exciting reinvigoration of the AHS which is underway in anticipation of the institution’s centennial in 2022.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working with multiple regional and national constituencies, generate increased interest and involvement in the work of the American Horticultural Society, creating openness to current and future opportunities for support

• Establish fundraising goals and priorities in partnership with the Executive Director and actively lead the development program

• Create, organize, and execute fundraising projects and events

• Develop effective programs to expand existing partnerships with corporations and foundations; strategically cultivate, solicit, and provide stewardship for major corporate and foundation gifts

• Support programs related to seasonal and annual fund appeals as well as membership development

• Cultivate and grow a pool of loyal donors and prospects, including directing the AHS President’s Council program, producing communications tailored to donors, and being attentive to each step of the donor cycle

• Partner with staff and other stakeholders to identify and pursue grant opportunities in support of operations, strategic initiatives, and capital projects

• Develop a strategic plan and set in place a framework to foster long term support through a comprehensive planned giving program

• Provide strategic direction and day-to-day leadership in support of capital fundraising initiatives and the stewardship of major donors

• Forge constructive partnerships with other staff members; contribute to, and serve as a resource for the Society’s programs and activities

• Serve as a coach, teacher, and mentor for organizational leaders

• Partner with Board leadership, committee members, consultants, and vendors on planning, management, production, and evaluation of activities and projects

• Collaborate with other members of the AHS staff to insure timely and accurate flow of information, efficient processes, and the highest level of member/donor service

• Provide analysis for, and support development of related budgets and institutional reports; actively monitor performance to budget objectives

Desirable Qualities, Qualifications, and Experience:

• 5+ years hands-on experience in roles reflecting successful career progression in developing and managing a comparable institutional advancement program

•  Demonstrated success in personally raising substantial funds through major gifts from individuals, institutions, and corporations

• Experience working with organizational leaders and high-level volunteers

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

• Appreciation for the importance of gardens and gardening, environmental sustainability, and related quality of life aspects

• Demonstrated good judgment, personal integrity, and a well-developed sense of discretion

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and professional demeanor

• Ability to balance and excel in both strategic and tactical thinking

• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks; collaborative, efficient, and productive work style

• Exceptional leadership and developmental skills to effectively manage and develop teams

•  Experience with Raiser’s Edge database, charity registration requirements, and familiarity with research tools available to the fundraising community

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred

To be considered, please send cover letter, resume, and three references to:

Sue Galvin, Executive Assistant
American Horticultural Society
7931 East Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA 22308
Fax: 703-768-8700
E-mail: sgalvin@ahs.org

Position is open until filled. To find out more about the AHS, please visit http://www.ahs.org.

 Internships at River Farm

• Horticultural internships with the American Horticultural Society  are open to anyone interested in a career in horticulture, with preference given to those pursuing a degree or who have completed a degree in horticulture, or a related field. Click here for more information.
   

• Communication/Editorial internships with the American Horticultural Society are open to any college-level student of journalism, English, horticulture or related fields, and to adults with relevant experience who are making a career change or seeking additional training. Click here for more information.
   

• Member Programs and Outreach Internship with the American Horticultural Society is open to individuals interested in nonprofit management. The Summer 2011 Internship is funded by the ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program and requires the intern to be a current full-time undergraduate student, returning full-time in the fall of 2011.  Click here for more information.

7931 East Boulevard Drive - Alexandria VA 22308
(V) 703.768.5700 - Toll Free: 1.800.777.7931
(F) 703.768.8700 - Publications Fax: 703.768.7533

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