Director of Philanthropy - Hockessin Delaware

Company: Breezy HR, Inc.
Location: Hockessin, Delaware
Posted On: 06/26/2025

About Mt. Cuba Center Mt. Cuba Center is a premier botanic garden and research institution dedicated to the conservation of native plants and the preservation of biodiversity. We inspire an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants through horticulture, education, and science. Located in the heart of the Delaware Valley, Mt. Cuba is at the forefront of ecological gardening and environmental stewardship. Position Overview Mt. Cuba Center seeks its inaugural Director of Philanthropy, a visionary leader tasked with building and leading our first comprehensive fundraising program. This is a unique opportunity to shape a strategic and sustainable philanthropic future for an institution with growing impact and national relevance. The Director will be responsible for establishing and overseeing all aspects of fundraising—including major and principal gifts, annual giving, foundation and government grants, corporate sponsorships, and donor stewardship. They will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Managers, and senior staff to develop a case for support and align development efforts with organizational goals and mission. We are looking for a dynamic, relationship-driven leader with a strong track record in institutional fundraising and a passion for nature, gardens, and environmental causes. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Design and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities and mission. Set annual revenue goals and benchmarks for performance; regularly analyze and report on progress. Cultivate a culture of philanthropy among staff and Board through training, engagement, and strategic advising. Oversee philanthropy budget and financial planning in coordination with leadership. Fundraising & Donor Development Lead efforts to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at all levels—individual, foundation, corporate, and government. Develop and manage donor pipelines and engagement strategies for major and principal gifts. Oversee the planning and execution of campaigns, donor events, and giving initiatives. Represent Mt. Cuba in public and philanthropic forums, acting as a key ambassador for the organization – ability and willingness to travel is critical. Annual Giving & Membership Provide strategic oversight of the Membership team and program. Integrate membership, annual giving, and volunteer engagement strategies to build a broader donor base. Lead the development and implementation of new annual giving initiatives and stewardship programs. Board & External Relations Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Managers on fundraising matters. Build relationships with external philanthropic partners, grant-making institutions, and community leaders. Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to develop compelling donor materials and case statements. First-Year Priorities Build a 5-Year Philanthropy Roadmap Develop and launch a strategic plan to grow annual philanthropic revenue to $3M within five years. Establish Infrastructure Evaluate and implement donor management systems and processes to support data-driven decision-making. Grow Philanthropic Networks Build relationships with prospective donors and partners who share our mission and values. Launch Core Programs Initiate foundational donor engagement and annual giving programs, including stewardship protocols and membership growth strategies. Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in nonprofit management, business, or related field preferred. 7–10 years of progressive fundraising leadership with demonstrated success in major gifts and program building. Experience in museums, public gardens, or mission-driven nonprofit organizations preferred. CFRE certification a plus. Skills & Attributes Proven success securing 5- and 6-figure gifts and cultivating long-term donor relationships. Strategic thinker with experience setting and achieving ambitious fundraising goals. Proficient in CRM and donor management systems (Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar). Strong communicator with excellent writing, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and reporting. Passion for environmental conservation and appreciation for the mission of public gardens. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in fundraising practices. Compensation & Benefits Salary: Commensurate with experience Schedule: Full-time, FLSA Exempt; primarily on-site with flexibility for occasional remote work Benefits Include: Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with up to 8% employer contribution Generous paid time off and leave Free garden admission Employee Assistance Program Professional development opportunities How to Apply Submit the following: Resume Cover Letter (required) Hiring Process Application review (begins week of July 21) Respond to an application questionnaire Virtual screening interview On-site interview with the Executive Director and strategic collaborators Take-home assignment On-site interview with the Leadership Team Final on-site interview with Board representatives Target Start Date: Late September to early October All applicants will receive status updates via email throughout the process. Commitment to Diversity Mt. Cuba Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds and communities to apply. If you need assistance or accommodations during the application process, please contact us at careers[a]mtcubacenter.org. More...

Register an account with us and set up job agents! We'll email you immediately when jobs like this are posted on our site.