ABOUT US

Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens (Foundation & Friends) is a not-for-profit organisation that builds the community that supports the growth, sustainability and impact of the Botanic Gardens. This includes the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, the Domain, the Australian Botanic Gardens Mount Annan, and the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens Mount Tomah.

The recently renewed vision of Foundation and Friends is for ‘a thriving, connected community that leads fundraising and philanthropy to help the Gardens realise their vision’. That is the people, communities, institutions and industries are informed and inspired by our Botanic Gardens, public spaces and the Australian Institute of Botanical Science. We aim to motivate them to recognise the importance of plants in their lives and to support their conservation.

It is an exciting time to be joining the team at the Foundation & Friends as a new 5-year transformative strategic springboard has just been finalised with the Board supportive of investment for future growth to enhance its support of one of Australia’s oldest cultural institutions.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The primary purpose of this role is to assist the CEO form the fundraising strategy, build a fundraising team, and drive the fundraising income and supporter retention programs.

This includes ensuring the stewardship of our high value donors and bequestors and identifying opportunities for high level engagement. In addition, you will be responsible for developing the annual fundraising plan and identifying new income generating opportunities. The role coordinates and implements an annual cycle of fundraising appeals and donor communications.

This role will lead the development of a comprehensive planned giving program, as well helping establish a culture of philanthropy at Foundation & Friends and the Gardens.

MAIN RESPOnSIBILITIES

A. Development and implementation of annual fundraising program

• Assist the CEO create and deliver a fundraising strategy focused on growth, with an emphasis on major donors, philanthropy and planned giving
• Develop the annual fundraising plan and budget in line with organisational and fundraising strategy
• Implement a regular program of appeals, including end of financial year appeal
• Work with the Communications & Marketing Manager on initiatives to attract new donors, members and other supporters
• Undertake regular reporting to the CEO and Board against agreed KPIs
• Work closely with the Development Committee in developing longer term initiatives and strategy
• Ensure a strong collaborative approach to fundraising for the Gardens with the RBGDT.

B. Relationship management

• Proactively identifying potential donors, high net worth individuals, corporate partners and bequest donors with a view to developing long term relationships/partnerships and funding streams
• Create compelling cases for support for each target group and/or individual
• Develop a donor retention program, including an effective supporter journey and ongoing monitoring of key KPIs
• Implement individual relationship management plans for high value donors and prospects
• Manage the mid donor Waratah program, ensuring a high level of engagement and renewal
• Ensure an ongoing program to promote leaving a bequest gift to the Gardens via Foundation & Friends, including ongoing engagement with the bequestors
• Coordinate an annual schedule of thank you and engagement events for donors and bequestors
• Ensure all donor and retention materials and regular communications are up to date.

C. Other Duties

• Build a new fundraising team, including staff, volunteers, advocates and third-party suppliers
• Ensure the accurate management of data related to donors, members and prospects
• Assist the development and implementation of the One Front Door strategy between the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust and Foundation & Friends
• Ensure all fundraising is compliant with best practice and relevant legislation
• Assist in identifying, developing and managing grant applications, including those from the RBGDT
• Support and assist in other projects as required by the CEO (or delegate) from time to time.

The Head of Fundraising reports directly to the CEO of the Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens.

ABOUT YOU

Essential criteria

• Demonstrated experience and relevant qualifications in fundraising, marketing or similar fields
• Proven record of being involved with developing strategy or/and annual business plan for fundraising income generation purposes
• Excellent planning, delivery and coordination of projects in a multi-task environment with an eye for detail
• A proven track record of success in relationship fundraising, including major gifts and/or planned giving, in a fast paced and complex environment
• Proven experience of managing a diversified portfolio of fundraising activities
• Demonstrated computing skills including database and excel reporting and analysis. Experience in data segmentation and analysis, preferably for fundraising purposes
• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of people

• Advanced communication skills (writing and verbal), including with the public and in digital environments
• Experience with working with CRM databases, including ThankQ and/or Salesforce.

Desirable Criteria

• Have had experience in paid or voluntary work for a not-for-profit organisation, especially within environment or cultural institutions
• Experience in building teams and programs to maximise impact.

A position description is attached.