Director, Individual Giving

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Director, Individual Giving is a key position within the Development team at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, responsible for advancing a comprehensive strategy for individual philanthropy. Reporting directly to the Vice President, Development, this role leads the strategy and execution of all individual fundraising efforts, overseeing the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors at all levels, from membership and annual supporters to major and planned gift prospects, and plays a central role in building long-term relationships that sustain and advance the Arboretum’s mission.

JOB SUMMARY :

The Director, Individual Giving leads the strategy and execution of all individual fundraising efforts for the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This position oversees the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors at all levels - from membership and annual supporters to major and planned gift prospects, and plays a key role in building long-term relationships that sustain and advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Reporting to the position of Vice President, Development, the Director works closely with prospective and current members and donors, Advancement colleagues, and other internal stakeholders to design and implement strategies that grow membership, annual, major, and planned giving; strengthen donor engagement; and expand the pipeline of philanthropic support aligned with the Arboretum’s four pillars of Environment, Excellence, Engagement, and Experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive individual and membership giving strategy encompassing membership, annual, mid-level, major, and planned gifts.
• Establish annual and multi-year fundraising goals and performance metrics in coordination with the Vice President, Development and Chief Advancement Officer.
• Lead the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual members, donors, and prospects.
• Collaborate with the Chief Advancement Officer on strategy for principal and transformational gifts.
• Work in partnership with the Marketing and Guest Experience team to ensure cohesive donor communications, recognition, and brand alignment.

Major and Planned Giving

• Manage a personal portfolio of 75–100 major and planned giving prospects, cultivating relationships through personalized engagement strategies.
• Develop customized cultivation and solicitation plans that align donor interests with organizational priorities.
• Prepare and deliver compelling proposals and presentations for individual prospects and families.
• Partner with outside advisors, legal counsel, and the Finance department on complex or deferred gifts.
• Serve as internal resource for staff and volunteers on planned giving strategies and vehicles.

Membership, Annual, and Mid-Level Giving

• Oversee the strategy, design, and execution of the membership and annual fund programs, including direct mail, digital campaigns, and personalized appeals.
• Supervise gift officers, managers, and coordinators responsible for membership, annual, and mid-level donor engagement and renewal.
• Partner with Membership and Guest Experience teams to create conversion strategies from members to donors.
• Analyze donor data and giving trends to inform segmentation, messaging, and retention strategies.

Stewardship and Donor Engagement

• Collaborate with the Donor Relations and Events teams to plan cultivation and recognition events, including receptions, previews, and leadership gatherings.
• Ensure all donors receive timely acknowledgments and meaningful recognition consistent with Arboretum standards.
• Develop stewardship reports, impact communications, and legacy society materials.
• Engage the Board and key volunteers in peer-to-peer solicitation and donor engagement activities.

Team Collaboration and Management

• Supervise membership and individual giving staff, providing mentorship, clear goals, and performance feedback.
• Partner closely with the Director, Development Operations to ensure data accuracy, moves management, and gift reporting integrity.
• Collaborate with the Director, Institutional Giving to coordinate solicitations and cross-sector opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative Culture of Philanthropy across Advancement and the organization.

Requirements:

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
• Minimum of (5) five to (7) seven years of progressively responsible experience in individual, membership, major, and/or planned giving.
• Proven record of securing and stewarding five- and six-figure gifts from individuals.
• Experience managing staff and working effectively across teams and departments.
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge NXT (or similar CRM) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Key Competencies and Attributes

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to inspire confidence among donors, board members, and colleagues.
• Strong written and verbal communication, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Organized, analytical, and results-oriented with high attention to detail.
• Enthusiastic advocate for the Arboretum’s mission and values.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Full-time, exempt, in-office position.
• Occasional evenings and weekends are required for donor cultivation and events.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Ability to pass all pre-employment requirements including a criminal background check and drug test

To help you stay energized, engaged, and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including comprehensive healthcare, a 401K, and Paid Time Off (PTO).

The mission of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is to be a garden for all that enriches lives through beauty, learning, and connection. We are a world-class sanctuary where people and plants flourish in the natural environment.

The Dallas Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics or disability unrelated to job performance.