Director, Institutional Giving (Development & Fundraising)

Job Description Job Description Description: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is seeking a Director, Institutional Giving to lead corporate and foundation fundraising strategy and efforts to support the garden’s exhibitions, education programs, capital projects, and annual operations. Currently reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer and ultimately reporting to a new Vice President, Development, this role builds and manages relationships with key institutional partners while crafting compelling proposals and sponsorships that reflect the Arboretum’s pillars of excellence, engagement, environment, and experience. The ideal candidate combines strategic fundraising vision, persuasive writing, and relationship-driven leadership. JOB SUMMARY : The Director, Institutional Giving leads the strategy, cultivation, and stewardship of corporate and foundation funding partners for the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This position manages a comprehensive institutional giving program that supports exhibitions, educational initiatives, capital projects, and annual operations. Working collaboratively across departments, the Director develops compelling proposals, sponsorship packages, and impact reports that reflect the Arboretum’s mission and its four pillars of Environment, Excellence, Engagement, and Experience. This role combines strategic fundraising leadership with strong writing, relationship management, and data-driven planning skills to expand the Arboretum’s base of institutional support. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: Institutional Fundraising Strategy Develop and execute a comprehensive plan to grow revenue from corporate and foundation sources. Set annual and multi-year goals for institutional giving in alignment with organizational priorities and Advancement objectives. Manage a portfolio of institutional prospects and donors, leading all aspects of identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Partner with the Chief Advancement Officer and senior leadership to develop proposals for transformational gifts and sponsorships. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships Lead the creation and implementation of corporate sponsorship opportunities for exhibitions, public programs, and special events, such as Dallas Blooms, the Food & Wine Festival, Autumn at the Arboretum, and Holiday at the Arboretum. Collaborate with the Marketing, Sales, Special Events, Membership teams and other internal stakeholders to align sponsorship benefits, recognition, and activation with organizational goals. Oversee the fulfillment of sponsor deliverables, including logo placement, signage, hospitality, and reporting. Cultivate relationships with corporate leaders, marketing executives, and community partners to sustain and grow sponsorship support. Foundation Grants Identify new foundation, private, and public funding opportunities that align with the Arboretum’s mission and priorities in education, horticulture, capital expansion, and community engagement. Write compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports with clear outcomes and impact narratives. Coordinate grant budgets and financial reporting with Finance and program staff to ensure compliance with funder requirements. Maintain an annual corporate sponsorship and grants calendar to track submission and reporting deadlines. Collaboration and Internal Partnerships Work closely with senior leadership, program directors, and marketing to identify institutional priorities and articulate funding needs. Partner with the Marketing and Guest Experience teams on collateral, recognition, and storytelling that amplify sponsor visibility. Collaborate with the Director, Development Operations to ensure accurate gift entry, tracking, and reporting in Raiser’s Edge NXT. Engage the President/CEO and key board members in cultivating and stewarding top institutional prospects. Stewardship and Reporting Develop tailored stewardship plans to recognize institutional funders through events, media, and reports. Coordinate impact reporting, data collection, and visual storytelling to demonstrate measurable outcomes. Ensure institutional donors receive timely acknowledgment, benefit fulfillment, and engagement opportunities. Requirements: SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum of (5) five to (7) seven years of progressively responsible experience in institutional giving, grant writing, or corporate relations. Proven record of securing and managing five- and six-figure grants or sponsorships. Strong experience collaborating with internal teams on proposal development and deliverable fulfillment. Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge NXT, Microsoft Office, and project management tools. Key Competencies and Attributes Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and persuasive storytelling. Strategic thinker with ability to translate institutional priorities into compelling cases for support. Excellent organizational and time-management skills with meticulous attention to detail. Confident relationship-builder who thrives in both corporate and philanthropic settings. Collaborative, adaptable, and enthusiastic about advancing the Arboretum’s mission. Work Environment Occasional evening and weekend hours are required for donor and sponsor events. Ability to pass all pre-employment testing, including a criminal background check and drug screening Valid driver's license 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.