Major Gifts Officer (Finance)
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: Olbrich Botanical Gardens is home to 16 acres of outdoor display gardens and a 10,000 square foot tropical conservatory. In addition to being a top tourist attraction in Madison, the outdoor gardens include 20 unique specialty gardens and received the 2022 American Horticultural Society Garden Stewardship Award. Indoors, the tropical Bolz Conservatory exhibits an extraordinary collection of exotic plants and orchids complemented by colorful birds and koi. Olbrich is committed to a culture of sustainability and education so that everyone - including future generations - can experience and learn about the fascinating world of plants and gardens. Olbrich Botanical Gardens is operated through a public/private partnership between the City of Madison and the Olbrich Botanical Society, the non-profit organization that raises over $4 million each year to support the daily operation of the Gardens.
PURPOSE OF POSITION: Olbrich Botanical Society seeks a skilled major gifts officer to help achieve our major gift fundraising goals and steward a group of donors vital to current and future success. As part of the fundraising team, this position is responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of 100+ donors/prospects, both individual and institutional. With personalized stewardship plans for each donor, the MGO will build and maintain strategic relationships with new and existing major donors.
This is a new position at Olbrich and comes at an exciting time, with the Gardens set to enter a Master Planning process later this year, which will lead to considerable capital campaigns. The Botanical Society has doubled its operating budget in the past 10 years, with significant growth in its development and membership budgets, and great potential within its community of donors, members, and volunteers.
Candidates who are sincere, detail-oriented, and have a genuine enthusiasm for building relationships and matching donor interests with Olbrichs mission will do well in this position. Were hoping for someone interested in continuing to build their career at Olbrich for the long term, as continuity will be critical for Olbrichs sustained success. Most of Olbrichs development team have been with the organization for 10+ years, with the newest fundraiser on the team for 4 years. As a respected community institution, Olbrichs stability is appreciated by staff and donors alike, allowing great opportunity to build meaningful relationships.
