Director of Philanthropy

Director of Philanthropy

Red Butte Garden and Arboretum is one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West, a regional center for plant-based science education, conservation and research, and cultural enrichment. As part of a state arboretum that encompasses the University of Utah campus, the Garden cultivates an essential urban forestland of over 2,000 trees in 456 different taxa. The Garden has welcomed guests since 1985 and consists of over 20 acres of developed gardens, and approximately five miles of hiking trails winding through an extensive 80-acre natural area. Community-funded, the Garden is renowned for its diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and spectacular mountain setting, with nearly 600,000 springtime blooming bulbs, award-winning horticulture-based educational programs, and an iconic outdoor summer concert series.

Guests come to the Garden for a myriad of reasons : to connect with nature, to participate in cultural programs, concerts, and wellness activities, and to attend lectures, classes and workshops. Innovative childrens education programs promote environmental sustainability, and educate the next generation of botanists and naturalists, while engaging classes inspire adults to remain lifelong learners. The Garden seeks a Director of Philanthropy with the track record, energy, and drive to lead the philanthropic activities of an iconic cultural institution and one of the foremost botanic gardens in the Intermountain West. The primary objectives include obtaining major gifts for capital projects and annual operating support, achieving annual fundraising objectives in a competitive market, securing sponsorships for existing programs, managing a planned giving program, and supporting a results-driven department.

Reporting to and working closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Philanthropy will provide the leadership, coordination, and implementation of the Gardens comprehensive fundraising programs and activities and will lead efforts to fund multiyear campaigns and Garden initiatives that emerge. The director will also serve as liaison to the Red Butte Garden Advisory Board. This position will support and partner with the Executive Director and the Gardens Advisory Board in efforts to identify, attract, and cultivate major donors and ensure that the Garden is well positioned in the philanthropic landscape. With over 13,000 active Garden Members, there is a unique opportunity to enhance major gifts fundraising through strategic pipeline management and outreach.

As a member of the leadership team, the Director of Philanthropy will assist in fostering and maintaining a culture of inter- and intra-departmental collegiality and dialogue, while implementing a forward-thinking fundraising strategy to meet annual and long-term fundraising goals. The Director of Philanthropy will be an inclusive, inspirational leader who fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration, and community.

The Director of Philanthropy will provide strategic leadership and direction for the Gardens philanthropic and membership programs, including our Cottam Club giving society and our Concert Donor Club. In this role, the director is responsible to identify, cultivate, and solicit donations and gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. The director will make direct contact with potential donors and foundations, and maintain donor relations within the procedures determined by the University Presidents Office related to donor clearance. The director will lead our annual giving program, appeals, and targeted giving campaigns. The director will oversee the membership program and will help develop and implement strategies to retain existing members and increase recruitment of new members with value-based membership programs and benefits. The successful candidate will build and maintain relationships with philanthropic organizations, with the University of Utah Advancement Office, and other individuals and organizations throughout the community while ensuring that all fund-raising activities are in compliance with state and university policies.

This is a full time, benefited position eligible for the excellent benefits package at the University of Utah including medical, dental, tuition reduction, and a generous retirement contribution.