Assistant Director for Development, Major Gifts, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Job Posting Title:

Assistant Director for Development, Major Gifts, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

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Hiring Department:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER

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Job Details:

Organization Description 

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to inspiring the conservation of native plants through its garden, education, research and outreach programs. Founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982, the Wildflower Center is the state botanic garden of Texas, a treasured Austin gem, and a national leader in the field of native plant education, sustainable landscapes, land restoration and research. It is home to the largest living collection of Texas native plants in the state, welcomes over 276,000 visitors annually, has over 17,000 members and reaches more than 2 million people per year through its website and plant database. The Center is focused on improving landscapes, promoting biodiversity, and connecting people with our environment.

 

Benefits-eligible Wildflower Center staff members enjoy the robust health, vacation, and retirement benefits of The University of Texas at Austin employees. Wildflower Center staff also get free parking and annual membership, discounts on Center classes, access to Wildflower Center featured events, and discounts at the Gift Store and Wildflower Café.  

 

Purpose 

The Assistant Director of Development, Major Gifts, plays a pivotal role in advancing the Wildflower Center’s mission by securing significant philanthropic support. Reporting to the Director of Development this position focuses on identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors with the capacity to give $100,000 or more with an emphasis on gifts of $25,000 or above. The role includes building relationships in major Texas metropolitan areas and key out-of-state markets with new prospects and existing donors. 

 

 Responsibilities 

Major Gift Fundraising

• Maintain a deep understanding of the Wildflower Center’s mission, vision and strategic plan.  

• Build and carry an active portfolio of 50-100 prospective donors. 

• Engage in qualification, strategy, development, relationship building, and closing of major gifts at $100,000+ for the Wildflower Center’s annual fund. 

• Lead fundraising efforts for ongoing and new special events and exhibitions including our summer exhibition campaign of $250,000 per year. 

• Prepare and deliver compelling funding proposals to prospective and current donors. 

 

Strategic Planning & Stewardship

• Collaborate on goal setting, proposal preparation, strategy development, and stewardship strategies for donors in the portfolio.  

 

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with organizational leaders and development colleagues to create organization-wide funding opportunities aligned with campaign goals.  

 

Data Management & Reporting

• Utilize CRM systems (e.g. VIP, Raiser’s Edge, etc.) and prospecting tools to maintain accurate records of donor engagement, proposals, contact reports, donor strategies, and forecasting.  

• Prepare timely reports, letters, proposals, and gift agreements following donor contact.  

 

Teamwork & Event Support