Director, Individual Giving

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…