Advancement Coordinator

Job Description

The Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH) seeks an Advancement Coordinator to support our fundraising initiatives and events. The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree and some experience with non-profits in back-of-office fundraising, communications, or special events. The Advancement Coordinator works closely with the Director of Advancement to support our day-to-day operations. They also play a central role in event planning, membership, and engagement. The position is also responsible for the administration of DCH’s donor database and volunteer database. The successful candidate will have a growth mindset, a flexible can-do attitude, and a willingness to try new initiatives with an aim to grow, steward and sustain DCH donors and members. DCH promotes a culture of equity, inclusion, respect, collaboration and accountability – where all people, plants and places can thrive.

About Us

Since 1977, the Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH) has worked alongside communities to transform underutilized and overlooked spaces into vibrant places of beauty, connection, and resilience. Founded by volunteers and members of the Garden Club of Wilmington, DCH began as a small volunteer-led initiative, and has grown into a trusted leader in urban greening, environmental education, and community revitalization throughout Wilmington and New Castle County.

We are rooted in the belief that access to nature, clean air, healthy food, and green space is essential — not optional. Much of our work takes place in neighborhoods that have faced disinvestment, blight, environmental burdens, and limited access to green spaces. By integrating horticulture with workforce development, public health, and sustainability, we help strengthen the social fabric and create greener, more livable communities.

Duties & Responsibilities

Event Planning and Coordination:

Coordinates the planning and execution of fundraising, donor engagement, and community-facing events, including logistics, timelines, vendors, volunteers, materials, and on-site support.

Serves as primary staff support for development-related events, coordinating internal staff, board members, volunteers, and external partners to ensure successful execution.

Develops and maintains event planning materials such as run-of-show documents, task lists, timelines, and post-event follow-up items.

Assists with tracking event-related budgets, registrations, attendance, and post-event reporting.

Creates event-specific materials such as signage, sponsor recognition displays, donor acknowledgment materials, and branded giveaways.

Supports donor cultivation, stewardship, and sponsorship recognition activities.

Assists with planning and coordination of development-related events connected to DCH’s facilities and rentals, as applicable.

Membership:

Lead the membership program with a focus on: growth; promotion, recruitment, fulfillment, stewardship and retention.

Coordinates membership benefits, manage member discount program, track and report on membership numbers monthly; plan member appreciation and recruitment activities and events.

Supports the creation of donor-facing materials such as sponsorship packets, invitations, one-pagers, and stewardship materials.

Administration and Database Management:

Processes memberships and giving in the database, preparing donor acknowledgments, receipts, and thank-you communications.

Maintains and updates automated donor and member communications related to development activities.

Performs routine CRM maintenance, including data entry, record updates, and clean-up.

Conducts donor and prospect research and presents findings in an organized and usable format.

Meetings and Committee Support:

Provides administrative and logistical support to the Advancement Committee, including meeting preparation, minutes, materials, and follow-up.

Maintains tracking tools and documentation related to development and committee activities.

Other Duties:

Performs other duties as assigned in support of DCH’s overall activities. As is common in nonprofit organizations, this role may involve supporting a range of initiatives across the organization, with flexibility to assist where needed in alignment with the Center’s mission and priorities.

Education and Experience

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, business, design, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

2+ years direct experience in coordination, administrative, events and fundraising related support roles, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.

Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Flexible, and willing to learn, grow, and adapt in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.

Experience supporting events, donor engagement, marketing, or outreach activities.

Working knowledge of digital and graphic design tools (such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva, or similar), and comfort creating or coordinating visual materials.

Proficiency with common office and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office) and comfort learning new systems, including donor databases or CRM platforms.

Experience working with volunteers, committees, board members, or external partners.

Interest in environmental, educational, or community-based work.

Additional Information

Physical Demands and Work Environment :

Work is performed primarily in-person in an office environment and occasionally in the field. Field assignments may require some physical exertion and occasionally contend with adverse weather conditions requiring safety precautions. Evening or weekend work to attend meetings and events is sometimes required. A flexible schedule is permitted. The position is subject to DCH’s Employee Handbook.

Salary Range and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $46,000–$48,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The DCH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

-PTO and Paid Holidays

-Health, dental, and vision insurance

-Employer-matched retirement plan (TIAA)

-Flexible scheduling options to support work-life balance

DCH considers candidates for all positions on the basis of qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, genetic information, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or status as a disabled veteran or other protect classification and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

DCH reserves the right to change this job description as conditions change and as job opportunities/work required.

Application Instructions

Email resume or CV with cover letter and three professional references to: careers@thedch.org Please reference Advancement Coordinator in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and the position is open until filled.