Director of Advancement

Job Description

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, a 16,000+ acre protected forest in Kentucky, about 25 miles south of Louisville, is seeking an individual to provide leadership, coordination, and implementation of Bernheim’s comprehensive fundraising, membership, and advancement activities.

The Director of Advancement will collaborate with the President and CEO, Board of Trustees Advancement Committee, and the Advancement team to achieve the organization’s goal of raising over $2+ million in combined unrestricted and restricted funds on an annual basis. As a member of the leadership team, the initiative-taking Director of Advancement will develop a forward-thinking fundraising strategy to meet annual and longer-term Advancement goals for operations/projects.

About Us

Bernheim is home to a 600-acre arboretum, designated as Kentucky’s official arboretum. The natural landscape features 40+ miles of hiking trails and extensive natural areas managed for conservation and research purposes. Its woodlands, prairies, and wetlands make up the largest privately-owned forest in the Eastern United States dedicated to education and conservation. Bernheim is a privately owned not-for-profit, relying on donations and memberships, whose mission is to connect people with nature. Annually, over 350,000 people experience Bernheim through visits, educational programs, field trips, and Bernheim festivals.

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Duties/Responsibilities
• In partnership with the President and CEO:
*Set annual fundraising strategy and goals for unrestricted, restricted, corporate sponsorships, capital, and
membership activities.
*Must be comfortable soliciting both major and planned gifts. Cultivate long-term relationships and solicit donations
from a portfolio of major and mid-level donors, while identifying and attracting a new generation of donors.
*Assist in enhancing giving and networking with Bernheim’s Board of Trustees.
*Engage the Board of Trustees and other centers of influence in a comprehensive campaign.
• Lead and work collaboratively with the Advancement team to:
*Set strategy, priorities, and expectations, and maintain comprehensive metrics to track areas of success and identify
areas of improvement.
*Ensure records, solicitations, grants, planned gifts, and donor acknowledgements are effectively managed.
*Provide coaching and training for Advancement team, including developing annual performance plans with defined
goals and metrics.
• Work with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure fundraising activities support annual operating expenses and needs.
• Initiate and collaborate with other Bernheim team members across departments to create funding opportunities, materials, and strategies for all departments and initiatives across the organization.
• Demonstrate agility, champion progress, and celebrate successes within Advancement and across the organization.
• Lead in setting agendas, delivering reports, and soliciting input and assistance at Advancement Committee meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Experience and Expectations
• Minimum five years of proven achievement in non-profit fundraising or related field.
• Proven success asking for and closing six- to seven-figure gifts, written solicitations, fundraising program management, grant writing, and a successful record in raising donations.
• Knowledge of current trends in fundraising including individual, corporate, planned giving, and events.
• Bachelor’s degree in non-profit leadership, business management or a related field; a combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience with a capital campaign; collaborating with a consultant a plus.
• Knowledge of natural history, modern art, and environmental issues is beneficial.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong experience managing and coaching a team of three or more.
• Ability to work independently with high attention to detail, navigating changing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google applications, and experience with database software systems such as Altru.
and strategies for all departments and initiatives across the organization.

Additional Information

This full-time, salaried position reports to the President and CEO.
Salary: Commensurate with experience.
Competitive benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance, retirement 403(b) match benefit, and paid sick, holiday, and vacation leave.

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Application Instructions

Please send all inquiries and resumes to: HR@bernheim.org.