Manager, Annual Giving

Job Description

The Manager of Annual Giving is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to increase annual philanthropic support from individual donors at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This position manages the Arboretum’s annual fund, oversees donor renewals and upgrades, and builds a strong pipeline of future major donors.

Reporting to the Director of Individual Giving, the Manager collaborates across the Advancement Division to integrate direct mail, digital, and personal solicitation efforts while ensuring donors experience meaningful connection to the Arboretum’s mission and its four strategic pillars.

About Us

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden supports equal opportunity and accessibility for all and promotes a safe and engaging experience that welcomes all to enjoy. We seek to inspire and engage people of all backgrounds by creating a positive and impactful experience.

The Arboretum has been listed among the top arboretums in the world and the number of honors is so extensive it is listed on our website. The Dallas Arboretum is proud to offer the public an array of popular annual events, educational programs for children and adults, and an emphasis on family-oriented activities. Ground-breaking horticultural research conducted in our Trial Gardens continues to contribute to an important body of knowledge, both regionally and nationally.

Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, the Arboretum’s 66 acres include a complete life science laboratory with endless potential for discovery. For more information, please check out our website at https://www.dallasarboretum.org

Duties & Responsibilities

Annual Fund Strategy and Management
• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive annual giving plan that includes direct mail, email, online giving, and personal outreach.
• Establish and meet annual revenue and participation goals for unrestricted and designated giving.
• Create segmented strategies for donor acquisition, renewal, and upgrade.
• Manage campaign timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships for annual appeals.
• Partner with Marketing & Guest Experience to ensure consistent messaging, design, and brand alignment.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100–150 annual donors and prospects, focusing on mid-level gifts ($1,000–$9,999) and leadership society members.
• Conduct personalized stewardship and cultivation, including thank-you calls, notes, and in-person engagement.
• Collaborate with the Donor Relations team on acknowledgments, donor listings, and recognition events.
• Work with Guest Experience and Membership teams to identify and convert members into annual donors.

Campaign Execution and Data Management
• Oversee production and tracking of annual giving campaigns, including segmentation, response analysis, and reporting.
• Collaborate with Advancement Operations to maintain accurate donor records, pledges, and reports in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Analyze giving trends and report progress toward goals, recommending data-driven adjustments throughout the year.
• Ensure timely donor acknowledgments and consistent follow-up communications.

Collaboration and Cross Department Coordination
• Partner with Development, Marketing, and Guest Experience teams to align fundraising and audience engagement efforts.
• Collaborate with the Director of Institutional Giving on corporate matching gift programs.
• Assist with special events and donor cultivation activities as needed.
• Support overall campaign and fundraising initiatives under the leadership of the Chief Advancement Officer and Director of Individual Giving.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree required; background in nonprofit management, communications, or marketing preferred.
• Minimum of three to five years of experience in fundraising, membership, or marketing, preferably in a nonprofit, cultural, or higher education setting.
• Experience with direct mail, digital fundraising, or annual fund management strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge NXT or other donor CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Skills and Attributes
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Creative and strategic thinker with strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Data-driven approach with comfort in analyzing campaign performance.
• Collaborative, flexible, and mission-driven professional demeanor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Occasional evening and weekend work required for donor and public events.
• Ability to pass all pre-employment testing, including a background check and drug screening

Additional Information

To help you stay energized, engaged, and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including comprehensive healthcare, a 401K, and Paid Time Off (PTO).

The mission of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is to be a garden for all that enriches lives through beauty, learning, and connection. We are a world-class sanctuary where people and plants flourish in the natural environment.

The Dallas Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics or disability unrelated to job performance.

Application Instructions

Officially apply here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=39c36789-b8b3-4457-b596-d2cceb167d33&ccId=19000101_000001&type=MP&lang=en_US