About Botanica
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens is one of the region’s premier cultural and environmental institutions, located in the Riverside neighborhood of Wichita, Kansas. Since opening in 1987, Botanica has grown into a nationally recognized Top Ten botanical garden welcoming more than 350,000 visitors annually from 49 states and more than 23 countries. Spanning 20 acres of beautifully developed gardens, with opportunities for future growth, Botanica offers immersive seasonal plant displays, world-class art exhibitions, and signature events such as the annual Tulip Festival and the award-winning Illuminations Holiday Light Display. Botanica inspires curiosity, learning, and a deeper connection to nature for visitors in all seasons. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Botanica plays a vital role in the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of the Wichita community and the region. In 2025, its economic impact on the region was $19 million.
Position Summary
The Assistant Director of Development is a strategic fundraising leader responsible for growing contributed revenue through corporate partnerships, foundation support, annual giving, and institutional funding strategies. This relationship-centered fundraiser strengthens engagement with the greater Wichita region and collaborates closely with Events, Marketing, and Finance teams to develop compelling partnership opportunities—including the Illuminations Holiday Light Display, Tulipfest, Art Exhibitions, and Educational Programs. As a key member of the Development team, this position supports a diversified, sustainable fundraising program rooted in donor engagement, strategic partnerships, and community impact.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Fundraising Leadership
- Partner with the Director of Development to implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes:
- Corporate philanthropy and partnerships
- Foundation and grant funding
- Annual giving
- Events and special initiatives
- Contribute to achieving $750,000+ in annual contributed revenue.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including revenue growth, retention, engagement, and pipeline development.
- Support planning and execution of institutional fundraising initiatives and campaigns as applicable.
Corporate, Foundation and Institutional Giving
- Lead and grow corporate partnerships and foundation support.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate donors, sponsors, and institutional funders.
- Develop customized proposals and partnership packages aligned with:
- Community impact
- Education and accessibility
- Environmental stewardship
- Brand visibility and engagement opportunities
- Negotiate partnership agreements and multi-year commitments.
- Identify new funding opportunities across industry sectors and philanthropic sources.
Annual Giving and Donor Engagement
- Support and enhance annual giving strategies and broad-based donor programs.
- Strengthen donor loyalty through effective stewardship practices and consistent engagement.
Partnership Development and Stewardship
- Manage a portfolio of corporate partners, foundations, and annual donors/prospects.
- Ensure high-quality stewardship, including:
- Timely acknowledgment and recognition
- Impact reporting and communications
- Fulfillment of partnership benefits
- Oversee execution of corporate benefits such as employee engagement, public recognition, and event participation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with Marketing, Events, Education, Guest Services, and Finance to:
- Develop compelling funding opportunities
- Align partnership benefits with programming and guest experience
- Integrate partners into Botanica’s storytelling and brand
- Support key institutional initiatives including:
- Illuminations Holiday Light Display
- Tulip Festival
- Art Exhibitions
- Educational Programming
- Prepare proposals, reports, and presentations for leadership and partners
Data, Systems and Performance Management
- Maintain accurate records of donor activity and pipeline in the CRM system.
- Track and report on revenue, partnership performance, and engagement metrics.
- Analyze data to inform strategy, forecasting, and continuous improvement.
- Partner with Finance on invoicing, reconciliation, and reporting.
- Ensure compliance with:
- Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethical Standards
- IRS guidelines and institutional policies
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or CFRE preferred.
- 2+ years of experience in nonprofit development, corporate fundraising, or relationship-based revenue generation.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to corporate audiences.
- Proven relationship building and negotiation skills.
- Proficiency in the use of applicable donor/membership database software (CRM system).
- Knowledge of and fundamental adherence to the principles, ethics, and best practices of fundraising.
- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to analyze data for revenue forecasting and strategy optimization.
- Ability to work extended and/or irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed
- Ability to safely operate a golf cart
- Ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas Driver's License and reliable transportation
- Ability to work without posing a threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace
Preferred
- Experience in cultural, environmental, educational, or mission-driven organizations.
- Knowledge of corporate philanthropy, sponsorship marketing, and foundation funding trends.
- Experience working with Boards or volunteer leaders in fundraising efforts.
- Familiarity with CRM platforms such as Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, Tessitura, or Veevart.
- Experience in cultural, environmental, educational, or mission-driven organizations.
- Knowledge of corporate philanthropy trends, community engagement, and marketing.
- Experience working with boards or executive leadership in donor cultivation.
- Proficiency with CRM/database systems and Microsoft Office. Salesforce for Nonprofits, Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge, Tessitura, and Veevart experience.
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking and revenue planning
- Partnership development and relationship management
- Communication and storytelling
- Collaboration and cross-functional leadership
- Data-driven decision-making
- Results orientation and accountability
To Apply
Email a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with the position name in the subject line.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
