Institutional Giving Manager

The Institutional Giving Manager (IGM) works closely with the Director of Development to maximize fundraising from corporate, foundation, and government entities. Key responsibilities include working collaboratively with the Director of Development to drive the long-range strategic planning process for securing sponsorships and grants, directing and facilitating the timely submission of effective grants and grant reports, and facilitating creative and collaborative corporate partnerships to build meaningful and mutually beneficial sponsorship packages. The IGM oversees and manages the Institutional Giving Assistant, who coordinates the Corporate Partnership program and assists in the grant writing process. The IGM also consistently collaborates with the Grants Administrator to ensure timely reporting, grant compliance, and effective budget tracking on all awarded funds.

Portland Japanese Garden raises approximately $2 million in annual funds and is currently amid a major campaign to raise an additional $25 million for The Japan Institute. The IGM routinely works cross-departmentally, collaborating with the Training Center, Garden, and Culture Art and Education departments to find funding opportunities for programs. They also intersect with departments such as Finance, IT, Marketing, and Membership.

This position is great for an experienced and dynamic fundraiser with exceptional writing and verbal skills. A passion for building and stewarding relationships is a must. It’s a great opportunity to learn and be an integral part of an experienced and growing development team, paving the way for more fundraising on a national level. The Institutional Giving Manager reports to the Director of Development and will be located at the Garden’s Sylvan office, located off the Sylvan exit of Highway 26, with the possibility to work from home one or two days per week. The ability to readily move between the Garden’s multiple sites and to/from donor offices is a must.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: For the safety of our staff, volunteers, and guests, Portland Japanese Garden requires all staff and volunteers to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, including the booster. Candidates must be fully vaccinated by their hire date and must provide proof of vaccination upon hire.

Primary Duties 

Foundation and Government Relations

• Oversee stewardship, prospecting, and expansion of organization’s foundation and government constituency base
• Direct and facilitate a timely and efficient grant writing process, pooling all available resources including the Director of Development, Institutional Giving Assistant, and external grant writing consultants (as needed)
• Compose proposals for private and corporate foundations as well as government agencies, with an emphasis on proposals over $25,000
• Track annual revenue targets for funding in foundation and government giving
• Work creatively and collaboratively with program coordinators to develop compelling cases for funding (includes budget development)
• Working collaboratively with the Grants Administrator to develop and maintain grants application/reporting schedule as well as review grant criteria for compliance

Developing and Maintaining Corporate Relationships

• Oversee stewardship, prospecting, and expansion of portfolio of regional, national, and international corporate partners
• Oversee Institutional Giving Assistant in creation of annual solicitation calendar, including solicitation assignments to Director of Development and Institutional Giving Assistant
• Work closely with the Institutional Giving Assistant to create corporate partnership materials
• Oversee Institutional Giving Assistant in all aspects of Corporate Partnership program, including tracking annual targets, creating creative ways to partner with prospective corporate funders, working with Events department to implement unique corporate events, etc.

General Development Department Responsibilities

• Utilize and maximize potential of Tessitura CRM database
• Working closely with Institutional Giving Assistant, maintain complete and organized internal files for all corporate, foundation, and government donors, prospects, and grants
• Assist with the planning of and attending special events at the Garden and offsite
• Other duties as assigned

Other Responsibilities  

• Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
• Educate self to have knowledge and confidence to give Garden tours
• Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication
• Serve as a role model for Garden volunteers, providing support and encouragement to volunteers in their roles across the Garden
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance
• Adhere to Garden Dress Code (business casual)

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.

• Minimum 3 years fundraising experience, with a proven record of successful fundraising results in the institutional giving arena
• Impeccable writing skills, with a specific emphasis on grant writing and/or experience with creating compelling and persuasive proposals
• Familiarity with corporate sponsorship procurement
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Exemplary organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities
• Ability to exercise judgement and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and a complex CRM (Tessitura experience preferred)
• Experience with program budgeting and an understanding of financial statements
• A proven track record of working well with others, adapting to others’ work styles, and professional interactions with co-workers and/or vendors
• Strong listening skills, giving full attention to what other people are saying or asking, taking time to understand the points being made, and asking questions when appropriate
• Knowledge of, or strong interest in learning about, Japanese arts and culture is a plus
• Experience in the development department of a public garden, museum, cultural center, or performing arts organization is preferred, but not required

Special Requirements

• Must be able to periodically work evenings/weekends, as required
• Must be comfortable working in an open office environment
• Must be able to work from a desk for the duration of the workday
• Must be able to navigate all areas of the Garden for guest tours and various events
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for up to 3 hours at events and receptions

Compensation & Schedule

• Salary: $55,000 to $60,000 per year, DOE
• This is a full-time, salaried position with 40-45 hours per week. Shifts are typically 8 hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm, with a 30-minute break for lunch.
• Benefits:
  • health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees)
  • 401k plan (after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
  • up to 8 weeks of paid family and medical leave
  • flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
  • paid vacation, sick, and holiday time
  • free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • free membership to Portland Japanese Garden
  • free reciprocal access to other local attractions such as the Portland Art Museum, Lan Su Chinese Garden, OMSI, and Oregon Zoo

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related references through our online Career Center. Please also provide, separate from your cover letter, two grant writing samples (1-3 pages each). Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications.

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be scheduled, as submissions are received. Early application is encouraged. All submitted applications will be held in confidence.