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Work at the Most Beautiful Garden in Toronto

The Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) is a mission-driven botanical garden dedicated to fostering a connection between community and nature, while making a meaningful impact on Toronto’s ecosystem.

TBG is a vibrant destination that inspires a love for plants and sustainable living.

As Toronto’s premier location for experiencing sustainable horticulture, TBG offers visitors the opportunity to explore their role as stewards of the environment. With free admission and an annual attendance of 300,000 visitors per year, TBG invites everyone to engage with nature, offering a dynamic year-round calendar of events, community tours, eco markets and more.

TBG’s educational programs cater to children, families, and adults of all experience levels, drawing more than 17,000 participants each year. From gardening and conservation to sustainability, wellness, and creativity, TBG provides a diverse range of learning opportunities.

TBG is a hub for nature enthusiasts with 2,900 members, 130+ dedicated volunteers, and 30 member organizations, all contributing to a growing and passionate network of nature lovers.

Join Our Team and Help Inspire Toronto’s Connection with Nature!

The TBG is on an exciting growth trajectory, aiming to become an iconic cultural landmark. Its vision is to excel in plant-focused education, captivating displays, natural area restoration, plant conservation, and research. When fully developed, the 35-acre site will welcome over 1 million visitors annually.

Sponsorship and fundraising play a pivotal role in supporting this growth. The TBG seeks a passionate and driven Development Associate, Sponsorship and Fundraising to join TBG’s 20+ member team dedicated to connecting the city of Toronto—and its many visitors—with the beauty and importance of nature.

Position Overview:

This pivotal role will combine the art of persuasive fundraising with the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of various supporters including sponsors, mid-to-major level donors, and foundations (grants). The successful candidate will play a significant role in securing and growing revenue by connecting with supporters, crafting compelling proposals, and building lasting relationships through donor-centered stewardship. As TBG expands, enhanced leadership opportunities and significant career development will be available for those involved in its mission.

Skills You Bring to the Role:

• Strategic Fundraising and Donor Relations: You raise funds and/or promote sponsorship by building strong relationships with supporters. Your focus on long-term stewardship and personalized engagement helps secure sustainable, impactful funding.
• Relationship Building and Networking: You thrive in environments where relationship-building is key. You are adept at engaging diverse stakeholders—sponsors, donors, grantors, and other funders—and fostering ongoing communication to deepen those connections. Your interpersonal skills allow you to cultivate trust, foster collaboration, and create mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Storytelling and Communication: You are skilled at translating complex ideas and initiatives into clear, compelling stories that resonate with a diverse range of audiences. Your ability to craft persuasive messages helps inspire engagement and investment in TBG’s mission.
• Proposal & Grant Writing Expertise: You bring ability or interest in researching, writing, and submitting persuasive, tailored proposals to a wide variety of funders. Your ability to craft compelling narratives ensures that TBG’s initiatives are clearly communicated, increasing the likelihood of funding success.
• Event Planning & Project Management Skills: With strong organizational skills, you excel at managing multiple projects and executing VIP events. You are adept at setting clear timelines, managing resources, and ensuring all deadlines are met with attention to detail.
• Research and Data Analysis: You possess research and analytical skills, enabling you to identify new funding opportunities, evaluate donor potential, and track the effectiveness of grant and fundraising strategies.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: You are a team player who enjoys collaborating with cross-functional teams, including development staff, program leaders, and executives.
• Technical Proficiency: You are proficient in using donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and have experience working with project management tools to streamline workflow and track progress. Your strong command of Microsoft Office Suite ensures that all written materials and reports are professional and polished.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: You bring an adaptable mindset, capable of navigating changing priorities and solving problems efficiently. You are solution-oriented and focused on results.
• Passion for the Mission: You are deeply passionate about TBG’s mission to connect people with nature. Your dedication to environmental education, sustainability, and community engagement drives your enthusiasm for helping the organization achieve its goals and expand its reach.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising (75%):

• Oversee the identification, research, cultivation and solicitation of corporate sponsors, mid-level and major gift donors, and grantors.
• Manage a portfolio/pipeline of prospects, tracking submissions and ensuring ongoing engagement and personalized communication to strengthen funder relationships.
• Develop clear, targeted, and persuasive solicitations, proposals and impact reports that effectively communicate TBG’s impact and value.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of materials and adherence to deadlines.
• Create compelling case statements and donor proposals that highlight the impact of TBG’s programs and the importance of supporting its mission.
• Work closely with TBG’s leadership and program directors to ensure fundraising strategies are aligned with organizational priorities.
• Support the Director of Development and CEO to develop annual and campaign plans that increase revenue.
• Support and engage with fundraising and other volunteers to achieve department goals.

Writing, Reporting & Other Forms of Donor Stewardship (25%):

• Use storytelling to communicate TBG’s mission and impact, building compelling cases for support that resonate with donors and funding partners.
• Collaborate with others on the development team to lead and/or organize donor recognition events and stewardship activities, ensuring donor retention and fostering long-term partnerships.
• Regularly report on fundraising progress, highlighting key opportunities and tracking success metrics for sponsors, donors, grantors, and other funders.
• Submit progress reports to funders/sponsors, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and maintaining strong relationships with funding partners.

Qualifications:

• Experience with corporate, mid-to-major gift fundraising, or grants, including donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive proposals and compelling donor-facing materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, stakeholders, and colleagues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively, with strong organizational, project and event management skills.
• Familiarity with donor database software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products, Canva, and Constant Contact.
• A deep passion for TBG’s mission to connect people to nature and its role in enhancing Toronto’s environment.
• A bachelor’s degree or diploma in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, communications, fundraising) or equivalent experience is helpful.

Benefits and Opportunities:

• Contribute to the growth of an iconic organization that is expanding to become a premier cultural and natural Toronto landmark.
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with a passionate team of professionals.
• Access professional development opportunities, including mentorship and career advancement in fundraising and nonprofit management.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Why Join TBG?

A Time of Exciting Growth: Join TBG during a transformative period as we work towards becoming one of Toronto’s leading natural and cultural assets.

• Leadership Opportunities & Career Development: Take on meaningful responsibilities, leading sponsorship and fundraising strategies to expand our reach and impact. Thrive in a supportive environment that fosters professional growth, with mentorship from experienced philanthropic leaders.
• Compensation & Flexible Work Options: This role offers $52,000 - $70,000 in compensation. Flexible scheduling, and remote work opportunities one or more days per week are available. Note that evening and weekend work is required at times, especially during warmer months.
• Inspiring Workplace: Surround by Gardens and greenspace all around, TBG’s Development office is housed in a historic building designed by Raymond Moriyama, located at the intersection of 777 Lawrence Avenue East and Leslie Street. The office is easily accessible via TTC, on the 54 Eglinton or 162 Lawrence bus routes and the soon-to-open Leslie Street stop of the Eglinton LRT.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our team!

The deadline to apply is Monday, March 31. Please apply to the position and share your resume, and a one-page cover letter.

After applying through Indeed, complete your application with two actions:

1) Please call Melanie Lovering, Director of Development, at 416-397-1372.

2) Message Melanie Lovering. Director of Development on LinkedIn.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Type: Full-time, exempt

Equal Opportunity Employer

Toronto Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a welcoming, safe, diverse, and inclusive environment. TBG's workplace has a long-standing policy of providing fair, equitable, and accessible opportunities for all employees and prospective employees. TBG encourages all qualified applicants for employment regardless of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, or disability status.

Location

777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, ON

For more information, visit torontobotanicalgarden.ca.