• Do you enjoy being a part of a team that is always looking for new ways to engage with and grow your community?
• Are you energized by finding creative solutions to challenging situations?
• Are you passionate about inspiring others to live more sustainably?

If this sounds like you, come join us at Brookside Gardens with Montgomery County Parks in Wheaton, MD! Brookside Gardens, a 50-acre horticulture display garden in Wheaton, Maryland, is hiring an Assistant Director for Advancement to join our leadership team. We are looking for someone who shares our passion for connecting people and plants with the goal of creating a healthy environment for all.  This position reports to the Director of Brookside Gardens. 

The Assistant Director for Advancement is responsible for building a strong network of partners, sponsors and donors who share our goals for Brookside Gardens and collaborate to bring those goals to life.    The Assistant Director for Advancement will play a key role in implementing our strategic plan, which envisions Brookside Gardens as a cherished community partner deeply rooted in community, cultural connections, inclusivity and environmental stewardship 

With more than 1,000,000 visitors per year, Brookside Gardens is a local, regional, and national attraction for those seeking gardening inspiration and a beautiful escape from the everyday. We welcome applicants who reflect the diversity of our community and can help us become a more inclusive place for staff, volunteers and visitors. To learn more, visit us at www.brooksidegardens.org\ 

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner.  Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 415 parks and over 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC metro area. 

Visit our website to learn more: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available!

Fundraising

• Develops and implements a comprehensive fundraising program for Brookside and McCrillis Gardens.
• Coordinates fundraising and donor cultivation activities with the Montgomery Parks Foundation and the Friends of Brookside Gardens.
• Tracks multiple donor funds, controls expenditures, facilitates reimbursements, and ensures timely use of the funds for the intended purposes

Community Engagement

• Supervises staff who manage the Volunteer Program, including volunteer recruitment and selection, volunteer training, development of standardized volunteer policies and procedures, volunteer recognition, and staff training.
• Identifies partnership opportunities with garden and conservation-oriented groups, particularly communities of color and other groups who are underrepresented among our staff, volunteers and program participants.
• Partners with professional organizations to offer symposia and other events.

Communications

• Coordinates outreach and marketing activities for programs and events, collaborating with work program managers in other units to develop content.
• Coordinates public relations for the Gardens. Acts as point of contact for media inquiries and coordinates media appearances with appropriate staff.
• Editor of Cultivate Magazine and Program Guide, including the development, maintenance and use of a mailing list database.

Important Skills and Characteristics

• Ability to effectively build rapport and connections with the Brookside Gardens community.
• A demonstrated commitment to creating a sense of belonging among staff, visitors, volunteers, and donors.
• Proven track record with data collection, statistics, data analytics, and a record of applying quantitative methods to decision making. 
• Ability to synthesize data and transform it into coherent, strategic workplans.
• Ability to manage and resolve complex problems of administrative, interpersonal, and professional nature.
• Superb written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Advanced degree or certificate in museum studies, non-profit management, communications, or similar field. 
• Progressively responsible fundraising experience with success in securing five- and six-figure gifts. 
• Experience working in public gardens, museums, parks, or similar cultural non-profit organizations. 
• Experience in strategic planning, project implementation, and financial management. 
• Bilingual candidates strongly desired, especially those fluent in Spanish, Chinese, French, Korean, and/or Vietnamese.

1. Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture or any related field.
2. Four (4) years of professional experience in horticulture or closely related field.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
4. A valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's licenses must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.
5. Maryland State Pesticide Applicator’s License may be required within twelve (12) months of employment, dependent on assigned duties of the incumbent.