Major Gifts Officer

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is home to 16 acres of outdoor display gardens and a 10,000 square foot tropical conservatory. A top tourist attraction in Madison, Olbrich is committed to a culture of sustainability and education so that everyone - including future generations - can experience and learn about the fascinating world of plants and gardens. Olbrich Botanical Gardens is operated through a public/private partnership between the City of Madison and the Olbrich Botanical Society, the non-profit organization that raises over $4 million each year to support the daily operation of the Gardens.

Olbrich Botanical Society seeks a skilled major gifts officer to help achieve our major gift fundraising goals and steward a group of donors vital to current and future success. As part of the fundraising team, this position is responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of 100+ donors/prospects, both individual and institutional. With personalized stewardship plans for each donor, the MGO will build and maintain strategic relationships with new and existing major donors. 

This is a new position at Olbrich and comes at an exciting time, with the Gardens set to enter a Master Planning process later this year, which will lead to considerable capital campaigns. The Botanical Society has doubled its operating budget in the past 10 years, with significant growth in its development and membership budgets, and great potential within its community of donors, members, and volunteers.

Candidates who are sincere, detail-oriented, and have a genuine enthusiasm for building relationships and matching donor interests with Olbrich’s mission will do well in this position. We’re hoping for someone interested in continuing to build their career at Olbrich for the long term, as continuity will be critical for Olbrich’s sustained success. Most of Olbrich’s development team have been with the organization for 10+ years, with the newest fundraiser on the team for 4 years. As a respected community institution, Olbrich’s stability is appreciated by staff and donors alike, allowing great opportunity to build meaningful relationships.