What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Manager position at American Horticultural Society?
Development Manager
American Horticultural Society – River Farm, Alexandria, VA
Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (1 work-from-home day per week)
Pay: $70,000/year (commensurate with experience)
Schedule: Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings/weekends during events
Benefits: Health insurance, Vision insurance, 401(k), Paid vacation, Paid sick leave
About Us
The American Horticultural Society (AHS) is a national nonprofit based at historic River Farm in Alexandria, VA. Our mission is to inspire gardening, share plant knowledge, and preserve natural spaces. We publish The American Gardener magazine, host national programs and symposia, and steward River Farm as both a public garden and an event venue.
Position Summary
The Development Manager plays a key role in achieving annual fundraising goals through donor engagement, gift processing, events, and communications. This position ensures timely appeals and acknowledgments, supports stewardship programs and special events, manages online giving, and collaborates with other teams across the organization. The Development Manager reports to the Director of Development and Engagement.
Responsibilities
- Produce donor appeals, mailings, and acknowledgments.
- Manage gift entry and supervise Data Processor for timely processing.
- Reconcile donations with Finance and prepare monthly reports.
- Develop and maintain gift documentation policies and filing systems.
- Support planning and execution of the annual Gala and donor events.
- Manage online giving platforms and donation forms.
- Oversee development-related materials such as invitations, signage, and newsletters.
- Maintain development pages of the AHS website in partnership with Communications.
- Collaborate across Membership, Finance, and Communications teams.
- Oversee the Children’s Nature Library and Reading Room at River Farm, including volunteers and community programming.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (required).
- 3–5 years of professional experience in fundraising, development, or nonprofit management.
- Experience with Annual Fund strategy and donor communications.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Availability for occasional evenings/weekends during events.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting fundraising events.
- Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge and Blackbaud NXT.
- Familiarity with Canva or similar design tools.
- Passion for plants, gardens, or horticulture.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $70,000/year, commensurate with experience
- Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave
To Apply
Submit a resume and cover letter (PDF or Word) describing your experience and interest to:
Katie Tukey, Director of Development & Engagement
ktukey@ahsgardening.org
Subject line: Development Manager Application
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission encouraged. Deadline: September 15.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
AHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. All new hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $70,000