What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development & Membership Assistant position at Ganna Walska Lotusland?
Title: Development & Membership Assistant
Classification: Full-Time 40-hour work week, Non-Exempt
Department: Development
Reports To: Donor & Member Relations Manager
Compensation: $24.00 - $26.00 / hour
Schedule: The schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 am -5:00 pm. Occasional weekend or evening hours are required. This is an in person role.
About Lotusland:
Ganna Walska Lotusland is a 37-acre botanical garden and historic estate located in Montecito featuring a collection of over 3,000 plant species from around the world as well as historically significant Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Since opening to the public in 1993, Ganna Walska Lotusland has grown to become one of the world’s premier botanical gardens and a center for sustainable garden practices, horticultural education, and plant conservation.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to preserve and enhance the distinctive botanical gardens and estate of Madame Ganna Walska. Lotusland educates and inspires visitors with its collections, sustainable horticulture practices, and plant conservation.
Position Summary
Ganna Walska Lotusland, a world-renowned nonprofit botanical garden in Montecito, California, seeks a motivated and detail-oriented Development & Membership Assistant to support the garden’s fundraising and membership programs.
This position plays a vital role in donor and member relations by managing accurate database records, processing gifts and memberships, assisting with fundraising and cultivation events, and providing exceptional customer service to Lotusland’s members and donors. The ideal candidate will bring strong organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a passion for supporting the mission of Lotusland.
Key Responsibilities
Database and Gift Processing:
- Record and code all contributions—including donations, grants, memberships, pledges, tributes, and event gifts—into Salesforce.
- Scan and upload supporting documents.
- Maintain accurate donor and member records in Salesforce and Veevart ticketing platform.
- Generate acknowledgment letters and ensure timely donor recognition.
- Prepare regular reconciliation reports with the Development Operations Manager.
Membership Program Support:
- Assist with membership processing, renewals, and new member onboarding.
- Assist with member communications (phone and email), mailings, and e-newsletters.
- Maintain membership materials, coordinate mailings, and track benefit fulfillment.
Development and Event Support:
- Assist with fundraising and donor appreciation events including invitation management, tracking RSVPs, preparing materials, staffing events, and follow-up.
- Support sponsorship tracking and donor recognition.
- Assist with the invoice and collection of pledges and payments.
- Conduct basic research on donor prospects and help maintain donor portfolios.
- Provide administrative support for meetings, solicitations, and departmental projects.
- Provide exceptional customer service via phone, email, and in person.
- Assist with occasional errands off property such as going to the Post Office, FedEx, and donor deliveries.
Reporting and Data Analysis:
- Generate database reports to support fundraising goals and membership growth.
- Assist with compiling and copyediting donor and member listings for newsletters and the annual report.
- Contribute to ongoing data integrity and continuous process improvement.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Minimum of one-three years of administrative experience, preferably in a nonprofit organization.
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Strong computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
- Experience with fundraising or membership databases, Salesforce a plus.
- Experience with ticketing software, Veevart a plus.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Exceptional organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- Team-oriented, adaptable, and able to work effectively with staff, volunteers, and donors.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
Work Environment:
- Lotusland’s administrative offices are on a historic 2-story estate in a 37-acre garden.
- Frequent sitting and standing, walking, bending, and climbing stairs with occasional lifting of light loads (25 lbs.)
- Requires working outside at times and the ability to comfortably move around the garden.
- Frequent work on the telephone and computer (repetitive movement – typing)
- Frequent standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs and bending with occasional lifting of light to moderate loads (25 lbs.)
- Occasional driving of company electric golf carts.
The responsibilities and deliverables listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the individual in the position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or skills. Other tasks will be assigned as needed.
Benefits
- Health and dental care.
- Voluntary Supplemental Insurance, life insurance, and vision.
- Flexible Spending Account.
- 403(b) Retirement plans with an employer match after two years and up to 5%.
- Paid vacation and sick leave; Eleven paid holidays.
Additional Information
- Employment background/criminal check is required.
Lotusland Core Values:
Accountability: We take ownership of the commitments we make, holding ourselves accountable for our actions and decisions, both to ourselves and those we lead.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Our roles are interdependent, requiring intentional collaboration within teams to consistently achieve our mission.
Communication: Effective communication is crucial for building trust among our staff, board, and the larger community. We strive to share information clearly, consistently, and in a timely manner to foster understanding and commitment across our organization.
Trust: We aim to cultivate mutual respect and open communication throughout the organization. Employees are encouraged to openly share their perspectives and feel secure in taking risks to enhance the organization's effectiveness.
Integrity: Aligned with our guiding principles of honesty, fairness, and decency, we promote a strong ethic of integrity among individuals and leaders.
Lotusland is an equal opportunities employer. We acknowledge that equal employment opportunities for all people are fundamental to human value. Each employee will be considered based on individual ability and merit, without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, sex, or marital status.
No recruiters or agency calls please.
Salary : $70,000 - $75,000