Corporate Philanthropy and Partnerships Officer

About Botanica

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens is one of the region’s premier cultural and environmental institutions, located in the Riverside neighborhood of Wichita, Kansas. Since opening in 1987, Botanica has grown into a nationally recognized Top Ten botanical garden welcoming more than 350,000 visitors annually from 49 states and more than 23 countries.

Spanning 20 acres of beautifully developed gardens, with opportunities for future growth, Botanica offers immersive seasonal plant displays, world-class art exhibitions, and signature events such as the annual Tulip Festival and the award-winning Illuminations Holiday Light Display. Botanica inspires curiosity, learning, and a deeper connection to nature for visitors in all seasons.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Botanica plays a vital role in the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of the Wichita community and the region. In 2025, its economic impact on the region was $19 million.

Position Summary

The Corporate Philanthropy and Partnerships Officer leads Botanica’s corporate fundraising strategy, growing the number of corporate supporters, increasing philanthropic revenue, and strengthening retention year over year. This relationship-centered fundraiser manages a corporate donor portfolio, secures event and program partnerships, cultivates corporate foundation support, and ensures exceptional stewardship and benefit fulfillment. The Officer strengthens engagement with the greater Wichita region and strengthens the visitor experience by collaborating closely with Events, Marketing, Programs, Visitor Services, and Finance to develop compelling partnership opportunities—including the Illuminations Holiday Light Display, Tulipfest, Art Exhibitions, and Educational Programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Corporate Fundraising & Revenue Generation

• Develop and execute an annual corporate fundraising strategy to secure $750,000 or more in corporate support.
• Strengthen renewal strategies to increase long-term corporate loyalty.
• Identify new industry sectors and emerging corporate opportunities.
• Identify, solicit, steward, and renew corporate gifts, sponsorships, and partnerships.
• Create customized partnership proposals aligned with corporate marketing and community engagement goals in collaboration with the Director of Development.
• Negotiate multi-year agreements and partnership renewals.
• Track progress toward revenue goals and maintain accurate forecasting and reporting.

Relationship Management & Stewardship

• Serve as a primary ambassador to corporate partners and foundations.
• Build and manage a portfolio of 50-75 corporate and foundation partners and prospects.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for corporate donors and sponsors.
• Ensure high-quality stewardship, recognition, fulfillment, and reporting for all corporate partners.
• Coordinate corporate benefits, on-site activations, and event engagement.

Strategy, Collaboration & Institutional Alignment

• Collaborate with Development, Education, Events, Marketing and Volunteer teams to align partnership opportunities with programming and institutional priorities.
• Support senior leadership in aligning corporate fundraising with strategic priorities.
• Prepare briefings, proposals, and presentations upon request.

Data, Systems & Compliance

• Partner with the Finance team on invoicing, gift acknowledgment, and financial tracking.
• Monitor scheduled agreements and ensure fulfillment of all benefits.
• Prepare regular reports on corporate revenue, pipeline activity, and ROI.
• Ensure compliance with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) ethical fundraising standards and institutional policies.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or CFRE preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit development, corporate fundraising, or relationship-based revenue generation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to corporate audiences.
• Proven relationship building and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in the use of applicable donor/membership database software (CRM system).
• Knowledge of and fundamental adherence to the principles, ethics, and best practices of fundraising.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to analyze data for revenue forecasting and strategy optimization.
• Ability to work extended and/or irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed
• Ability to safely operate a golf cart
• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas Driver's License and reliable transportation
• Ability to work without posing a threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace

Preferred

• Experience in cultural, environmental, educational, or mission-driven organizations.
• Knowledge of corporate philanthropy trends, community engagement, and marketing.
• Experience working with boards or executive leadership in donor cultivation.
• Proficiency with CRM/database systems and Microsoft Office. Salesforce for Nonprofits, Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge, Tessitura, and Veevart experience.

To Apply

Email a cover letter and resume to jobs@botanica.org with the position name in the subject line.