Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Reporting to the President and Director
St. Louis, Missouri

The Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world's leading botanical institutions, seeks an accomplished and visionary advancement executive to serve as its next Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement. For more than 165 years, the Garden has advanced the understanding, conservation, education, and appreciation of plants while connecting people to the natural world. This is a pivotal opportunity to build upon a highly respected advancement program and help secure the philanthropic resources, partnerships, and community support needed to advance the Garden's ambitious strategic vision and expand its local and global impact. To learn more about the Garden, please visit https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/.

Reporting to the President and Director and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Senior Vice President will provide strategic leadership for all fundraising, membership, donor engagement, and advancement operations. The role will lead a comprehensive program encompassing major gifts, annual and capital campaigns, foundation and corporate relations, planned giving, membership, special events, stewardship, and advancement operations. Working closely with the President, Board of Trustees, and institutional leaders, the Senior Vice President will broaden and diversify the donor pipeline, strengthen the Garden's culture of philanthropy, and position the organization for sustainable philanthropic growth and future comprehensive campaign efforts. The Senior Vice President will oversee a team of 35 staff, four direct reports, and a departmental operating budget of $4.8 million.

The Garden seeks an innovative, collaborative, and relationship-oriented advancement leader with significant executive-level experience in a nonprofit, higher education, cultural, conservation, healthcare, or similarly complex organization. The successful candidate will demonstrate a record of securing and stewarding transformational gifts, leading comprehensive fundraising programs and campaigns, building high-performing teams, and working effectively with executive leaders, governing boards, volunteers, donors, and institutional partners. Exceptional communication, strategic planning, analytical, and relationship-building skills are essential, as is the ability to connect donors meaningfully to the Garden's mission and translate its scientific, conservation, educational, and visitor-focused work into compelling philanthropic opportunities.

A bachelor's degree and Certified Fundraising Executive designation are required. An advanced degree and other relevant professional certifications are preferred, although equivalent combinations of education, experience, and demonstrated fundraising success will be considered. Bilingual proficiency is highly preferred, with conversational fluency in French, Spanish, and/or Portuguese considered a strong asset.

The Missouri Botanical Garden offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. The salary range for this position is $225,000–$260,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid time off; medical, vision, and dental insurance; and a 403(b)-retirement plan.

Kittleman & Associates is leading the search for the Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Candidates are invited to confidentially submit a current resume and cover letter through the online application portal. The cover letter provides an opportunity to demonstrate a passion for the Missouri Botanical Garden and its mission, as well as relevant advancement leadership and organizational expertise. For best consideration, applicants should submit their materials by December 4, 2026.

To apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/9918583

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