FOSA Director

The University of Virginia seeks a full-time director of the Foundation of the State Arboretum (FOSA). The FOSA Director develops and implements fundraising strategies to support the mission of Blandy Experimental Farm and the State Arboretum of Virginia, while ensuring the proper administration and financial oversight of FOSA.

Blandy Experimental Farm is a spectacular 700-acre University of Virginia ecological field station located in the northern Shenandoah Valley, about 10 miles east of Winchester and 60 miles west of Washington, D.C. The 175-acre State Arboretum of Virginia, located within Blandy Experimental Farm, is a public garden displaying more than 5500 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants in a diversity of habitats including woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and open fields. Outreach to the broader community is a central part of Blandy's mission, which is to increase understanding of the natural environment through research and education. In addition to the approximately 200,000 people who visit the Arboretum annually, Blandy delivers K-12 field experiences to preK-12 students throughout the region, (over 7000 students annually) and offers programs, workshops, and walks for the public. For more information, go to

The FOSA Director builds, cultivates, and stewards effective long-term relationships to grow support for Blandy and Arboretum programs, to enhance our ability to serve the public, and to raise the profile of Blandy regionally and state-wide. An energetic, ambitious, and polished professional, the FOSA Director will collaborate with FOSA's Board of Directors, Blandy faculty and staff, and other University fundraisers to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan, special events, donor/member communications, and targeted major gift strategies. In addition to fund-raising, the FOSA Director oversees daily operations of FOSA and is responsible for required reporting to the University and outside agencies. The FOSA Director drafts and manages the annual operating budget and with the FOSA contract accountant and auditors, accounts for annual expenditures. The FOSA Director delegates appropriate responsibilities to a full-time Communications and Events Manager and a part-time Administrative Specialist to meet fundraising, promotional, and organizational goals. The FOSA Director’s team works to recruit and cultivate an active corps of volunteers to help in planning and carrying out Blandy’s annual fundraising events.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree
Experience: At least five years of experience

The ideal candidate:
Has a bachelor’s or master’s degree in marketing, communications, business, or related field Demonstrates exemplary communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to build strong coalitions to advance FOSA's mission Has organized and overseen successful fundraising events Has a proven history of meeting or surpassing fund-raising goals Has experience with capital campaigns Has experience working with volunteer organizations and in nonprofit administration Knows how to use donor, accounting, and communications software (e.g., DonorPerfect, QuickBook, Constant Contact, SignUp Genius, etc.) Has previous experience managing staff and organizing volunteers Is knowledgeable regarding financial and accounting procedures specific to nonprofit organizations Skillfully and creatively leverages technology to achieve goals

Physical Demands

This position requires work at a desk using computers and frequent activities out of the office. The employee must be comfortable standing for extended periods, working at outdoor events regardless of weather conditions, walking and driving on and offsite, and lifting and carrying 25 pounds.

Application Instructions:

Apply through Workday

Search for R0061829 and submit the online application, attaching the following required documents:
Cover Letter Current CV/Resume Contact information for three professional references.

The FOSA Director position is not eligible for remote work. Occasional weekend and evening work is expected.

This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

This is a restricted position and is contingent on the continued availability of funding.

Questions about this position? Contact David Carr,

Questions about the application process? Contact Rich Haverstrom,

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.

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