Develop & Membership Assistant

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: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Occasional weekend or evening hours 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 over 3,000 plant species and historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Since opening in 1993, Lotusland has become a premier botanical garden and a center for sustainable horticulture, education, and conservation.

Mission Statement: Our mission is to preserve and enhance the distinctive botanic gardens and estate of Madame Ganna Walska. Lotusland educates and inspires visitors with its collections, sustainable horticulture practices, and plant conservation.

Ganna Walska Lotusland seeks a motivated and detail‑oriented Development & Membership Assistant to support the garden’s fundraising and membership programs. The role plays a vital part 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.

• 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; generate acknowledgment letters and timely donor recognition; prepare regular reconciliation reports with the Development Operations Manager.
• Membership Program Support: Assist with membership processing, renewals, and new member onboarding; handle member communications by phone and email; coordinate mailings and e-newsletters; maintain membership materials and track benefit fulfillment.
• Development and Event Support: Assist with fundraising and donor appreciation events (invitations, RSVPs, materials, staffing, follow‑up); support sponsorship tracking and donor recognition; manage invoices and collection of pledges and payments; conduct basic research on donor prospects and maintain donor portfolios; provide administrative support for meetings, solicitations, and departmental projects; deliver exceptional customer service by phone, email, and in person; assist with occasional errands off property such as postage and donor deliveries.
• Reporting and Data Analysis: Generate database reports to support fundraising goals and membership growth; compile and copyedit donor and member listings for newsletters and annual report; contribute to ongoing data integrity and continuous process improvement.

• Minimum of one to 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.

• Lotusland’s administrative offices are on a historic 2‑story estate within a 37‑acre garden.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing stairs; occasional lifting of light loads (25 lbs).
• Requires working outside at times and the ability to move comfortably around the garden.
• Frequent computer use (typing). Occasional driving of company electric golf carts.

The responsibilities and deliverables listed above describe the general nature and level of work to be performed. Other tasks may be assigned as needed.

• Health and dental care.
• Voluntary supplemental insurance (life and vision).
• Flexible Spending Account.
• 403(b)…