Director of Planned Giving

AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST•Washington, DC

3d•$150,000 - $155,000•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Planned Giving will provide strategic leadership for AFT’s planned giving program, deepening donor engagement and growing future support to advance AFT’s mission of protecting farmland, promoting environmentally sound farming practices, and supporting farmers and ranchers nationwide. Reporting to the Vice President of Development, this role works closely with AFT’s Individual Giving (IG) and Farm Legacy Teams, as well as colleagues across the organization. The Director will manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors, serve as an internal expert on gift planning, and collaborate with the Farm Legacy Director and IG Team on blended deferred gift strategies involving farmland and other complex assets. The position requires an experienced planned giving professional who can engage donors, advance conversations about legacy gifts, and steward commitments with a high level of integrity and sophistication.

Requirements

8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in planned giving or related major gift fundraising, with demonstrated success securing bequests and other deferred gifts.
Strong knowledge of planned giving vehicles, tax implications, and charitable estate planning.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with donors, advisors, and colleagues.
Experience developing and implementing planned giving marketing campaigns.
Ability to work independently in a remote environment while collaborating effectively across teams.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification (such as CAP, CFRE, or JD) preferred.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of agriculture, farmland protection, and/or environmental issues strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and implement strategies to grow AFT’s planned giving program, with a focus on increasing the number and value of commitments.
Proactively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of planned giving donors and prospects.
Collaborate with the IG Team to integrate planned giving opportunities into donor engagement strategies.
Partner with the Farm Legacy Director to develop blended deferred gift strategies that may include gifts of farmland or other real property.
Serve as an internal resource to staff and leadership, providing training and guidance on gift planning approaches.
Manage planned giving marketing and communications, including mail, digital, and print strategies to promote QCDs, bequests, and other vehicles.
Maintain knowledge of current trends, tax law, and best practices in charitable gift planning.
Ensure proper documentation and stewardship of planned gifts in collaboration with Development Operations.
Represent AFT at donor meetings, events, and professional gatherings; approximately 25-30% of time will be spent on travel.

Benefits

Insurance coverage begins the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
Medical & Prescription Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Company Paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Voluntary Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare & Dependent Care
Health Savings Account (HSA)
401k Plan
Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 13 “sick days” per year.
Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days during the first year increasing by one day per year to 20 days per year maximum.
Holidays: AFT observes twelve fixed holidays and a week between Christmas and New Years off during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.
Be a part of a purpose-driven, committed, knowledgeable, high-performing, experienced and fun team
A diverse and inclusive work environment
A cause and mission you can be proud of
Competitive compensation & benefits
Remote work opportunities
Flexible scheduling