Senior Philanthropy Officer, Western Region

AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST • DC

111d • $110,000 - $125,000

About The Position

American Farmland Trust (AFT) is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect nearly 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families. Long a pioneering leader, AFT continues to evolve to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers nationwide, adapting its approach to ensure the continued strength and resilience of agriculture and rural communities nationwide. The Philanthropy Officer will manage a portfolio of roughly 100-125 prospects located in the western region of the country, driving identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategy aimed at securing $100,000+ major gifts, leadership annual gifts and planned giving leads.

Requirements

• A collaborative working style.
• Proactive and entrepreneurial.
• Must be experienced and confident asking for philanthropic support in person and virtually.
• Must be good at synthesizing and discussing complex human and environmental systems.
• Knowledge of the Western US agricultural landscape, including the role of advocacy in shaping effective policy solutions.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate across divisions to implement processes and achieve results.
• Proven ability to continually develop skills related to use of rapidly-changing technology and communications best practices.
• Good with technology and systems, experience with Raiser’s Edge/NXT is strongly preferred.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a changing environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in community engagement around natural resources conservation, agriculture, food systems, and sustainability is highly desired.
• Preference given to candidates who reside in California.

Responsibilities

• Manages a portfolio of approximately 100-125 prospects as part of a growing major gifts program.
• Special focus on giving at the $10,000-$100,000 level to build a robust pipeline of gift opportunities that stretch over multiple years.
• Employs a travel and meeting schedule to meet donors where they are, aiming for a minimum of 15-20 visits/meaningful interactions each month (virtual/in-person).
• Provides rapid response to opportunities to engage donors and prospects in AFT’s issues.
• Effectively responds to individual donors through written correspondence, telephone contact, personal contact and e-mail.
• Prepares written materials, including reports, cultivations, stewardship pieces, and direct mail solicitations for individual supporters.
• Works with development staff to research and review top donor prospects through discovery calls and visits.
• Plans and coordinates donor events, with a goal of identifying new prospects and cultivating existing donors.
• Collaborates with the western regional teams on prospect identification, donor cultivation, and the development of region-specific fundraising materials.
• Employs a growth mindset and contributes to a culture of philanthropy and gratitude.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees