associate Director of major gifts

Founded in 1980 by a group of farmers and conservationists concerned about the rapid loss of the nation’s farmland to development, American Farmland Trust (AFT) is a private nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting our nation’s strategic agricultural resources. AFT has helped to permanently protect more than a million acres of America’s best farm and ranch land.

AFT depends on foundations, corporations and governments that contract for services to make up about half of its income. Individuals provide a third of AFT’s support through membership contributions; interest and other income constitute the remainder.

DESCRIPTION

American Farmland Trust seeks an experienced and dynamic individual to fill the position of Associate Director of Major Gifts. The Associate Director will manage all cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgment, recognition and stewardship of a portfolio of over 100 assigned top–level AFT donors to result in significant unrestricted and restricted revenue for the organization. 

Along with the Vice President for Development and the Director of Major Gifts, the Associate Director is among AFT’s primary major donor solicitors. Under the supervision of the Director of Major Gifts, the Associate Director develops and executes strategies, engaging program staff where appropriate, to substantially grow the pool of major donors, meet fundraising and revenue goals and create networks of volunteer leadership for the organization. The position is based in AFT’s national headquarters and requires significant travel in assigned geographical territories, including the Northeast, Southeast, Texas, Mid-West and Mid-Atlantic regions. The Associate Director works with the Events Coordinator to help plan and execute special development events across geographical regions for assigned audiences. The Associate Director interacts with Board and President’s Council members from regions, as appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages portfolio of major donors including assigned President’s Council members and other individuals with significant means throughout large geographical area.
• Provides direction and advice to AFT peers for appropriate protocol and procedures in major gift fundraising.
• Meets with donors and prospects and/or coordinates donor visits for other staff members and volunteers.
• Executes small dinners, events and other fundraising activities that advance AFT’s relationship with donors and prospects.
• Conducts individualized follow up to donor contact with appropriate solicitation, reporting and stewardship.
• Monitors donor contributions and ensures that all donors in portfolio are solicited for annual gifts and, as appropriate, restricted or multi-year commitments.
• Maintains thorough records including contact reports and moves management steps for assigned donors.
• Designs, develops, plans, oversees and evaluates individual donor solicitation, recognition, cultivation and prospect identification for assigned portfolio.
• Conducts research and collaborates with peers in Development and Programs in order to develop most effective individual strategies for assigned donors.
• Collaborates with AFT field staff, marketing and other appropriate AFT units to advance major gift fundraising.
• Maintains adherence to appropriate protocol in working with AFT peers and key audiences.
• Prepares written documents in support of solicitation, cultivation and development events, including correspondence, invitations and reports.
• Administers, monitors and maintains event budgets as appropriate.
• Maintains and increases knowledge in field of Development through courses, seminars, workshops, conferences and professional contacts.

QUALIFICATIONS

A baccalaureate degree AND five years of experience in major gift fundraising; proven record of fundraising success; proficiency in events planning and campaign management; OR, any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

In addition, the successful candidate will possess the following:

• Ability to travel to visit donors and prospects (to accompany program staff when appropriate) and support events and programs up to 30 percent of time.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with individuals and groups of varying size.
• Knowledge and related experience in Direct Mail, Communications, Public Relations, Advertising or Marketing.
• Skill in planning and coordination of events.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Skill in preparing and presenting proposals and case statements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office computer software.
• Knowledge of, and skill in, membership databases, moves management systems, on-line computer searching, and internet.
• Knowledge of prospect research methodologies.
• Demonstrated team player with commitment to the mission, philosophy and values of American Farmland Trust.

COMPENSATION

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and background. Full benefits package. EOE.

TO APPLY

Please send cover letter and resume to:

Kay Malone
Director of Major Gifts
American Farmland Trust
1200 18th Street, NW Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
kmalone@farmland.org

American Farmland Trust is an equal opportunity employer.