Director of Foundation Relations

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.

DESCRIPTION

Together with the Vice President of Development, the Director of Foundation Relations will be at the forefront of planning and implementing all facets of foundation giving.  With critical input from the Manager for Foundation Relations and the Associate for Foundation Relations, the Director oversees development of long range and strategic plans for foundations.  The Director oversees design and development of proposals, as well as cultivation and stewardship of foundation funders.  This is a vitally important function for AFT.

The ideal candidate should have demonstrated experience developing strategic fundraising plans that involve personally approaching and following up through the proposals process for six and even seven figure grants from foundations.  S/he must also be experienced and effective at managing others.

The Director will be based in Washington, DC.  S/he must have the ability and willingness to travel throughout the country to visit donors and AFT’s regional or field offices as needed.

The Director will report to the Vice President for Development and will work as part of a leadership team with other Development directors. The ideal candidate will have strong people and communication skills and will thrive in a collegial environment.  The ideal candidate will also have experience working in complex organizations in which the work of headquarters must be coordinated with that of staff deployed in field offices around the country

RESPONSIBILITIES

This is an upper level development classification. Incumbent has primary responsibility for raising funds from foundations and corporations with structured grant programs.  Overall responsibility includes managing the division, providing direction and strategy.  Director also maintains a portfolio of foundation funders, with other funders split between the Manager and Associate.  The Director will work closely with the Manager in the strategy setting process. 

Duties require high-level of strategic acumen, as well as ability to juggle multiple tasks, to manage deadlines, and to be highly detail oriented. 

Director is responsible for projecting and achieving annual fundraising targets, managing budget for the division, providing direction and guidance to direct reports.  Director works closely with others within Development, as well as with AFT program staff to help develop fundable programs and mentors staff in development of proposals and reports.

Responsibilities in meeting external and internal deadlines requires some weekend and evening work hours. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (LIST NOT EXHAUSTIVE):

• Provides direction and strategy for foundation support for unrestricted funding, restricted projects, and organizational-wide campaigns.
• Ability to prepare proposals and other foundation communications that are articulate and engaging while strictly adhering to foundation guidelines and proposal requirements.
• Manage staff of two (Manager and Associate within foundation relations).
• Serve on a leadership team comprised of Development directors and managers of revenue functions and operations.
• Direct and oversee the annual income and expense budget for Foundation Relations; ensuring that administrative and financial management functions are effectively carried out.
• Designs, develops, and writes foundation proposals and communicates deadlines and deliverables to AFT program staff, manages reporting for grants received.
• Maintains portfolio of foundation donors and prospects in assigned geographical and programmatic areas.
• Prepares letters of inquiry, proposals, reports, budgets, acknowledgments and other materials as needed to secure  and advance foundation support.
• Works with Finance and program staff to ensure accurate accounting of grant funds and fulfillment of grant obligations.
• Provides direction and advice to AFT program directors for appropriate protocol and procedures in fundable project planning, proposal development and reporting.
• Plans and projects program budgets and budget analyses for assigned foundations.
• Conducts research and collaborates with peers to increase foundation portfolio.
• Plans, implements and oversees special meetings related to foundation fundraising, including visits for program staff.
• Advises assigned AFT program staff on appropriate practices and procedures related to foundation fundraising.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to prepare articulate and moving proposals with strict adherence to foundation guidelines.
• Ability to travel as required to make presentations to funders or cultivate foundation support.
• Strong programmatic knowledge and ability to articulate AFT programs, mission and goals.
• Strong management skills.
• Knowledge in Communications, Public Relations, Advertising or Marketing.
• Skill in development of project budgets.
• Skill in both verbal and written communication.
• Skill in preparing and presenting case statements.
• Knowledge of prospect research methodologies.
• Demonstrated team player with commitment to the mission, philosophy and values of American Farmland Trust.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The Director of Foundation Relations must be an innovative and accomplished development professional with significant experience in foundation fundraising.  In addition, the successful candidate will possess the following:

• At least 7 years of nonprofit development or closely-related experience with a documented record of fundraising success.
• Experience in working with active, involved volunteer leadership;
• Experience managing other development staff;
• Ability and willingness to travel;
• Commitment to the mission, philosophy, and values of American Farmland Trust;
• The ability and motivation to become a passionate, highly knowledgeable and articulate spokesperson for American Farmland Trust;
• A high degree of professionalism, sensitivity and integrity;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with individuals and groups of varying size;
• The ability to earn the confidence of a wide range of internal and external constituents;
• A high degree of initiative, energy and ability to work independently, balanced with the desire to be part of a team;
• Creativity, an entrepreneurial spirit and flexibility;
• Excellent writing and communication skills and computer literacy;
• Familiarity with donor database systems will be helpful;
• Bachelor's degree in related field AND seven years' experience in foundation fundraising and proposal writing OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

COMPENSATION:

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

TO APPLY

Please send cover letter and resume to:

Richard Dietrich
Vice President of Development
American Farmland Trust
1200 18th Street, NW Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
rdietrich@farmland.org

American Farmland Trust is an equal opportunity employer.