Senior Philanthropy Officer, East Coast
Who We Are
American Farmland Trust 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. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.
We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental value and dignity of all our employees. We celebrate the unique traditions, heritages, and experiences our employees bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity, and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.
The Position
American Farmland Trust is recruiting for an experienced frontline fundraising professional to fill the position of Philanthropy Officer, East Coast. The successful candidate will execute AFT’s fundraising program in the region, securing new and renewed philanthropic commitments while offering a high level of customer service and accountability.
The Philanthropy Officer will manage a portfolio of roughly 150 prospects, driving identification, cultivation, and solicitation strategy aimed at securing $100,000+ major gifts, leadership annual gifts and planned giving leads. Working independently, and with AFT’s in-house research team, this individual will identify and qualify new prospects, solicit and steward existing prospects, and be responsible for achieving specific fundraising targets. As a key member of the Individual Giving team, this person will work with development staff as well as regional and national program teams to implement thoughtful and continuous stewardship of all donors at all levels.
This position reports to the Director of Philanthropy and is based in-region (AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, PA, SC, TN, WV). Proximity to centers of population is essential to meet with donors and prospects. Travel is required. This individual will join a team of 6 philanthropy officers who are spread out across the country.
Although each region is different, Philanthropy Officers are part of a tight knit team that works together to improve healthy opportunities that benefit both the bottom line and a culture of giving that feels good. Each Philanthropy Officer is asked to bring enthusiasm, ideas, creativity, and sensitivity to the role each day.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Manages a portfolio of approximately 150 prospects as part of a growing major gifts program.
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Special focus on giving at the $5,000-$100,000 level to build a robust pipeline of gift opportunities that stretch over multiple years.
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Portfolio work includes a mix of new prospect identification, qualification, existing donor cultivation and stewardship, and maximizing the potential fundraising capacity of the region through strong networking and engaging activities at all levels.
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Must be good at synthesizing and discussing (explaining?) complex human and environmental systems and must be good at securing meetings with prospects and donors to explore their interests and desired philanthropic impact.
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Employs a travel and meeting schedule to meet donors where they are, aiming for a minimum of 12-15 visits/meaningful interactions each month.
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Provides rapid response to opportunities to engage donors and prospects in AFT’s issues following relevant news articles, AFT successes, and other key moments that arise through the year. The Philanthropy Officer independently drives outreach and dialogue with donors in the region using a stream of AFT activity and program impact stories.
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Effectively responds to individual donors through written correspondence, telephone contact, personal contact and e-mail, assuring the donors that their needs are processed immediately upon request.
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Prepares written materials, including reports, cultivations, stewardship pieces, and direct mail solicitations for individual supporters.
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Works with development staff to research and review top donor prospects through discovery calls and visits and adds to the Individual Giving prospect pipeline and moves management program.
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Plans and coordinates (with the assistance of AFT Development staff) donor events, with a goal of identifying new prospects and cultivating existing donors.
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Works closely with staff from AFT’s Southeast Team to support the development of new funding opportunities, including suggesting and creating engaging experiences that bring individuals closer to AFT’s work in the Southeast.
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Employs a growth mindset and contributes to a culture of gratitude.
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Completes other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
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The ideal candidate has a collaborative working style, is proactive and entrepreneurial.
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Minimum 5-8 years frontline fundraising experience, specifically experience working one-on-one with prospects who have the capacity to make gifts in the $5,000 - $100,000 range.
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Must be experienced and confident asking for philanthropic support in person and by phone/zoom.
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Experience in community engagement around natural resources conservation, agriculture, food systems, and sustainability is highly desired.
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Knowledge of the East Coast’s agricultural landscape including the role of advocacy in shaping effective policy solutions.
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Superior verbal and written communication skills and ability to speak intelligently and passionately to external stakeholders about AFT’s mission and impactful programs around the country.
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Experience managing large or complex projects, including project budgeting and planning.
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Experience successfully managing internal relationships and contributing to a positive team culture.
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Proven ability to collaborate across divisions to implement processes and achieve results.
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Proven ability to continually develop skills related to use of rapidly changing technology and communications best practices.
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Good with technology and systems, experience with Raiser’s Edge/NXT is strongly preferred.
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Willingness to travel within assigned territory and beyond for strategic meetings and events. (Primary travel focus is within assigned geographic region.)
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Ability to adapt and be flexible in a changing environment.
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A good sense of humor and a roll-up-your sleeves kind of attitude is deeply appreciated.
Compensation
The salary ranges from $115,000 to $120,000 for full-time employees, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
American Farmland Trust offers a complete benefits package:
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Medical & Prescription Coverage
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Dental Coverage
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Vision Coverage
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Company Paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
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Voluntary Life Insurance
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Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare & Dependent Care
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Health Savings Account (HSA)
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401(k) with 10% match after six months of employment
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Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 3.5 hours per pay period (13 “sick days” per year).
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Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days during the first year increasing by one day per year to 20 days per year
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Holidays: The Company observes eleven holidays during the year (all offices closed): plus, choice of 3 other floating holidays depending on hiring date
Timeline
Applications must include a resume AND cover letter to be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Why you should apply:
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Be a part of a purpose-driven, committed, knowledgeable, high-performing, experienced and fun team
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A diverse and inclusive work environment
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A cause and mission you can be proud of
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Competitive compensation & benefits
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Remote work opportunities
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Flexible scheduling
We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, expression or identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.