Senior Philanthropy Officer - West Coast

Job DetailsLevel SeniorJob Location 1150 CONNECTICUT NW AVE - WASHINGTON, DCRemote Type Fully RemotePosition Type Full TimeSalary Range $115,000.00 - $120,000.00 Salary/yearDescription

Senior Philanthropy Officer, West 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.

AFT is recruiting for an experienced frontline fundraising professional to fill the position of Philanthropy Officer, West 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 Position

The Philanthropy Officer will manage a portfolio of roughly 150-200 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, reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, is regionally based (CA, OR, WA, ID, CO, UT, NV, AZ). Close proximity to population centers is crucial for donor and prospect meetings. Travel is necessary. The role will be part of a team of 6 philanthropy officers located nationwide.

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 150-200 prospects as part of a growing major gifts program.
• Special focus on giving at the $5,000-$100,000 level to build a robust pipeline of gift opportunities that stretch over multiple years.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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 and adds to the Individual Giving prospect pipeline and moves management program.
• Plans and coordinates (with the assistance of AFT Development staff) donor events, with a goal of identifying new prospects and cultivating existing donors.
• Works closely with staff from AFT’s Pacific Northwest and California teams to support the development of new funding opportunities, including suggesting and creating engaging experiences that bring individuals closer to AFT’s work on the West Coast.
• Collaborates with the Pacific Northwest and California regional directors on prospect identification, donor cultivation, and the development of region-specific fundraising materials.
• When possible, participate in meetings and gatherings of the Pacific Northwest and California teams.
• Employs a growth mindset and contributes to a culture of gratitude.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate has a collaborative working style, is proactive and entrepreneurial.
• 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.
• Experienced and confident in requesting philanthropic support in person and via phone/Zoom.
• Proficient in synthesizing and discussing complex human and environmental systems, with a knack for securing meetings with prospects and donors to explore their interests and desired philanthropic impact.
• Experience in community engagement around natural resources conservation, agriculture, food systems, and sustainability is highly desired.
• Knowledge of the Western US agricultural landscape including the role of advocacy in shaping effective policy solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, along with the ability to discuss AFT’s mission and impactful programs eloquently and passionately with external stakeholders nationwide.
• Experience managing large or complex projects, including project budgeting and planning.
• Experience successfully managing internal relationships and contributing to a positive team culture.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across divisions for process implementation and achieving results.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing skill development in rapidly evolving technology and communications practices.
• Proficient with technology and systems, preferably experienced with Raiser's Edge/NXT.
• Willingness to travel within assigned territory and beyond for strategic meetings and events. (Primary travel focus is within assigned geographic region.)
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a changing environment.
• 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:

• 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)
• 401(k) with 10% match after six months of employment
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 3.5 hours per pay period (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
• Holidays: The Company observes eleven holidays during the year (all offices closed): plus, choice of 3 other floating holidays depending on hiring date

Why you should apply:

• 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

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.

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