Job Description

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. 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 over 6.5 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 is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.

American Farmland Trust is recruiting for an experienced fundraising professional to fill the new position of Associate Director of Development New England. The successful candidate will direct American Farmland Trusts fundraising efforts in the assigned territory (MA, CT, RI, VT, NH, & ME), with a special focus on mid-level and major donors. As a member of the Individual Giving team, this person will work with development staff and program staff alike, providing both strategy and implementation of high-touch cultivation and solicitation efforts for a portfolio of high-dollar prospects. Working independently, and with AFTs in-house research staff, this individual will identify and qualify new prospects, solicit and steward existing prospects working with other AFT staff when appropriate (AFTs President, program staff, etc.) and be responsible for achieving specific fundraising targets.

This position works closely with the Development team, the regional program staff, and reports to the VP of Development. The Associate Director of Development may work in the New England Regional Office in Northampton, MA or remotely.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages a portfolio of 150-250 mid-level and major donors and prospects.
• Portfolio work includes a mix of new prospect identification, existing donor cultivation and stewardship, and maximizing the potential fundraising capacity of the region.
• Coordinates with AFTs Director of Mid-Level giving on all in-house mid-level giving communications.
• Employs a robust travel and meeting schedule with donors and prospects.
• Provides rapid response to opportunities to engage donors and prospects in AFTs issues following relevant news articles, AFT successes, and other key moments that arise through the year.
• 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 with regional program staff (specifically with staff from AFTs Northeast Office in Northampton, MA and the Working Lands Alliance in CT) in cultivating and soliciting existing donors and new prospects and collaborates on new funding opportunities.
• The successful individual in this role will prioritize donor visits and exploring new mid-level and major gift fundraising opportunities throughout the region and will be required to travel frequently to achieve these goals.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 3-5 years experience in fundraising, specifically a membership/annual giving background and/or experience working directly with prospects and donors.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills and ability to speak intelligently and passionately to external stakeholders about American Farmland Trusts mission and impactful programs around the country.
• Experience managing large or complex projects, including project budgeting and planning.
• Experience successfully managing internal stakeholders and relationships.
• Proven ability to collaborate across divisions to implement processes and achieve results. Track record of building and maintaining productive relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Proven ability to continually develop skills related to use of rapidly changing technology and communications best practices.
• Willingness to travel extensively and whenever necessary (within the regionally defined area).
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
• Valid US driver license and reliable means of transportation.
• Required travel: 33%

Compensation

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and background. AFT provides a full and generous benefits package.

Please submit a cover letter with resume for consideration.

American Farmland Trust provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, 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 the organization has 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.

Apply Here

How to Apply

Job Types: Full-Time.

503 total views, 0 today

Apply for this Job