Director of Development

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 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families by improving farm viability and farmland access. Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities. 

Position Purpose
The Director of Development leads the Individual Giving Team to secure the unrestricted and loosely restricted funding necessary to fulfill AFT’s mission.

Position Summary
The position develops and implements strategies to grow revenue, achieve annual and multi-year fundraising goals, and build relationships with an ever-widening circle of individual donors and prospects. Reaching these objectives requires collaboration with leadership, skilled management of gift officers, as well as administrative and event staff, and guidance and support to program leaders to successfully engage in fundraising.

Duties and responsibilities
 
Primary Responsibilities 

• Manage a national major donor portfolio including all aspects of the donor cycle, comprising 50% of the role. 
• In collaboration with VP of Development, define strategic priorities, develop, and oversee the implementation of the Individual Giving (IG) team fundraising plan, set baseline fundraising targets and track progress. 
• Keep the VP of Development informed of IG team activities; provide data relevant to tracking fundraising progress and planning. 
• With VP of Development, manage IG revenue, expense budgets, and lead team through work planning process. 
• Ensure that processes, procedures, and assignments of responsibilities are designed to meet fundraising goals in an efficient and effective manner. 
• Lead creation of donor-related materials including appeals, print materials and digital assets. 
• Ensure a robust calendar of virtual and in-person donor events in partnership with AFT program staff. 
• Advise the VP on relationship building and fundraising opportunities that are strategic and of the highest priority and ensure that the VP’s time is scheduled effectively in fundraising and donor cultivation processes and events. 

Team Leadership 

• Coach, supervise and support 6 members of the Individual Giving team including 4 regional philanthropy officers, Events Specialist and Philanthropy Coordinator, comprising the 50% balance of the Director’s time. 
• Set strategy, drive results, and develop a high-performance team culture focused on leadership and accountability at all levels, continuous learning, collaboration, measurement, and goal achievement. 
• Supervise Philanthropy Coordinator to manage calendar of cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation activities. 
   

• Experienced and confident asking for major and principal gifts in person and by phone/zoom
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage donors, stakeholders, and team members
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising campaigns
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with a focus on meeting deadlines and achieving targets
• Accomplished at distilling complex program content for discussion with donors
• 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
• Proven ability to collaborate across divisions to implement processes and achieve results
• Proven ability to continually develop skills related to use of rapidly changing technology and communications best practices
• Experienced with Raiser’s Edge/NXT is strongly preferred
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a changing environment

Education & Experience

• Minimum 10+ progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, frontline fundraising experience preferred, specifically experience soliciting major and principal gifts
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Experience managing diverse revenue streams, including major gifts, grants, and annual campaigns
• Leadership experience managing teams and collaborating with executive staff and board members
• Knowledge of natural resources conservation, agriculture, food systems, and sustainability is highly desired.
• Departmental budgeting and planning capacities.
• Track record of successful working relationships and a positive team culture.

 
Working conditions/Travel
This is a fully remote position. Occasional work during evenings or weekends may be required to meet deadlines. Willingness and ability to travel nationally up to 25% of the time for strategic meetings and events.

Degree of Supervision Received
This position operates under general supervision. 
 
Degree of Supervision Given

This position supervises:

• Senior West Coast Philanthropy Officer
• Senior Philanthropy Officer, Northeast
• Senior East Coast Philanthropy Officer
• Midwest Philanthropy Officer
• Events Specialist
• Philanthropy Coordinator

Compensation

The salary range is from $145,000 to $150,000 for full-time employees, based upon experience.

American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full time employees:

• Insurance coverage begins the 1st of the month following the date of hire. 
• 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)
• 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 maximum.
• Holidays: AFT observes eleven fixed holidays during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.

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

Timeline

To be considered, applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter, and complete all screener questions. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled.

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.