Philanthropy Officer, Northeast

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. 

Job Purpose

The Philanthropy Officer, Northeast plays a key role in advancing AFT’s growing major gifts program by managing a portfolio of 150–200 annual giving prospects. With a focus on donors giving between $1,000–$25,000, this position is responsible for cultivating long-term relationships and building a strong pipeline of multi-year philanthropic support.

Position Summary   

The Philanthropy Officer, Northeast, collaborates with team members to engage and execute strategies focused on mid-level donors to ensure a consistent pipeline of major gift prospects.  Portfolio work includes a mix of new prospect identification, existing donor cultivation and stewardship, and maximizing the potential fundraising capacity of the region through strong networking and engaging activities at all levels. The Gift Officer coordinates closely with the Senior Gift Officer to increase AFT's overall base of support in the Northeastern US. The role both manages a portfolio mid-level donors and supports stewardship of existing major gift donors.  

Duties and responsibilities    

• Collaborates with team members to utilize donor data to track and manage constituent information to build a solid strategic infrastructure for moves management.  
• Employs a travel and meeting schedule to meet donors where they are, aiming for 10-15 visits/meaningful interactions each month. 
• Provides rapid response to opportunities to engage donors and prospects on AFT’s issues following relevant news articles, AFT successes, and other key moments that arise throughout the year. The Philanthropy Officer, Northeast, 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, cultivation and stewardship pieces, and direct mail solicitations for individual supporters. 
• Plans and coordinates (with the assistance of the Events Specialist, Philanthropy Coordinator, and other AFT Development staff) donor events, with a goal of identifying new prospects and cultivating existing donors.  
• Works closely with staff from AFT’s New York and New Jersey and New England teams to strategize, create, and lead regional campaigns for special projects including securing funding and creating engaging experiences that bring individuals closer to AFT’s work in the Northeast. Participate in regional meetings and integrate program priorities with development outreach strategy.  
• Employs a growth mindset and contributes to a culture of gratitude.  
   

• Must be experienced and confident asking for philanthropic support.  
• Experience in community engagement around natural resources conservation, agriculture, food systems, and sustainability is highly desired.  
• Knowledge of New York/New Jersey and/or New England’s agricultural landscape is essential. 
• 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. 
• Experience managing project budgeting and planning. 
• Proven ability to continually develop skills related to use of rapidly changing technology and communications best practices.  
• Good with technology and systems, experience with Raiser’s Edge/NXT is preferred. 
• 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. 

Education/Background 

• Bachelor's degree required.  
• Minimum 3-5 years frontline fundraising experience, or equivalent experience, specifically experience working one-on-one with individuals to build meaningful relationships that are necessary to secure new and renewed gifts in the $1,000 - $25,000 range.  

Working Conditions & Travel

This is a 100% remote position. Candidates must be based in one of the following Northeastern states: NY, NJ, MA, CT, VT, NH, ME, or RI. Travel up to 25% throughout the region is required to support programmatic and partnership activities.

Supervisory Responsibility  

This position has no supervisory responsibility. 

Compensation

The salary range is from $80,000 to $85,000 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.