Senior Philanthropy Officer, Western Region

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust (AFT) 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 nearly 8 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 continues to evolve to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers nationwide, adapting its approach to ensure the continued strength and resilience of agriculture and rural communities nationwide.

Job purpose

The Philanthropy Officer will manage a portfolio of roughly 100-125 prospects located in the western region of the country, driving identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategy aimed at securing $100,000+ major gifts, leadership annual gifts and planned giving leads.

Job Summary

Working independently, and with AFT’s in-house research team, the Philanthropy Officer identifies and qualifies new prospects, solicits and stewards existing prospects, and is responsible for achieving specific fundraising targets.

Duties and responsibilities

• Manages a portfolio of approximately 100-125 prospects as part of a growing major gifts program.
• Special focus on giving at the $10,000-$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 western region to support the development of new funding opportunities, including suggesting and creating engaging experiences that bring individuals closer to AFT’s work in the region.
• Collaborates with the western regional teams on prospect identification, donor cultivation, and the development of region-specific fundraising materials.
• When possible, participate in meetings and gatherings of the western region teams.
• Employs a growth mindset and contributes to a culture of philanthropy and gratitude.

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to request other or different duties be performed as assigned.

Qualifications

• A collaborative working style.
• Proactive and entrepreneurial.
• Must be experienced and confident asking for philanthropic support in person and virtually.
• Must be good at synthesizing and discussing complex human and environmental systems and must be good at securing meetings with prospects and donors to explore their interests and desired philanthropic impact.
• Knowledge of the Western US agricultural landscape, including the role of advocacy in shaping effective policy solutions.
• 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.
• Good with technology and systems, experience with Raiser’s Edge/NXT is strongly preferred.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a changing environment.
• Preference given to candidates who reside in California.

Education & Experience

• Minimum 5-8 years frontline fundraising experience, specifically experience working one-on-one with individuals who have the capacity to make gifts in the $10,000 - $100,000 range.
• Experience in community engagement around natural resources conservation, agriculture, food systems, and sustainability is highly desired.
• Experience managing large or complex projects, including project budgeting and planning.
• Experience successfully managing internal relationships and contributing to a positive team culture.

Working/Travel Conditions

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, and phones. Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines. Willingness to travel 30-50% within assigned territory and beyond for strategic meetings and events (Primary travel focus is within assigned geographic region.)

Degree of Supervision Received

· This position operates under general supervision.

Degree of Supervision Given

· This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Compensation

This position offers an annual salary of $110,000 - $125,000. 

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)
• 401k Plan
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 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 twelve fixed holidays and a week between Christmas and New Years off 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 explaining why they are the right fit for both AFT and this role 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.