Director of Planned Giving

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. 

Position Summary 

The Director of Planned Giving will provide strategic leadership for AFT’s planned giving program, deepening donor engagement and growing future support to advance AFT’s mission of protecting farmland, promoting environmentally sound farming practices, and supporting farmers and ranchers nationwide. Reporting to the Vice President of Development, this role works closely with AFT’s Individual Giving (IG) and Farm Legacy Teams, as well as colleagues across the organization. 

The Director will manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors, serve as an internal expert on gift planning, and collaborate with the Farm Legacy Director and IG Team on blended deferred gift strategies involving farmland and other complex assets. The position requires an experienced planned giving professional who can engage donors, advance conversations about legacy gifts, and steward commitments with a high level of integrity and sophistication. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Design and implement strategies to grow AFT’s planned giving program, with a focus on increasing the number and value of commitments. 

• Proactively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of planned giving donors and prospects. 

• Collaborate with the IG Team to integrate planned giving opportunities into donor engagement strategies. 

• Partner with the Farm Legacy Director to develop blended deferred gift strategies that may include gifts of farmland or other real property. 

• Serve as an internal resource to staff and leadership, providing training and guidance on gift planning approaches. 

• Manage planned giving marketing and communications, including mail, digital, and print strategies to promote QCDs, bequests, and other vehicles. 

• Maintain knowledge of current trends, tax law, and best practices in charitable gift planning. 

• Ensure proper documentation and stewardship of planned gifts in collaboration with Development Operations. 

• Represent AFT at donor meetings, events, and professional gatherings; approximately 25-30% of time will be spent on travel. 

• 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in planned giving or related major gift fundraising, with demonstrated success securing bequests and other deferred gifts. 

• Strong knowledge of planned giving vehicles, tax implications, and charitable estate planning. 

• Knowledge of agriculture, farmland protection, and/or environmental issues strongly preferred. 

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with donors, advisors, and colleagues. 

• Experience developing and implementing planned giving marketing campaigns. 

• Ability to work independently in a remote environment while collaborating effectively across teams. 

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification (such as CAP, CFRE, or JD) preferred. 

Working 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. 

• This is a remote role. 

Compensation

This position offers an annual salary of $150,000 - $155,000. 

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.

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.