Senior Philanthropy Officer, West Coast
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 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.
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.
AFT is recruiting for an experienced frontline fundraising professional to fill the position of Philanthropy Officer, West Coast. The successful candidate will execute AFT’s fundraising program in the region, securing new and renewed philanthropic commitments while offering a high level of customer service and accountability.
The Position
The Philanthropy Officer will manage a portfolio of roughly 150-200 prospects, driving identification, cultivation, and solicitation strategy aimed at securing $100,000+ major gifts, leadership annual gifts and planned giving leads. Working independently, and with AFT’s in-house research team, this individual will identify and qualify new prospects, solicit and steward existing prospects, and be responsible for achieving specific fundraising targets. As a key member of the Individual Giving team, this person will work with development staff as well as regional and national program teams to implement thoughtful and continuous stewardship of all donors at all levels.
This position, reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, is regionally based (CA, OR, WA, ID, CO, UT, NV, AZ). Close proximity to population centers is crucial for donor and prospect meetings. Travel is necessary. The role will be part of a team of 6 philanthropy officers located nationwide.
Although each region is different, Philanthropy Officers are part of a tight knit team that works together to improve healthy opportunities that benefit both the bottom line and a culture of giving that feels good. Each Philanthropy Officer is asked to bring enthusiasm, ideas, creativity, and sensitivity to the role each day.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Manages a portfolio of approximately 150-200 prospects as part of a growing major gifts program.
- Special focus on giving at the $5,000-$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 AFT’s Pacific Northwest and California teams to support the development of new funding opportunities, including suggesting and creating engaging experiences that bring individuals closer to AFT’s work on the West Coast.
- Collaborates with the Pacific Northwest and California regional directors on prospect identification, donor cultivation, and the development of region-specific fundraising materials.
- When possible, participate in meetings and gatherings of the Pacific Northwest and California teams.
- Employs a growth mindset and contributes to a culture of gratitude.
- Completes other duties as assigned.
