Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community of more than 1 million strong—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Founded in 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy's national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Baltimore, and Milwaukee. For more information, visit www.railstotrails.org. Connect with RTC @railstotrails on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Job Summary

The Development Operations & Donor Relations Coordinator plays a central role in supporting Rails to Trails Conservancy’s fundraising efforts by ensuring strong operational systems and a high-quality donor experience. This position assists with critical development operations while helping cultivate and steward individual donors who support RTC’s mission to build a nationwide network of trails.

This role ensures the accurate tracking and acknowledgment of mid-level and above gifts, including stock and wire transfers, and other special contributions. The Coordinator drafts tailored donation acknowledgment letters, maintains accurate donor records, and ensures that donor interactions are properly documented in RTC’s CRM database.

The position also provides administrative coordination and stewardship support for a segment of RTC’s membership program, helping deliver thoughtful engagement that strengthens donor retention and long-term support. In addition, the Coordinator administers RTC’s workplace giving and matching gift programs, ensuring proper verification, coding, reporting, and recognition of all related contributions.

Through careful attention to the donor experience, data integrity, and development operations, the Development Operations & Donor Relations Coordinator helps ensure that RTC supporters at all levels feel valued, informed, and connected to the organization’s impact.

Job Location

This position is based at RTC’s Washington, DC headquarters office, with a flexible in-office / work from home schedule. Occasional local travel is required for donor meetings, events, and organizational needs.

Job Duties

Development Operations

•  Enter all high-dollar checks received at RTC’s national office into the CRM database prior to preparation for deposit.
•  Track and process stock transfers, wire transfers, and other special contributions.
•  Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the CRM database, including constituent updates and documentation of donor interactions.
•  Troubleshoot inquiries from RTC’s data-keying vendor (DMP) to ensure accurate coding and database integrity for individual and foundation gifts.
•  Work with Finance staff to ensure proper reconciliation and documentation of any complex gifts.
•  Contribute to the creation and maintenance of internal procedures and documentation related to gift processing, donor stewardship, and development operations.

Donor Relations

•  Draft personalized acknowledgment letters, ensure President's signing of letters, and mail letters for all high-dollar donations/gifts to ensure timely and accurate donor recognition.
•  Serve as back-up to Customer Service Coordinator when needed; respond professionally and promptly to member inquiries, helping resolve issues and maintain a positive donor experience.
•  Administer high-member (donors of $250+) outreach, including thanking them for donations.
•  Coordinate all aspects of workplace giving programs, including donor verification, coding, reporting, and acknowledgments.
•  Administer RTC’s matching gift program by verifying donor eligibility, coordinating submissions, and ensuring proper recognition and tracking of contributions.
•  Conduct other fundraising and development-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

Basic Qualifications and Personal Attributes

•  Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree preferred and one to three years of experience in nonprofit development, development operations, membership services, or office administration. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of four years of relevant experience is required.
•  Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to craft thoughtful donor correspondence and interact effectively with diverse audiences.
•  Experience using donor or constituent database systems (CRM platforms such as EveryAction, Salesforce, or similar).
•  Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records and strong operational systems.
•  Ability to handle sensitive donor information with discretion and professionalism.
•  A strong interest in the mission of Rails to Trails Conservancy and advancing trail networks across the country.

Work Environment

Normal office setting with low to moderate noise level.

Employer’s Right: RTC reserves the right to revise, change or reclassify this job description at any time in accordance with RTC’s business needs. This job description is not an implied contract.