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.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, expression or identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

American Farmland Trust is recruiting for an experienced frontline fundraising professional to fill the new position of Philanthropy Officer, California. 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. 

What You’ll Be Working On

The Philanthropy Officer will manage a portfolio of roughly 200 prospects, driving identification, cultivation, and solicitation strategy aimed at securing $50,000+ 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.  

This position reports to the Director of Philanthropy and is based remotely, in-region. Travel is required. This individual will join a team of 6 philanthropy officers who are spread out across the country.  

AFT is currently pursuing an ambitious $100 million comprehensive campaign that is integral to the organization's ability to have a greater impact on changing our agricultural system for the better. 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 duties include, but are not limited to:

• Managing a portfolio of approximately 200 prospects as part of a growing major gifts program, with a special focus on giving at the $1,000-$100,000 level to build a robust pipeline of major gift opportunities that stretch over multiple years. 
• Portfolio work including mix of new prospect identification, existing donor cultivation and stewardship, and maximizing the potential fundraising capacity of the region through strong networking and engaging interactions at all levels of the donor pyramid. 
• Preparing written materials, including reports, cultivations, stewardship pieces, and direct mail solicitations for individual supporters. 
• Working 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. 
• Planning and coordinating (with the assistance of AFT Development staff) regional donor events, with a goal of identifying new prospects and cultivating existing donors.  
• Working closely with AFT’s CA Regional Director to support the development of new funding opportunities, including suggesting and creating engaging experiences that bring individuals closer to AFT’s work across the state. 

Other duties as assigned or directed.

The ideal candidate has a collaborative working style, is proactive and entrepreneurial, and:

• Must be good at talking to people about complex human and environmental systems and must be good at securing meetings to talk in depth with individuals about their interests, and desired philanthropic impacts. 
• Employs a growth mindset and contributes to a culture of gratitude.    
• Is experienced and confident asking for philanthropic support.  
• Has experience in community engagement around natural resources conservation, agriculture, food systems, and sustainability is highly desired.  
• Has knowledge of the California 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. 
• Has experience successfully managing internal relationships and contributing to a positive team culture. 
• Has proven ability to collaborate across divisions to implement processes and achieve results.  
• Has proven ability to continually develop skills related to use of rapidly changing technology and communications best practices.  
• Is good with technology and systems, experience with Raiser’s Edge/NXT is strongly preferred. 
• Has a willingness to travel within assigned territory and beyond for strategic meetings and events. (Primary travel focus is within assigned geographic region.) 
• Has the ability to adapt and be flexible in a changing environment. 
• Is a good sense of humor and a roll-up-your sleeves kind of attitude is deeply appreciated. 

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required. 
• Minimum 3-5 years frontline fundraising experience, specifically experience working one-on-one with prospects who have the capacity to make gifts in the $5,000 - $100,000 range. 
• 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. 

Travel

This position requires approximately 35% - 40% travel.

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

Ready to apply? If this job sounds like a fit for you, then click on the ‘apply’ button below.