In January 2020, The Trust for Public Land launched The Power of Land for People (2020-2025) strategic plan to fulfill our vision that every American should have close-to-home access to the benefits of nature. We could not have anticipated the impending COVID-19 pandemic, but it highlighted that our land-for-people solutions are more needed now than at any point in recent memory. Quality parks and natural spaces are a fundamental requirement for sustaining healthy, equitable communities that are resilient and prepared for change. In this moment of polarization and increasing social turmoil, parks and public land reweave our country’s frayed social fabric, reconnecting us to each other and the places and experiences that bind us together as a nation. Today, on the heels of The Trust for Public Land’s most successful fundraising year and approaching our fifth decade, we have much to celebrate and even more promising work to pursue. Join us to advance “land for people” and grow our philanthropic partnerships to ensure healthy, livable communities for generations to come. - Pat Watson, Chief Philanthropy Officer
Position Summary:
The Director of Philanthropy, in partnership with the South Region Director of Philanthropy and Georgia State Director, helps to set the strategy for fundraising activities in support of the Trust for Public Land’s annual operating and programmatic needs throughout Georgia. The Director of Philanthropy collaborates with the South Region Director of Philanthropy and State Director to develop appropriate short and long term goals that foster a comprehensive fundraising program maximizing support through matching donors’ philanthropic passion with Trust for Public Land programs and activities. The position requires demonstrated skill in managing a mixed portfolio of prospects and donors with an emphasis on individuals capable of making major ($50K+) and principal ($1M+) gifts. As part of a team of fundraisers across the country this position collaborates with philanthropy staff in Georgia and nationally to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward foundations, corporations and individuals. The Director of Philanthropy reports to the South Region Director of Philanthropy.
Responsibilities:
20% Program Oversight:
Design – Use experience to assist in the design a full spectrum fundraising plan and attain agreed upon annual goals and long-term goals, including identification and prioritization of prospects, cultivation events, solicitation meetings, and stewardship outreach.
Strategy – With the South Region Director of Philanthropy and State Director, create in-depth strategies for (1) message of top priorities for the state program (2) outreach to top 25 donors/prospects and (3) assigned committees.
Implementation – Oversee implementation of strategies above in Georgia under supervision of the South Region Director of Philanthropy, directing and coordinating the involvement of State Director and program staff. Oversee donor communications and recognition, coordinating with regional and national marketing departments.
Reporting – Assist in the tracking and reporting progress toward revenue and programmatic goals providing regular updates to other Georgia staff and South Region Director of Philanthropy.
60% Relationship Manager:
Manage and build relationships with a mixed portfolio of approximately 120 individual, foundation and corporate donors and prospects at various stages of integration with the organization. Emphasis should be on individual major gift donors and prospects, including: donor identification, strategy development, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Manage individual members of the Georgia Advisory Board, including being responsible for their annual solicitation and volunteer engagement strategy.
Maintain donor records and track “moves management” in tracking database to meet deadlines.
Conduct donor visits regularly and often with a goal of 100 meaningful visits per year, including qualification visits and making direct solicitations and closing gifts.
Realize annual fundraising metric for position and tenure.
Write solicitation letters and proposals.
Coordinate and implement donor field trips, events, and recognition as needed.
Engage other staff members and volunteers in fundraising efforts as appropriate and necessary.
15% Event Management:
Serve as philanthropy lead in executing the fundraising strategy for Georgia’s annual fundraising event. This includes managing and directing event planners, volunteers, committees, activities, and vendors that ensure the event achieves its fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship goals.
5% Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Minimum five years of fundraising experience, including making successful major gift solicitations.
Knowledge of and experience with the Atlanta and/or Georgia philanthropic communities.
Experience working with and managing volunteers to raise funds for the organization.
Demonstrated ability to function effectively as a member of a team, ensuring close coordination and integration with other staff members.
Self-motivated; able to multi-task with excellent attention to detail and deadlines; and can perform successfully without regular supervision.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, along with organizational skills.
Computer proficiency with various Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Proficiency with complex databases or donor management software a plus.
Understands Trust for Public Land’s gift acceptance policies and ensures ethical compliance with fundraising best practices, as defined by the Association for Fundraising Professionals.
Interest and commitment to Trust for Public Land’s mission.
Willingness to work flexible hours.
Willingness to travel occasionally.
Compensation
As a full-time exempt employee, you will be eligible for Trust for Public Land’s comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation, ten+ holidays, and a 403(b) retirement plan, currently with an up to 7% company match. We offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience; the range for this position is $100,000-$115,000 annually.