Connecticut Associate Director of Philanthropy

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 Associate Director of Philanthropy (ADoP) is an integral member of the Connecticut Philanthropy Team, providing direct impact on the annual operating and programmatic needs in the state and the overall success of the organization. This position is principally focused on building a developing a portfolio of major gift donors. The ADoP reports to the East Region Director of Philanthropy.

The Connecticut ADoP should be an entrepreneurial and results-oriented individual who is self-motivated, committed to working at the highest level of quality, able to work both independently and in collaboration, manage multiple priorities, and thrive within a fast-paced, results-oriented office. The ADoP must be adept in working with philanthropy and programmatic leadership throughout the organization, especially working closely with the philanthropy and program staff to identify gift opportunities, create donor strategies, and close gifts. The position also requires the ability to work effectively volunteers.

Responsibilities:

70% Relationship Manager: Realize annual metrics toward the revenue and philanthropy activity goals for Connecticut and support overall goals of the organization. Manage a portfolio of prospective and current donors, fostering and growing a culture of philanthropic engagement with Trust for Public Land. Focus includes the following: donor identification, strategy development, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Conduct donor visits, make direct solicitations and close gifts. Write solicitation letters and proposals. Track and meet deadlines and keep donor records up to date. Coordinate and implement donor field trips, events, and recognition as needed.

20% Management of Prospect Pipeline: Work with organizational and regional resources and team members to identify, qualify and track new prospective donors. Those teams may include Planned Giving, Prospect Research, Conservation Champions, and other Directors of Philanthropy and ADoPs. In collaboration with the East Region Director of Philanthropy, manage outreach both internal and external, to advance connections with prospects and cultivate those prospects using researched strategies and methods.

10% Communications, Donor Relations, and Events: Plans and implements regular communications to donors, and serve as philanthropy lead in executing the fundraising strategy for Connecticut engagement and stewardship event(s).

Expectations:

The Associate Director of Philanthropy is expected to:

• Grow and develop a balanced portfolio of 80-100 prospects with the capacity to make 5 figure gifts and effectively move them through the four stages (qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship).
• Make at least 100 visits (aspire to 120 visits both in-person and virtual) with donors and prospects, annually.
• Contribute to Philanthropy s overall success by assuring budget and goals are met or exceeded.
• Develop and implement annual and long-range work plans in coordination with the East Region Director of Philanthropy and Connecticut State Director
• Contribute to and implement annual and long-range strategic plans for Connecticut.
• Model TPL s shared values (Belonging, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Hope) to effectively work across the organization.
  
  

Experience and Skills Required:

• Minimum of five years of fundraising experience, including making face to-face gift solicitations of $10,000 and above.
• Ability to write and edit persuasive philanthropic materials including grant proposals, reports, letters of inquiry, interim reports, stewardship materials, and program/project summaries.
• Experience interacting with individual donors and philanthropy volunteers.
• Self-motivated; able to multi-task with excellent attention to detail and deadlines; and can perform successfully without regular supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively as a member of a team, ensuring close coordination and integration with other staff members.
• Demonstrated ability to accept and apply feedback, follow leadership and align with organizational decisions.
• Computer proficiency with various Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and a preference for comfort with complex databases or donor management software.
• 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. High integrity and commitment to personal and professional excellence.
• Knowledge of and experience with Connecticut s philanthropic community is preferred
• An awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations
• Bachelor s degree preferred.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and available for donor related travel mostly within the state and some national.

Compensation:

As a full-time exempt employee, you will be eligible for The Trust for Public Land s comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, three weeks of vacation annually plus ten holidays, and a 403(b) retirement plan, currently with an up to 5.5% company match. The anticipated salary is $75,000-85,000 range but may vary depending on qualifications and experience.

The Trust for Public Land s active goal is to be an inclusive and equitable place to work and build community. As the organization actively works to eliminate racial and other disparities it welcomes candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skillsets. We are open to the possibility that a great candidate for this job may not precisely meet all of the above criteria; if you believe you are the right person for this job and can persuasively make that case, we encourage you to apply.