Job Opportunities

Job Status: Full-time, Exempt

ORGANIZATION 

The California Rangeland Trust is a non-profit organization founded by innovative cattlemen and cattlewomen in 1998, and has helped to permanently conserve 365,000 acres of privately managed rangeland.

The Rangeland Trust partners with ranching families to preserve the Golden State’s working landscapes, air and water quality, wildlife habitat, and local food supply.  We connect landowners to conservation resources, facilitate the process of preserving ranching and open space in California for future generations, and help safeguard agricultural jobs and family businesses that support the economic health of the state.  We also serve as a bridge for the ranching and environmental communities to cultivate shared efforts in protecting vital natural resources and build our state’s climate resilience.

Next year will be our 25th anniversary and will include a variety of activities around the state. We will be enjoying the abundance of the land that we can celebrate because of the conservation work of the last 25 years, while also looking at how we can continue the fight for the future of working lands and their stewards.

RELATIONSHIPS

The Annual Giving Manager reports to the Director of Development.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Associate ensures smooth, responsive, and friendly service to California Rangeland Trust supporters and partners in conservation. This includes responsibility for valuable and accurate data going into and coming out of our donor database, supporting the execution of quality donor events, and providing responsive customer service for gift processing and events-related calls. The Associate also provides valuable internal service for the organization through administrative support of the Fund Development & Outreach Unit.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage an annual giving program for donors <$5,000/year including:
  • setting ambitious yet attainable goals for raising funds, and retaining and upgrading donors;
  • composing appeals concepts and content in partnership with the Director of Development and other staff members;
  • advising on list segmentation, acquisition targets, and using the database to identify and track segments;
  • managing printers, list brokers, and other vendors; and
  • creating and managing a direct mail and digital outreach calendar in coordination with the Communications team.
• Develop, maintain, and regularly evaluate a mid-level program for donors giving at least $500 annually. This may include regular outreach by phone, through events or programs, or other special touches.
• Advise on new and mid-level donors with the potential for major giving; partner with the Director of Development and Major Gifts Officer to create a cultivation and solicitation plan when appropriate.
• Identify creative opportunities to engage prospective donors; explore diverse avenues for attracting donor support.
• Engage with social media fundraisers and their donors to encourage further interest in our work.
• Lead donor stewardship activities, including gift acknowledgment and special initiatives to maintain a high retention rate year over year.
• Collect and compose donor feature stories and quotes for marketing and stewardship.
• Work closely with the Communications team to develop consistent messaging to donors, including through blog posts, email welcome series, Thankful Thursdays, and more.
• Work with the Development Associate to maintain accurate donor records in the database.
• Provide additional support for department activities including special events, annual planning, and other related tasks where needed.
• Partner with staff, volunteers and donors to secure sponsorships, auction items, and other in-kind support for special events.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum two years of experience working in non-profit fundraising.
• Proven ability to articulate the story of an organization, its mission and its effectiveness. Adept at crafting compelling and high-quality solicitation letters and donor correspondence.
• Proven track record of building creative offers that meet donor interests.
• Experience in maintaining effective relationships with mid-level donors and determining potential for upgrading to major gifts.
• Preferred experience with CRM or donor management systems.
• Highly organized and efficient. Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and get things done on schedule.  Detail orientation around data and tracking systems.
• Demonstrated donor recognition strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills with both internal and external constituencies.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to travel in California as well as work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Must have a valid CA Driver’s License and acceptable driving record.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• A mission-driven individual with a belief in and commitment to the philosophy of the Rangeland Trust.
• Extremely proactive approach to work. Someone that is solutions-oriented and can work independently. Shows initiative and creativity.
• A good listener and strategist. Intrepid yet tactful.  Determined yet respectful of others’ concerns.
• Strong commitment to teamwork and commitment to developing and maintaining collaborative relationships.
• Must be highly organized and demonstrate excellent attention to details while pursuing overall goals.
• A resourceful ‘doer’ with a willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of activities.
• Ability to work well under pressure and adapt easily to changing situations and priorities. Good judgment and consensus building skills.
• High ethical standards.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt position with a budgeted annual salary range of $60,000-$65,000, based upon experience. We also offer a competitive benefits package including healthcare, vacation, 401k contributions, and more.

California Rangeland Trust is an equal opportunity employer and seeks diversity with respect to race, national origin, religion, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status and physical abilities.  All inquiries are held in strict confidence

TO APPLY

Please send your resume with a cover letter and/or writing sample (preferably persuasive writing or storytelling) to sfoucault@rangelandtrust.org. 

California Rangeland Trust is an equal opportunity employer and seeks diversity with respect to race, national origin, religion, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status and physical abilities.  All inquiries are held in strict confidence.