Job Opportunities

Job Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt

ORGANIZATION

California Rangeland Trust is committed to serving the land, people and wildlife by conserving our state’s private working rangelands. We understand the importance of protecting the landscapes where our food is produced, our freshwater flows, and our wildlife thrive. With over 365,000 acres in our conservation portfolio, we greatly value our team of highly qualified and dedicated staff members who work to offer creative conservation solutions and protect the natural resources provided by our vital grasslands.

The coming year will be our 25^th anniversary and will include a variety of events and activities around the state. We expect more events than a usual year, mostly small (20-40), some medium (80-100), and one large (~300 guests) for our annual fundraising event. 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

1. Supervised By: Development Director

2. Employees Directly Supervised:  None

3. Other: Works closely with colleagues, landowners, vendors, and supporters of the Rangeland Trust.

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

Events Coordination (60%)

• Be the central project manager tracking the needs, timelines and inventory, and coordinating invitations, collateral and other materials for Rangeland Trust events.
• Partner with staff leads on cultivation, stewardship, and outreach events, including A Western Affair (our signature fundraiser), special projects, ranch tours, landowner celebration dinners, and virtual events.
• Develop and manage event budgets. Research vendors and suppliers, and negotiate pricing to meet both the needs and budget of events.
• Serve as the lead planner and contact in organizing logistics and coordinating with vendors, hosts/volunteers and staff before, during, and following events. Note that our events are often located out on ranches and rural properties around the state.
• Coordinate all database-related elements of events – including invitation lists, collecting RSVPs, processing payments, receipting, coordinating nametags and registration, etc.
• Partner with staff, volunteers and donors to secure and manage auction items for fundraising events.
• Work with the Development team to cultivate and expand sponsorship development.

Gifts and Data Management (40%)

• Process donations and prepare timely acknowledgement of donor-related correspondence.
• Responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the organization’s database, including data input and output, technology management, end-user training and support, policies to guide data entry, and ensure the database effectively captures donor information and generates accurate contact, financial, and analytical reports.
• Ensure optimal data hygiene; implement regular data clean-up functions and NCOA updates. Regularly evaluate our data management tools and make suggestions when needed.
• Manage online donation and event registration pages, requests for matching gifts, and online donor inquiries.
• Maintain gift and grant backup files, coordinate bi-monthly contributions reconciliation with Finance, and support requests connected to our annual audit.
• Create regular fundraising reports, financial reports, and other database reports as needed.
• Ensure the accuracy of donor recognition listings.
• Assist with research of major gifts, planned gifts, and events prospects and compile briefings for key staff. Proactively identify potential major gift prospects.
• Provide support for quarterly Board Committee meetings.
• Assist Fund Development and Outreach Unit with preparations for fundraising and communications projects.
• Partner with colleagues to enhance our donor stewardship activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO or approved by the Director of Development.
• Responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the organization’s database, including data input and output, technology management, end-user training and support, policies to guide data entry, and ensure the database effectively captures donor information and generates accurate contact, financial, and analytical reports.
• Provide administrative assistance to the Chief Executive Officer, Development Director, and other senior staff members as appropriate.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of one year of non-profit experience, preferably in development/fundraising.
• Successful experience in event planning, sponsorship, marketing, and public relations
• Database experience required.

Or

• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS 

• Ability to provide excellent customer service in an enthusiastic and professional manner.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and to work well as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively in a small, dynamic environment, meet multiple concurrent deadlines, and organize time and priorities.
• Highly organized with the ability to handle multiple projects and priorities while coordinating work flow in a deadline-driven and service-focused environment.
• A self-starter with excellent problem-solving and implementation skills.
• Technology-savvy with an understanding of database systems and management.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy.
• Basic math and records management.
• Exceptional editing and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency in conducting internet-based research.
• Experience negotiating with vendors to meet budget goals.
• Fluent in Adobe and Microsoft Office programs: Acrobat, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

Must have a valid California Driver’s License, acceptable driving record, and full automobile insurance coverage.

COMPENSATION

An attractive compensation package will be offered based upon experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Must possess mobility to navigate ranchland terrain and outdoor settings, as well as work in a standard office setting. Ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer; work in temperature variant environments; lift and carry materials weighing up to 40 pounds; read and review printed materials and a computer screen; and communicate clearly and articulately in person and over the telephone.

Must be able to travel and attend meetings and events at various sites throughout the state with occasional weekend and evening events.

Encouraged to participate in professional development depending on prior experience.

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

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.