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 344,000 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. 

The Rangeland Trust staff is a tight-knit team of skilled professionals who readily support one another as we work collaboratively and collegially toward advancing our mission. We are focused on emerging from being “California’s best kept secret” and building a groundswell of new supporters who are hearing the message that well-managed rangeland is important and in danger.

RELATIONSHIPS

1. Supervised By: Development Director
2. Employees Directly Supervised:  None
3. Other:  Works with employees, board members, landowners, and vendors of CRT

POSITION SUMMARY

The Annual Giving Manager supports the movement of supporters to donors and helps to identify and cultivate some of those donors toward major gifts through the implementation of a mid-level donor program.

The Annual Giving Manager is responsible for creating digital and direct mail appeals that reach current and prospective donors across multiple platforms.  This work involves providing leadership for fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events, development of materials for marketing giving opportunities, and designing systems for email and social media engagement.

The ideal candidate will have experience with annual giving or direct marketing programs, as well as coordinating special events and digital outreach efforts.  They should demonstrate strong writing skills with close attention to detail, thoughtfulness toward reaching different audience segments, and creativity in identifying diverse entry points for donor engagement.

Key metrics for success include ability to set, achieve and increase annual revenue goals, grow the mid-level donor file, and produce warm upgrade leads for the major gifts program.  This position requires some travel throughout California; evenings and weekends also occasionally required.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 Development Director 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;
  • 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.
• Advise on new and mid-level donors with the potential for major giving; partner with the Development Director 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.
• Coordinate and regularly evaluate an email Welcome Series to encourage new supporters to become donors.
• Engage with social media fundraisers and their donors to encourage further interest in our work.
• Collect and compose donor feature stories for marketing activities.
• Support stewardship activities and programs to maintain a high retention rate year over year.
• Work with the Donor Services 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.
• Provide oversight and project management support in preparing for A Western Affair, our signature fundraising event.
• Partner with staff, volunteers and donors to secure sponsorships, auction items, and other in-kind support for fundraising events.
• With support from team members, lead additional cultivation and stewardship events related to annual giving or special projects, often located out on ranches around the state.

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.
• 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.
• Willingness to travel in California as well as work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as donor database management systems essential.
• 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

An attractive compensation package will be offered based upon experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to attend meetings at various sites; strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

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, 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 fresh water flows, and our wildlife thrive. With 344,000 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.

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.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Gift and Data Management (50%)

• 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 page, 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 listings.
• Continually improve the effectiveness of existing fundraising operations, including through regular data analysis.
• 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 Committee and Board 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.

Events Management (50%)

• Be the central project manager tracking the needs, timelines and 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 dinners, virtual events, and annual giving-related events, often located out on ranches and rural properties around the state.
• Develop and manage event budgets. Research vendors, suppliers, and pricing options to meet both the needs and budget of events.
• Serve as the lead planner and contact in organizing logistics and coordinating with vendors, volunteers and staff before, during, and following events.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of one year of development/fundraising and non-profit experience.
• Successful experience in event planning, sponsorship, marketing, and public relations
• Database management 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 SKILLS 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 work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to attend meetings at various sites; strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

Must be able to travel and attend meetings and events at various sites throughout the state with possible weekends or 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, 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 fresh water flows, and our wildlife thrive. With 344,000 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.

RELATIONSHIPS

1. Supervised By: Transaction Director
2. Employees Directly Supervised:  None
3. Other: Works with employees, board members, vendors, and clients

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the Conservation/Admin Assistant supports the Organization’s team with daily administrative responsibilities. The Conservation/Admin Assistant is the primary contact for public via office or telephone.  Performs routine and complex office duties.  Lead administrative support for the Conservation Unit.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Conservation Support (80%)

• Manage Landscape (web-based database) containing all CRT projects
• Compiles conservation easement monitoring reports and ensures timely delivery to funding agencies
• Maintains conservation unit records, including keeping minutes of Conservation Unit and Committee meetings
• Provide administrative assistance to Team Members, including scanning, saving, and sending documents as needed; coordination and tracking of project Resolutions and continued interest letters; and other correspondence
• Maintains project files, photographs, databases and archive files
• Track all projects accepted by the organization as potential projects, maintaining a record to assess progress on each project as well as other key information as may be determined by the Conservation Unit
• Gather final documents and prepare Closing Binders for each closed easement project
• Maintain the hard copy and electronic copies for project related files
• Coordinate signage at project closings
• Send landowner anniversary letters

Administrative Support (20%)

• Represent the organization with positivity and resourcefulness, often as the first line of contact via incoming telephone, mail, and visitor traffic. Ensure full coverage of these services Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
• Provide administrative assistance to the Chief Executive Officer, Development Director, and other senior staff members as appropriate.
• Coordinate meeting logistics as directed
• Maintain the office Master Calendar. Monitor CEO and senior staff calendars and arrange meetings as necessary.
• Maintain office supply inventories and storage policies.
• Prepare materials as needed for all Board, committee, and other meetings
• Maintain official records of Board meetings with the CEO.
• Maintain office supply inventories
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Two to four years of college-level coursework in business or related field.
• Background in range management, biology and/or botany preferred but not required.
• Two years related administrative experience.

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 

• Outstanding organizational skills and extreme attention to detail.
• Standard office administrative practices and procedures, including the use of standard office equipment: voicemail, multi-line telephone system, copier, fax machine, and mail machine.
• Strong writing skills including English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Standard business correspondence formatting
• Basic math, record keeping and database management
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once, with minimal supervision and direction.
• Excellent time management skills
• Exemplary customer service skills, including dealing effectively with the public, both in person and over the telephone
• Ability to work as a team member but also with minimal supervision
• Creative and innovative techniques for performing assignments
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, board members, landowners, the public, and others encountered in the course of work
• Proficiency in the following computer applications related to the work including:
  • Microsoft Outlook e-mail program
  • Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat
  • InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop a plus but not required
  • GIS and Google Earth a plus but not required

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 work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to attend meetings at various sites; strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

Must be able to attend out-of-town, evening, or weekend stewardship visits, meetings, and other events as needed.

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