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 have helped to permanently conserve over 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.  

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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 the coordination of 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.

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SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Managing the Direct Mail / Direct Marketing Program (70%)

• 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 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.

Events Management (30%)

• Under the guidance of the Development Director, lead the planning and preparation for A Western Affair, the signature fundraising event. Be the project manager tracking the needs, timeline, and materials for the event.
• Serve as the lead contact in coordinating vendors, volunteers, and staff before, during and following the A Western Affair event.
• Partner with volunteers and donors to secure and manage auction items.
• Lead additional cultivation and stewardship events related to annual giving or special projects, often located out on ranches around the state. Potential for new virtual and hybrid events in partnership with team members.

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.

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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.