Organizational Mission
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Position Summary
The Associate Director of Development, Annual Giving will report to the Director of Development and will represent the ATC in all fundraising activities involving mid-level donors. This role requires an appreciation for the outdoors, diplomacy, and a passion for building meaningful relationships. You will also contribute to strategic planning and represent ATC at fundraising events with the goal of building meaningful, donor-centric relationships that lead to a lifelong connection to the ATC.
The Associate Director of Development, Annual Giving is responsible for managing and growing ATC’s mid-level annual giving program. This position is responsible for the overall management of the Annual Giving Program and works collaboratively with Membership, Major Gifts, and Planned Giving colleagues to develop an integrated annual giving plan which incorporates strategies to move mid-level donors through the donor continuum. The position supports the overall strategic direction and goals of the Development team and ATC.
Who We Are
Established in 1925, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) leads the effort to protect, maintain and celebrate the A.T. We are part of a unique cooperative-management system, working with a number of local, state, and federal partners to ensure greater protections for the Trail. Our partners include the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, dozens of state agencies, and 30 local Trail Maintaining Clubs.
The ATC is largely funded by its more than 30,000 members and over 600,000 supporters located throughout all 50 states and in more than 15 countries. Our support ensures that the one-of-a-kind A.T. hiking experience is protected from development so that everyone can have the opportunity for life-changing self-discovery on the A.T.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain a program of approximately 10,000 mid-level donors and prospects (with capacity to make gift of $1k +)
- Design and manage appeals (e.g. direct mail, email, video, phone, and other channels) to target key populations to maximize fundraising potential
- Design and implement short – long-term engagement plans geared toward securing gifts between $1k and above.
- Create and manage a Mid-Level Giving Program that identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards existing and potential Mid-Level donors through marketing appeals.
- Collaborate with the Development Operations Team to execute the Mid-Level Appeals and follow up on appeals. (e.g. direct mail, email, video, phone, and other channels).
- Lead all communication for the Mid-Level Giving Program including but not limited to website language and other marketing materials.
- Establish and build relationships with mid-level donors via phone calls, mailings, meetings, and other communication to inspire them to increase their annual gift.
- Solicit lapsed mid-level donors via marketing appeals.
- Collaborate with Development team to identify major gift prospects from the mid-level donor pool.
- Make weekly thank you phone calls to Mid-Level donors.
- Develop solicitation goals, objectives and highly personalized strategies for existing and prospective donors to foster a sense of lifelong connection to the ATC.
- Work with staff to share and exchange pertinent information about donors, strategies, activities, and events.
- Work closely with staff to develop a deep and comprehensive understanding of the unique history of the ATC and all project and program areas.
- Document touchpoints with donors in a moves management system; ensuring key donor information is recorded and pertinent research is captured.
- Appropriately track solicitations, portfolio activity, proposals, revenue, and reporting requirements; ensure timely and accurate data entry ahead of required quarterly performance and KPI reports.
- Assist in the planning and coordination of fundraising events.
- Conduct follow-up activities for Mid-Level donor/prospect visits and events.
- Plan and implement Mid-Level donor recognition strategies.
- Prepare written materials for Mid-Level donors and prospects, including correspondence, solicitation materials, profiles for A.T. Journeys magazine, acknowledgements, etc.
- Provide support periodically for other fundraising programs including, but not limited to, membership and major gifts.
- Other duties as assigned by the Director of Development or VP of Advancement.
Qualifications
- Bachelors’ degree and proven track record of 3-5 years of success in nonprofit fundraising, particularly with engaging individual donors, implementing fundraising campaigns, and meeting revenue targets.
- Ability to engage and persuade others and experience using a donor database, prospect research, and other wealth screening tools.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to articulate a compelling case for philanthropic support programs.
- Understand and be able to translate complex concepts into compelling development proposals.
- Relationship building experience with donors of diverse backgrounds.
- Strong collaborative skills with confidence to influence at all levels to achieve strategic fundraising results.
- Strategic thinker and problem solver with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
- High degree of integrity, sensitivity, and good judgment in working with donors and handling confidential information.
- Knowledge of charitable trends and fundraising campaign strategy.
- Advanced ability with Microsoft Office suite and able to learn new systems quickly.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Future frequent travel may be required, primarily on the East Coast.
- Frequent communication with individuals by phone, video, email and in person.
- Work on the phone, video or computer for prolonged periods.
Location
- This is a remote position; candidates must have access to secure internet from which to work.
Additional Details
- The salary range for this position is $80,000-$85,000 annually.
- Heath, dental, and vision insurance available.
- Company paid long-term and life insurance provided.
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 7% match after 1 year of service.
To Apply
To apply for this position, please submit an application packet via our ADP application portal.
ATC Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) encourages collaboration, flexibility, and fairness with all employees and volunteers to enable participation and contributions to their fullest potential.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive organization and recognize that diversity contributes to an effective and successful organizational culture and mission.
The ATC prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and/or expression), national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, political affiliation, union membership, or any other status protected by the laws and regulations in the locations where we operate.
Click here to view the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Identity Statement