Level Management Job Location AFT Headquarters - WASHINGTON, DC 20006 Position Type Full Time Salary Range $150,000.00 - $155,000.00 Salary
Who We Are
American Farmland Trust (AFT) is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect nearly 8 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and supported thousands of farm families. Long a pioneering leader, AFT continues to evolve to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers nationwide, adapting its approach to ensure the continued strength and resilience of agriculture and rural communities nationwide.
The Director of Planned Giving will provide strategic leadership for AFT’s planned giving program, deepening donor engagement and growing future support to advance AFT’s mission of protecting farmland, promoting environmentally sound farming practices, and supporting farmers and ranchers nationwide. Reporting to the Vice President of Development, this role works closely with AFT’s Individual Giving (IG) and Farm Legacy Teams, as well as colleagues across the organization.
The Director will manage a portfolio of planned giving prospects and donors, serve as an internal expert on gift planning, and collaborate with the Farm Legacy Director and IG Team on blended deferred gift strategies involving farmland and other complex assets. The position requires an experienced planned giving professional who can engage donors, advance conversations about legacy gifts, and steward commitments with a high level of integrity and sophistication.
Key Responsibilities
Design and implement strategies to grow AFT’s planned giving program, with a focus on increasing the number and value of commitments.
Proactively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of planned giving donors and prospects.
Collaborate with the IG Team to integrate planned giving opportunities into donor engagement strategies.
Partner with the Farm Legacy Director to develop blended deferred gift strategies that may include gifts of farmland or other real property.
Serve as an internal resource to staff and leadership, providing training and guidance on gift planning approaches.
Manage planned giving marketing and communications, including mail, digital, and print strategies to promote QCDs, bequests, and other vehicles.
Maintain knowledge of current trends, tax law, and best practices in charitable gift planning.
Ensure proper documentation and stewardship of planned gifts in collaboration with Development Operations.
Represent AFT at donor meetings, events, and professional gatherings; approximately 25-30% of time will be spent on travel.
8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in planned giving or related major gift fundraising, with demonstrated success securing bequests and other deferred gifts.
Strong knowledge of planned giving vehicles, tax implications, and charitable estate planning.
Knowledge of agriculture, farmland protection, and/or environmental issues strongly preferred.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility with donors, advisors, and colleagues.
Experience developing and implementing planned giving marketing campaigns.
Ability to work independently in a remote environment while collaborating effectively across teams.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification (such as CAP, CFRE, or JD) preferred.
Working Conditions
This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, and phones.
Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines.
This is a remote role.
Compensation
This position offers an annual salary of $150,000 - $155,000.
American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full time employees:
Why you should apply:
Timeline
To be considered, applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter explaining why they are the right fit for both AFT and this role and complete all screener questions. Apply Directly Here: Director of Planned Giving
We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental value and dignity of all our employees. We celebrate the unique traditions, heritages, and experiences our employees bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity, and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.
American Farmland Trust (AFT) began in 1980 after a small group of farmers and conservationists asked an important question: What will happen to the nation's food supply if we continue to wastefully develop our best farm and ranch land?
Peggy McGrath Rockefeller, the wife of philanthropist David Rockefeller, was one of AFT's founding members. Peggy was a dedicated and accomplished farmer, raising purebred cattle on farms in Maine and upstate New York.
Guided by Rockefeller, noted soil conservationist Norm Berg, California farmer Ralph Grossi, and others, AFT focused in the early years on pioneering programs around the country that use a powerful tool – conservation easements – to make the nation's best farmland off limits to developers.
From the early days, AFT has been a strong advocate for voluntary conservation practices and programs that preserve not just land but also our precious soil and water supplies. In the 40+ years since AFT began, we've seen farmland preservation transform into a national movement that has protected well over five million acres nationwide.
Of course, there is much more work to be done. Today, AFT is dedicated to preserving the nation's farm and ranch land – and critical natural resources like soil and water. We also make sure to never forget that it is people – our family farmers and ranchers – who feed us and sustain America.
Please join us.
