Donor Relations Officer

Summary

The Donor Relations Officer is a highly visible position at Columbia Land Trust, responsible for securing major and planned gifts. This engaging professional actively manages a donor portfolio, supports our major gift and qualification program, and represents the Land Trust at public events. This position requires at least two days per week in the Vancouver office, with flexibility to work from regional offices or home for the remainder of the time. Occasional longer days or weekends may be required. Candidates must be able to lead tours of up to three miles, sometimes on unpaved or uneven terrain, and stand for long periods of time. Comfort leading events in both urban and rural outdoor spaces, sometimes in inclement weather, is necessary. A valid driver’s license is required and selected candidates will be asked to consent to a driving record review.

Essential Duties:

• Serves as a major gift and planned giving officer for the Land Trust, under the leadership of the Development Director.
• Secures gifts of $25,000+ and planned gifts, with an annual fundraising goal of $1 million.
• Manages and cultivates a discrete portfolio of donors.
• Shares our mission and work to community groups through public presentations.
• Collaborates with the Development Manager on major donor stewardship opportunities.
• Hosts donors on hikes across our region.
• Develops major gift action plans.
• Completes regular database entries to support donor actions and opportunities.
• Connects donors with program team members as part of a cultivation strategy.
• Upholds and advances the Land Trust’s equity commitments.
• Engages with culturally diverse groups, including donors, volunteers, and community partners, in a welcoming and inclusive manner.
• Ensures ethical adherence to gift-related policies and procedures as defined by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Land Trust Alliance; follows strict donor confidentiality protocol and maintains security of all donor records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Columbia Land Trust seeks applicants with skills and experience in some of the listed tasks or similar work. Training will be provided to ensure qualified candidates can safely and effectively perform the job. Accommodation may be available for individuals with disabilities to enable them to fulfill essential job functions. Required Skills & Experience  The following are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed to perform the duties of the job. Some experience with one or more of the following is preferred, with some training available to help build on existing skills to reach the skill level needed. Both professional and personal life experience will be considered.

• At least 5 years of experience in development and a proven track record of securing individual gifts at the $25k+ level.
• Excellent communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure. 
• Strong storytelling and content creation skills for donor proposals or reports.
• Knowledge of best practices for major gift pipeline development.
• Enthusiasm for conservation and for Columbia Land Trust’s mission and work.

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and donor databases (we use Blackbaud NXT).
• Experience engaging in personal and organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Effective problem-solving skills, adaptability, and strong interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation. 

Application Instructions

To be considered for the Donor Relations Officer position, please email your resume, a cover letter highlighting relevant experience, and a list of three references to jobs@columbialandtrust.org.  We will not contact your references without notifying you first.

In your cover letter, please include:

• A description of your interest in the position and how your skills and experience align with the role.
• A description of your interest in conservation or what about the natural world inspires you to apply for this position.
• A description of your commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion.