Assoc Director Foundation & Corp Relations

Organizational Mission: 

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. 

Position Summary 

This position will report to the Associate Vice President of Development and work closely with staff to grow, sustain and leverage philanthropic engagement with corporate and foundation constituents. This role requires an appreciation for the outdoors, sensitivity, diplomacy and a passion for building meaningful relationships. You will operate independently in assigned areas with responsibility for a portfolio of foundation and corporate funders including prospect identification, cultivation and solicitation, proposal development, and coordination of internal support activities. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Plan and implement a corporate fundraising plan to enhance the current program.
• Develop solicitation goals, objectives and highly personalized strategies for existing and prospective donors to foster a sense of lifelong connection to the ATC.
• Cultivate and solicit gifts and other support to the ATC, including sponsored programs, in-kind contributions, and hybrid funding collaborations.
• Establish and build a robust portfolio of foundation and corporate partners.
• Solicit gifts both independently and collaboratively with staff and board members.
• 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 of its project and program areas.
• Document touchpoints with donors in a moves management system; ensuring key donor information is recorded and pertinent research is captured.
• Track solicitation efforts, progress and oversee the recognition of assigned donors.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of fundraising events. 
• Conduct follow-up activities for major donor/prospect visits and events. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to promoting and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion.
• Plan and implement major donor recognition strategies for foundations and corporations. 
• Prepare written materials for major donors and prospects, including correspondence, solicitation materials, profiles for A.T. Journeys magazine, acknowledgements, etc.
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President of Development.

 Qualifications 

• Commitment to the mission of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. 
• Bachelor’s degree and five- seven years of relevant experience managing relationships with foundations and corporations. 
• Demonstrated effectiveness in corporate and/ or foundation prospect research identification, relationship building, proposal and budget development, and solicitation.   
• Demonstrated ability to write successful grant proposals for $100K+ gifts. 
• Superior written and oral communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to translate complex concepts into a compelling case for philanthropic support.  
• Commitment to a collaborative culture, with patience, persistence, and flexibility to build consensus and facilitate decision-making across multiple constituencies. 
• High comfort level in meeting with high-level executives and philanthropists. 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

• Travel is 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. 
• If working remotely, candidates must have access to secure internet access from which to work. 

Additional Details

• Location: This is a remote position; the candidate must be located in one of the 14 trail states.
• Annual salary range: ($96k - $106k).
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available.
• Company paid long-term disability and life insurance provided.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 7% match after 1 year of service.

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 based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression), national origin, political affiliation, 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. 

Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Identity Statement