Philanthropic Engagement Manager

Position Summary

The Philanthropic Engagement Manager implements an effective mid-level donor program, and will aim to enhance the experience of the American Battlefield Trust’s mid-level donors (roughly defined as $1,000-$10,000). The Manager will aim to increase retention rates, to increase donors’ giving over time, and to identify donors from this pool who have major gift capacity and who want deeper engagement with the Trust. 

About the American Battlefield Trust:

The American Battlefield Trust is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to preserving our nation’s battlefields from the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Civil War. We are seeking Philanthropic Engagement Manager to cultivate, solicit, and steward our fantastic donors so that we can save these battlefields before they are developed, and educate the public about what happened on these historic fields.  

America will soon be celebrating our 250th birthday in just a few short years, and at the same time increasing development pressures are threatening our country’s battlefields like never before. Now is the time to save this land before it is too late, which is why the American Battlefield Trust is launching a major capital campaign. 

Principal Responsibilities:

The Philanthropic Engagement Manager:

1. Manages relationships across a portfolio of approximately 400-600 mid-level donors. 

• Engages donors through consistent and active communication to cultivate, steward and solicit them using various channels including phone, email, US mail and occasionally face-to-face, with a premium placed on donor retention and increased giving.
• Uses content such as donor impact reports and preservation victory announcements, to create personal touchpoints for donors based on their interests and giving. Determines which donors would benefit from more personalized or more frequent contact.
• Learns about the donors’ passions and interests, and then develop, execute, evaluate, and refine strategies to connect donors with the organization’s priority projects.

1. Collaborates with the Major Gifts Team and larger Development team to engage donors and prospects, to include participation in special events and other engagement opportunities.
2. Develop and implement a strategy around Donor Advised Fund giving.
3. Conducts prospect research on portfolio and supplements existing donor research as necessary.
4. Serves as an ambassador for the American Battlefield Trust by developing and maintaining a thorough and accurate understanding of its mission, key programs, and funding priorities to effectively connect donors and prospects to its priorities and core services.
5. Utilizes and updates the American Battlefield Trust’s donor CRM, EveryAction by recording activities, contacts, gift proposals, and strategies on an on-going basis consistent with current policies.
6. Writes foundation proposals and grant applications for small foundations on an as needed basis.

Required Competencies and Qualifications:

The American Battlefield Trust seeks a Philanthropic Engagement Manager with:

• A commitment to the mission of American Battlefield Trust to preserve our nation’s hallowed battlegrounds and educate the public about what happened there and why it matters today.
• At least two years of experience in development, donor relations, or other similar roles demonstrating increasingly responsible positions in development.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, deepen and sustain positive relationships with donors. 
• Genuine curiosity in people, an interest in engaging donors, and uncovering their passions and interests. 
• A high level of accountability, self-motivation, and ability to work independently and with confidentiality; 
• Desire to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to write effectively;
• A keen attention to detail and an ability to maintain high standards;
• A professional demeanor and good judgment when interacting with the American Battlefield Trust’s staff and leadership team, high net worth prospective donors, and key stakeholders; and
• Competency with Microsoft Office. Proficiency with CRM databases required, and experience with EveryAction is preferred.

To apply, submit resume and cover letter to developmentresumes@battlefields.org.

What We Offer 

• Hybrid office environment
• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with the premium cost on individual coverage paid 100% by the Trust
• Paid time off + eleven holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan with company contribution after one year (regardless of employee’s own contribution)
• Paid life, AD&D, & disability benefits
• Paid parental leave
• WMATA/transit reimbursement program
• Year-round intern program
• Opportunities to participate in events and visit historic sites
• Professional development opportunities
• Fully stocked coffee and tea stations
• Complimentary onsite gym
• Business casual dress environment + casual Friday