Fundraising Communications Specialist

Founded in 1984, the Adirondack Land Trust works to forever conserve the forests, farmlands, waters and wild places that advance the quality of life of our communities and the ecological integrity of the Adirondacks.

Through private initiative, community cooperation and a deep connection to the land, the Adirondack Land Trust has protected 27,149 acres at 94 sites in 34 towns. We currently oversee 16,134 acres under conservation easement and own 1,565 acres in fee. Land Trust Alliance accreditation was achieved in 2019.

Position Summary

We're seeking a full-time Fundraising Communications Specialist to put their skills to work saving land. Write, edit and produce clear and engaging communications to advance the goals and impact of the Adirondack Land Trust. This staff member works closely with the Director of Communications and as part of the Philanthropy Team, and in collaboration with colleagues and board members, to craft messages, materials and personalized communications for leadership-giving prospects and donors. This work also supports aspects of land protection, including events, presentations and board meetings.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Stewardship and Solicitation Materials (75%)

• Stay current with Adirondack Land Trust priorities and impacts to research, write, design (or work with designers to produce) compelling proposals, presentations, slide decks, projectdescription templates, letters and other materials that convey the impact and promise of donor support through Adirondack Land Trust programs (e.g., land acquisitions, land-driven community-engagement projects, efforts to broaden and diversify the Adirondack conservation community) for use by board members and staff to engage donors and prospects.
• Work with fundraising cabinet, board communications leaders, staff and outside facilitators to
  incorporate board feedback into messages and materials, and to build board confidence as
  ambassadors for the Adirondack Land Trust.
• With staff and board input, develop an effective overall case for support, and collect feedback to update and improve case on a regular basis.
• Support fundraising staff in writing, editing and distributing planned giving and cause-related marketing materials as well as products that illustrate ways, benefits and impacts of giving.
• Coordinate and edit video to support fundraising and engagement, for sharing directly with prospects and on social media, and support video projects with independent contractor(s).

Publications (15%)

• Provide editorial assistance to tell the Adirondack Land Trust story through high-quality communications consistent with tone, brand and messaging guidelines.
• Assist with planning, drafting and execution of social media and monthly e-newsletters.
• Assist with planning, drafting and editing of printed newsletter (spring) and annual report (fall).
• Work with fundraising staff to produce promotional materials for donor events and trips.

Appeals and acknowledgements (10%)

• Stay current with Adirondack Land Trust priorities and impacts to craft original, timely and compelling messages for fundraising appeals and acknowledgement letters and materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in writing, communications, marketing or journalism
• Attention to detail and understanding of audiences.
• Strong writing, storytelling, fact-checking and editing skills. Ability to synthesize complex ideas into language that clearly relates the land trust’s impact to audience interests and concerns.
• Ability to interact with supporters, partners, board members and other volunteers.
• Ability to manage editorial projects from inception to completion; project-management skills with ability to use project-management systems.
• Aptitude to adapt to changing technology and communications best practices.
• Experience engaging culturally diverse audiences and partners; ability to communicate about race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability and gender identities as they relate to conservation work.
• Ability to adapt in a dynamic work environment with schedules and priorities that shift with the needs and phases of operating fund needs, land-protection and stewardship funding needs.
• Helpful: Understanding of conservation and land protection practices for private and public lands.
• Helpful: Experience with relational databases, web content management systems (CMS) and design software.

Please note that all employees are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Compensation

• Reports to: Director of Communications
• Salary: $45,000 depending on experience
• Benefits: Paid vacation and holidays; matching contribution to 403(b) retirement plan;
  high-quality health, vision and dental plans.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to email your resume and a cover letter.

Organizational Statement

Data show that some types of candidates more frequently do not apply to a job because they don’t feel
that they meet all qualifications listed. Our job descriptions are general overviews, not a mandatory list.
As a small and growing organization, we appreciate a diverse set of skills and candidates eager and
willing to grow and learn with our organization. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that
you have the skills and aptitude to succeed in this role, we want to hear from you.

We strive for a collegial environment of people who generate innovative ideas and work hard to
implement them. We value diversity, equity and inclusion as essential to all aspects of conservation
work, and to ensuring that the Adirondack Park welcomes and provides benefits for all people. We also
understand the value of work/life balance and make efforts to support hybrid work schedules.

ALT affirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity for all individuals. Decisions about
recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, compensation, benefits, and all similar employment matters are
made in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and without regard to race, color, religion,
gender, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity,
familial status, military status or any other classification protected by federal or state law. Any
discrimination in the workplace against persons protected by equal employment opportunity laws is
illegal and against policy.