Director of Field Philanthropy, Midwest

The Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with The Trust for Public Land in the search for a Director of Field Philanthropy, Midwest.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Field Philanthropy, the Director of Field Philanthropy, Midwest will lead the fundraising strategy and oversee the team for multiple state programs within the Midwest region. The Director will help the team leverage resources across the organization to elevate The Trust for Public Land at the local level as well as promote and advocate work taking place in state programs with national programs. The Director will oversee their own state program, advisory board, and portfolio with an emphasis on individual major gift prospects and donors. The Director will serve as a member of the Field Philanthropy Management Team and work closely with a variety of internal partners including the Field Advisory & Support Team, Finance, Marketing, Philanthropy Operations, and Philanthropy Programs teams to drive the integration of an organization-wide philanthropy program.

The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. The Trust for Public Land was founded in 1972 on the conviction that all people need and deserve access to nature and the outdoors, close to home, in the cities and communities where they live, as a matter of health, equity, and justice. While many conservation organizations set aside wildlands for biodiversity or habitat restoration, The Trust's founders sought to bring the benefits of parks and nature to the places, people, and communities that needed them most. The Trust for Public Land has protected more than 3.5 million acres of land, developed more than 2,000 miles of trails, and completed more than 5,400 projects across America. The Trust for Public Land has also helped states and local communities generate more than $79 billion in new public funds for parks and open space.

The Trust's Chicago program was established in 1999 and has been instrumental in the creation of The 606, parks such as Ping Tom Park, Haas Park, Mary Bartelme Park, and the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. In Chicago, the neighborhood where one is born, grows up, and lives can greatly determine access to quality public amenities, a sense of safety, health options, and even life expectancy. This is why The Trust for Public Land is focusing its current efforts on communities – like North Lawndale – where historical disinvestment has left residents facing climate, health, and social challenges. The Trust believes that creating safe and high-quality parks, trails, and spaces where people can connect to the outdoors and to each other is a vital part of the solution to address inequity in the city.

The Trust for Public Land recognizes and values the differences that make people unique and cultivates an environment where cultural awareness, sensitivity, and integrity prosper with a workforce reflective of the diversity of the United States, The Trust appreciates the intrinsic correlation between diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and overall performance quality at the department, local, and national levels, where the work culture facilitates the exchange of new perspectives, improves problem-solving by inviting different ideas, and creates a respectful, accepting work environment.

A bachelor's degree is preferred for this position as is at least ten years of fundraising experience, including direct major gift solicitations. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of The Trust for Public Land as well as the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the prospectus.