Vice-President of Philanthropy

Organization Overview

Palmer Land Conservancy (Palmer) is one of Colorado’s leading nonprofit land conservation organizations and one of the country’s first 100 nationally accredited land trusts through the Land Trust Alliance. Palmer is committed to protecting land and water for the wellbeing of nature and people. Since 1977, the organization has permanently protected 138,000 acres, including 20 public parks and open spaces, working farms and ranches, wildlife habitat, and scenic views. These are the places where we all live, work, and play.

We are a team of professionals who work with private landowners, as well as local, state, and federal partners to be a catalyst for community health, resiliency, and prosperity. Through these partnerships, we can achieve a lasting impact on our mission and begin to ignite a culture shift for conservation. We are committed to organizational excellence; we value our people, diverse backgrounds and experiences, equitable access, and expanding the tools we need to be successful. At Palmer, we believe people ultimately make this work happen. The more a community cares about its land and water resources, the more willpower there is to preserve and protect them. Similarly, the more a community has access to the outdoors the healthier its population is, with a higher quality of life. We believe in connecting people to nature and ensuring everyone can access this work's benefits.

Our main office is in downtown Colorado Springs, and we have satellite offices in Pueblo and Salida. For more information, visit palmerland.org.

The Opportunity

Guided by the ambitious goals laid out in our strategic plan, Land for Life, Palmer is relentlessly motivated to take action because of the urgent need for conservation. Backed by a drive for innovation, we are actively growing the staff capacity and fiscal strength needed to achieve its land and water conservation commitments. The Vice-President of Philanthropy will play a crucial role in maintaining effective and sustainable financial structures and launching the Comprehensive Campaign to fully fund the operational objectives and programmatic goals.

Position Summary

The Vice-President of Philanthropy should possess significant experience in a broad range of fundraising strategies, thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial setting, and be skilled at helping donors achieve their philanthropic goals by giving opportunities aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities. The organization is in the early stages of launching a Comprehensive Campaign, focusing on increasing the annual fund by 110% and growing our membership base from 600 to 2000. 

The Vice-President of Philanthropy will work collaboratively with the full team. Direct reports include the Membership and Events Manager, Communications Manager, and Community Engagement Coordinator to deliver on the Comprehensive Campaign objectives while stewarding the annual fund and launching additional individual campaigns. The role may be supported by external campaign and planned giving consulting, as needed.

Core Responsibilities:

• Oversee the management and enhancement of Palmer’s donor and prospect research, donor data management, and donor communications to ensure outstanding donor stewardship and inform donor and departmental strategy at all giving levels.
• Develop a comprehensive campaign strategy and implementation plan to fully fund the Land for Life Strategic Plan, including a Stewardship Endowment, Quick Strike Fund, Landowner Assistance Fund, and powering the organization’s on-the-ground land and water goals.
• Lead colleagues, Board, and community volunteers in implementing fundraising plans and donor stewardship programs, including Palmer’s donor member affinity groups (Land Lovers and Millennium Society) and campaign committees, to achieve revenue goals.
• Oversee the management and execution of outreach programs and public events to optimize donor/sponsor pipeline development in partnership with Palmer’s community engagement team.
• Provide exceptional management and mentorship for direct reports, supporting team effectiveness, efficiency, and enjoyment, including promoting professional development.
• Serve as an ambassador of Palmer’s land and water conservation work and fundraising program within the organization and in the community through professional networking, public speaking engagements, and event attendance.
• Continuously seek and explore new opportunities for funding with aligned philanthropic and corporate partners.
• Develop and manage annual budget for revenue and expenses.
• Develop monthly, quarterly, and annual giving reports, and provide strategic analysis and overview for the President & CEO and Board of Trustees.

Qualifications of a Successful Candidate: 

• Experience leading and managing a successful fundraising program within a growing and dynamic organization.
• A history of systematically engaging staff and volunteers to achieve ambitious long-term goals through excellent vision, alignment, and execution skills.
• Proven track record of donor engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with planned and current gifts of cash and non-cash assets.
• Strong technical proficiency with CRMs and other donor research tools.
• Ability to optimize resources—time, financial, human, and other—and capability to teach and lead others to do the same.
• Deep affinity for and unwavering commitment to mission-centric, collaborative, ethical fundraising that is fun, inclusive, and impactful.
• Passion for thinking and working entrepreneurially in a fast-paced environment, including a knack for finding undiscovered opportunities and problem-solving to create mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Desire and ability to effectively communicate to large and small audiences in various formats and settings.
• Travel and extended work hours, including some weekends and evenings, are likely. The ability to traverse steps, uneven surfaces, and non-developed pathways in and outdoors, as well as lifting, bending, and long periods of sitting, may all be required. A valid driver’s license with the ability to drive distances up to 6-8 hours in a single day and after dark is necessary.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is $120,000, and Palmer offers full-time employees excellent benefits including: health, dental, and vision insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, employer retirement plan and contribution, paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and flexible work arrangements. The position is based out of Palmer’s Colorado Springs office located in beautiful downtown, and near ample recreation and open space opportunities.

How to Apply: The position is open until until filled and interviews will be done on a rolling basis so candidates who are interested are encouraged to apply early. Applicants should submit 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, 3) list of three references by e-mail to: jobs@palmerland.org with the subject line: VP of Philanthropy. References will not be contacted unless you are selected for a final interview.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, Palmer Land Conservancy encourages you to apply.