Associate Director, Annual Fund

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org. 

Posting Information: 

Salary/Hourly Rate: $96,250-$123,750 

New hires are typically placed between Tier I and Tier III within the range, $96,250-$112,750. 

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Full-Time, Exempt  

Job Type: Hybrid 

Location: Boston, MA 

Your Impact: 

As Associate Director of the Annual Fund, you’ll support the planning, execution, and growth of The Trustees’ comprehensive annual giving program. The Trustees’ Founders Circle is a highly segmented, multichannel leadership annual giving initiative that includes personalized solicitations and meaningful donor engagement opportunities. You’ll play a key role in managing core components of this $5+ million program by implementing annual giving strategies, coordinating donor messaging and communications, collaborating with the Events team to deliver impactful donor experiences, and ensuring the effective execution of appeals, renewals, and stewardship efforts. 

The Role: 

As the Associate Director, you’ll develop and implement a comprehensive annual giving strategy that aligns with organizational goals. Reporting to the Director of Development Operations, this highly collaborative position works across the Development team and with colleagues statewide to implement strategies that engage, retain, and grow the annual giving program. You will also lead stewardship efforts to strengthen donor relationships and inspire increased giving. 

The AD, Annual Fund, will design and implement a segmented, highly personalized, multi-channel annual giving program (direct mail, email, digital, events). Ensure personalized solicitations and stewardship for key donor segments and create meaningful donor experiences to deepen engagement and loyalty. 

In addition to these responsibilities, you’ll oversee the Annual Fund Coordinator, who is responsible for the daily execution of renewal solicitations and donor stewardship, and manage approximately 40% of the Development Associate’s responsibilities related to annual giving.  

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Support the management and execution of The Trustees’ comprehensive annual giving program, Founders Circle, helping to grow membership and achieve annual revenue goals. 

• Partner with and guide the Development Associate and Annual Fund Coordinator to deliver a high-quality, concierge experience for Founders Circle members, ensuring thoughtful stewardship and strong year-over-year retention. 

• Expand the Founders Circle base and safeguard the program's long-term health. Continue refining, streamlining, and boosting prospecting efforts. Work closely with Membership to identify Founders Circle prospects within the general membership pool. Record and manage all activities in the database for reporting purposes.  

• Deliver effective, cohesive, and compelling Founders Circle materials, appeals, and touchpoints by collaborating with the Development Communications Manager and Annual Fund Coordinator to create communications that foster belonging and community.  

• Assist Major Gift Officers with Founders Circle members in their portfolios by ensuring annual renewals, encouraging upgraded support, and coordinating major gift requests.  

• Collaborate with the Director of Governance to encourage engagement and participation among members of the leadership giving society. 

• Work with the Director of Development Operations and Finance Data Services team to resolve donor service issues, support data integrity, and ensure Founders Circle members receive timely and high-quality service. 

• Partner with the Annual Fund Coordinator and events team to help shape Founders Circle engagement opportunities and assist with planning a calendar of donor experiences throughout the year. 

• Participate in development events such as Annual Meetings, Founders Circle gatherings, signature events, and relevant Governance activities. 

• Maintain accurate tracking of Founders Circle activities, donor interactions, and results in the CRM database to support timely reporting and analysis. 

• Assist with preparing annual fund and prospect reports on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis. 
• Support budget monitoring and administrative processes for assigned annual fund cost centers. 

• Provide guidance and workflow coordination for select Development staff as assigned, helping ensure smooth collaboration, deliverables, and alignment with annual fund priorities. 

This is a full-time, exempt position (40 hours/week) reporting directly to the Director of Development Operations.