Development Operations Specialist

Who We Are
American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.

Position Summary
The Development Operations Specialist is an experienced professional responsible for managing core components of AFT’s fundraising operations, with a focus on data integrity, gift processing, financial reconciliation, and systems coordination. Operating with a high degree of independence, this role ensures the accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness of development operations that support organizational fundraising goals. Reporting to the Director of Development Operations, the Specialist applies technical expertise and sound judgment to maintain and optimize donor systems, strengthen business processes, and support data-driven decision-making. This role partners cross-functionally with Development and Finance teams, contributes to process improvements, and serves as a key resource for staff on systems, tools, and operational practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end gift processing operations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with established policies and financial standards.
• Maintain ownership of data quality and integrity, proactively identifying discrepancies, resolving issues, and implementing improvements to data management practices.
• Lead monthly reconciliation processes between Raiser’s Edge and Intacct, independently investigating variances and coordinating resolution with Finance.
• Administer and track regulatory compliance activities, including state charitable registrations, ensuring adherence to deadlines and requirements.
• Serve as a functional lead for donor systems, supporting effective use and coordination of platforms such as Raiser’s Edge NXT, Salsa CRM, and CardPointe.
• Analyze operational workflows and recommend enhancements to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of development processes.
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and enable knowledge sharing across the team.
• Provide guidance and support to Development staff on systems, reporting, and operational processes, contributing to onboarding and ongoing capability building.
• Generate and refine reports and data outputs to support fundraising performance tracking and leadership decision-making.
• Collaborate on cross-functional initiatives (campaigns, events, digital fundraising), ensuring operational readiness and execution support.
• Execute special projects and process improvement initiatives with a focus on strengthening development operations and infrastructure.
  

• Advanced proficiency in Raiser’s Edge NXT; administrator-level capability preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of CRM systems, data governance, and fundraising operations.
• Experience with financial reconciliation processes and ability to apply accounting-related principles.
• Proficiency in reporting and data analysis; ability to interpret and communicate insights.
• Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to ensure data accuracy and process reliability.
• Exercises sound judgment in handling sensitive donor and financial information.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and processes with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to improve workflows, enhance efficiency, and support scalable operations.
• High level of accountability for quality and outcomes of assigned responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across teams and functions.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical and operational information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to support and guide others in the use of systems and processes.
• Proactive, self-directed, and solutions-oriented approach to work.
Ability to adapt to evolving organizational needs and take initiative on new or ambiguous tasks.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3–5+ years of relevant experience in development operations, CRM management, or related technical/operational roles.
• Nonprofit experience preferred.

Working conditions/Travel

This is a remote-based position. Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines.

Degree of Supervision Given

This position has no direct supervisory responsibility.

Compensation
AFT offers a competitive compensation package, including excellent vacation, medical, retirement, and other benefits. This position offers an annual salary of $70,000 - $75,000.

American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full time employees:

• Insurance coverage begins the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
• Medical & Prescription Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Company Paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare & Dependent Care
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401k Plan
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 13 “sick days” per year.
• Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days during the first year increasing by one day per year to 20 days per year maximum.
Holidays: AFT observes twelve fixed holidays and a week between Christmas and New Years off during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.

Why you should apply:

• Be a part of a purpose-driven, committed, knowledgeable, high-performing, experienced and fun team
• A diverse and inclusive work environment
• A cause and mission you can be proud of
• Competitive compensation & benefits
• Remote work opportunities
Flexible scheduling

Timeline
To be considered, applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter explaining why they are the right fit for both AFT and this role, and complete all screener questions. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled. Apply Directly Here: Development Operations Specialist