Advancement Coordinator

Organization Overview

The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (SVBF) is the lead managing partner for the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, designated by Congress in 1996. SVBF works to preserve, protect, and interpret the hallowed ground of the Valley’s Civil War battlefields, steward more than 8,000 acres of protected battlefield land, and promote heritage tourism across eight counties in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Through close collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, SVBF ensures these historic landscapes remain protected for future generations while supporting education, outdoor recreation, and economic vitality in the region

Position Summary

The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation seeks a dedicated Advancement Coordinator to support the Foundation’s advancement efforts. This role provides administrative and operational support for membership, mid-level giving, planned giving, and donor engagement activities. The position focuses on helping to build and strengthen relationships with donors and members, supporting targeted communications and outreach, and assisting with the integration of advancement activities into Foundation operations and events. This support role contributes to increasing membership, expanding the donor base, and encouraging planned giving commitments, thereby helping the Foundation preserve, protect, and interpret the hallowed ground of the Shenandoah Valley’s Civil War battlefields.

Key Responsibilities

- Assist with a portfolio of mid-level donors and members by making phone outreach, providing personalized stewardship, and supporting solicitation efforts to renew, upgrade, and grow giving.

Support strategies to increase membership numbers and overall donor counts, including administrative help with targeted campaigns for new and lapsed supporters.

Handle membership processing, renewals, and benefits fulfillment.

Support the development and implementation of planned giving campaigns by assisting with the promotion of bequests, charitable gift annuities, and other legacy gifts.

Help identify, cultivate, and steward prospective planned giving donors through outreach and educational materials.

Assist with integrating planned giving messaging into mailings, communications, newsletters, events, and donor visits.

Provide direct support to the CEO for capital campaign activities, major donor meetings, high-level advancement asks, and planned giving opportunities.

Assist with the design, production, and management of regular donor communications, including mailings, e-newsletters, appeal letters, impact reports, membership materials, and planned giving information.

Support the coordination and execution of direct mail and digital campaigns for membership growth, annual giving, and planned giving.

Assist with organizing donor cultivation visits to battlefields, historic sites, and Foundation events to help create meaningful experiences that connect supporters with the mission.

Support the integration of advancement opportunities (including planned giving) into Foundation programs, operations, and public events.

Maintain accurate donor records and track key metrics (membership growth, donor acquisition/retention rates, giving totals, and planned giving pipeline).

Assist with preparing regular reports for Foundation leadership on advancement progress and ongoing initiatives.

Provide general support for advancement operations, including event logistics and partnership coordination.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer or the CEO.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, history, marketing, or a related field (preferred).

- 1–3 years of experience in nonprofit development, donor relations, membership, or sales/outreach (phone-based outreach experience preferred).

- Experience supporting donor or membership growth efforts through direct outreach.

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a professional phone presence.

- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, donor databases (e.g., Bonterra, Raiser’s Edge, Little Green Light, or similar), and basic CRM tools.

- Passion for Civil War history, historic preservation, and the Shenandoah Valley’s heritage.

- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally for battlefield visits and events.

- Must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and donor meetings.

What We Offer

- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

- Benefits package (health options, dental, vision, 403b retirement plan).

- Opportunity to work in a mission-driven environment providing important support to the preservation of nationally significant Civil War landscapes.

- Collaborative team culture with regular access to battlefield sites and historic events.

Compensation

Salary range $45,000 - $50,000; a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. SVBF is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $50,000