Employment Opportunities

Looking to join the American Battlefield Trust team? Explore our open full-time positions and part-time internship opportunities below. Find out more about the benefits and highlights of working at the Trust on our career page.


Open Positions at the American Battlefield Trust

At the American Battlefield Trust, we build parks and tell stories — the narrative threads that make up the rich tapestry of our nation. Our culture calls for hardworking, entrepreneurial individuals that take calculated, intelligent risks and are always looking for opportunities to learn and improve. Our staff is united by a commitment to excellence and a passion for keeping American history alive. 

Since 1987, the Trust has saved more than 60,000 acres of hallowed battlefield land from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War. We have reached millions of students and other life-long learners through our education programs.  As our nation heads toward the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we are looking to grow even more and build upon our previous successes.

The American Battlefield Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 

Land Preservation Grants Associate

The American Battlefield Trust, the nation’s premier historic land preservation nonprofit, seeks a Grants Associate to support efforts to obtain funding from federal, state, and local grant programs to preserve and steward important land throughout the U.S. associated with the Civil War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812. 

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid Office) 
Department: Land Preservation 
Job Classification: Full-Time, Exempt 
Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 annual starting salary
Benefits: vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, 403(b) retirement plan, employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance, employer-paid life and AD&D insurance, employer-paid disability insurance, paid parental leave, FSA, onsite gym at Washington, DC office 

Position Summary

The Grants Associate will support the work of the Trust’s Grants Managers and will also be assigned various duties in support of internal land preservation projects. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Drafting and compiling grant applications, including application narratives, support documentation, partner support letters, and project budgets
  • Working with Trust staff and non-profit and government partners to assemble historic significance information, mapping, and other documents supporting each grant application
  • Assisting with the preparation of required documentation for quarterly and annual grant reporting
  • Conducting research on new federal, state, and local grant programs for battlefield, historic land, open space preservation, and environmental protection/water quality/mitigation 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

  • B.A./B.S. degree is required 

  • At least two (2) years of relevant work experience is required 

  • Grant writing or grant administration experience is a plus

  • Ability to establish excellent working relationships, be detail-oriented, meet project deadlines, and have superior research and writing skills 

  • Experience working with Adobe Acrobat and the Microsoft Office Suite 

  • Interest and experience in the preservation of American historic sites is a plus 

To apply for the position, please send your resume, cover letter, and references to LPresumes@battlefields.org. No calls, please.

Major Gifts Officer (Philanthropic Advisor)

The American Battlefield Trust, the only national non-profit organization dedicated to preserving our nation’s battlefields from the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Civil War, seeks a Major Gifts Officer to join our team of dedicated fundraising professionals. We are a non-partisan organization, and present history as accurately and completely as possible to inspire an appreciation of our country’s shared history. Our donors are passionate and deeply committed, and they are a pleasure to partner with.

America’s 250th birthday is approaching, yet increasing development pressures are threatening our country’s battlefields like never before. The Trust is dedicated to preserving these sites and educating the public about their significance. Join us in this vital effort! A rewarding perk of working with us is the opportunity to experience history firsthand through exclusive tours with our nation’s best historians! 

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid Office) 
Department: Development
Job Classification: Full-Time, Exempt 
Salary Range: $85,000 - $115,000 annual starting salary
Benefits: vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, 403(b) retirement plan, employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance, employer-paid life and AD&D insurance, employer-paid disability insurance, paid parental leave, FSA, onsite gym at Washington, DC office 

Position Summary

The Philanthropic Advisor will build relationships with our donors, learning about their passions and interests with an eye toward matching donor interests with the needs of the Trust. They will actively manage a portfolio consisting of donors and prospects at all phases of the solicitation cycle—qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The Philanthropic Advisor will then invite donors in their portfolio to participate in our capital campaign by supporting projects and programs in line with their interests. 

The Philanthropic Advisor will be a part of a dynamic major gifts and campaign team with two other seasoned Principal Philanthropic Advisors who love working at the Trust. This is a good opportunity for someone who wants to gain experience with major gifts fundraising, and get some experience working one-on-one with donors, and learn from other experienced donor-facing staff. The Advisor will also learn about capital campaigns, and will have a chance for growth to higher positions when appropriate. Our Advisors stay with the Trust much longer than those at other organizations, and love the camaraderie, organizational culture and management, the mission, and the donors.

Principal Responsibilities:

The Philanthropic Advisor will 

  • Manage a portfolio of 150 donors and qualified prospects nationwide, through in-person visits and meaningful interactions to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to successfully close major gifts ($10,000-$150,000+)
  • Dedicate 50% of time to travel for face-to-face meetings to determine if donors are interested in supporting the Trust at higher levels, while strengthening donor relationships and securing commitments.
  • Partner with the Chief Development Officer other team members to meet or exceed dollar and visit goals, with a focus on securing new multi-year gifts in support of a major capital campaign;
  • Develop and implement tailored strategies to connect donors with the organization's priority funding needs. Use tools such as custom, small battlefield tours as an exciting way to engage with donors.
  • Serve as a knowledgeable ambassador for the American Battlefield Trust, effectively articulating its mission, strategic priorities, and funding needs.
  • Contribute to or review donor engagement materials, including briefings, proposals, solicitations, and acknowledgments.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in our CRM EveryAction, tracking interactions, proposals, and engagement strategies in accordance with organizational policies. 

Required Competencies and Qualifications:

The American Battlefield Trust seeks a Philanthropic Advisor with:

  • A commitment to the mission of American Battlefield Trust to preserve our nation’s hallowed battlegrounds and educate the public about what happened there and why it matters today.
  • Experience in donor and prospect management and gift solicitation, including a proven track record of closing major gifts and stewarding donor relationships; experience securing gifts as part of a capital campaign is preferred but not required.
  • A high level of accountability, self-motivation, and ability to work independently and with confidentiality;
  • Strong communication skills and ability to write effectively;
  • A keen attention to detail and an ability to maintain high standards;
  • A professional demeanor and good judgment when interacting with the American Battlefield Trust’s staff and leadership team, high net worth prospective donors, and key stakeholders; and
  • Competency with Microsoft Office. Proficiency with CRM databases required, and experience with EveryAction is preferred.

A bachelor's degree is required for this position as is at least two years of mid-level or major gift fundraising or sales experience.

To apply, submit resume and cover letter to developmentresumes@battlefields.org

Major Gifts Officer (Principal Philanthropic Advisor)

The American Battlefield Trust, the only national non-profit organization dedicated to preserving our nation’s battlefields from the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Civil War, seeks a Major Gifts Officer to join our team of dedicated fundraising professionals. We are a non-partisan organization, and present history as accurately and completely as possible to inspire an appreciation of our country’s shared history. Our donors are passionate and deeply committed, and they are a pleasure to partner with.

America’s 250th birthday is approaching, yet increasing development pressures are threatening our country’s battlefields like never before. The Trust is dedicated to preserving these sites and educating the public about their significance. Join us in this vital effort! A rewarding perk of working with us is the opportunity to experience history firsthand through exclusive tours with our nation’s best historians! 

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid Office) 
Department: Development
Job Classification: Full-Time, Exempt 
Salary Range: $110,000 - $126,000 annual starting salary
Benefits: vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, 403(b) retirement plan, employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance, employer-paid life and AD&D insurance, employer-paid disability insurance, paid parental leave, FSA, onsite gym at Washington, DC office 

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) will build relationships with our donors, learning about their passions and interests with an eye toward matching donor interests with the needs of the Trust. They will actively manage a portfolio consisting of donors and prospects at all phases of the solicitation cycle—qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The MGO will invite donors in their portfolio to participate in our capital campaign by supporting projects and programs in line with their interests. 

The role will be titled Principal Philanthropic Advisor (Major Gift Officer is used for hiring purposes only). The Trust has two existing Principal Philanthropic Advisors with extensive experience. They highly value their work at the Trust citing factors such as strong camaraderie, supportive work environment and management, a meaningful mission, and engaged, generous donors.

Principal Responsibilities:

The Major Gifts Officer will:

  • Manage a portfolio of 150 donors and qualified prospects nationwide, through in-person visits and meaningful interactions to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to successfully close major gifts ($25,000 to $500,000+);
  • Dedicate 33-50% of time to travel for face-to-face meetings, strengthening donor relationships and securing commitments.
  • Partner with the Chief Development Officer and key stakeholders to meet or exceed dollar and visit goals, with a focus on securing new multi-year gifts in support of a major capital campaign;
  • Develop and implement tailored strategies to connect donors with the organization's priority funding needs. Use tools such as custom, small battlefield tours as an exciting way to engage with donors.
  • Serve as a knowledgeable ambassador for the American Battlefield Trust, effectively articulating its mission, strategic priorities, and funding needs.
  • Contribute to or review donor engagement materials, including briefings, proposals, solicitations, and acknowledgments.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in our CRM EveryAction, tracking interactions, proposals, and engagement strategies in accordance with organizational policies. 

Required Competencies and Qualifications:

The American Battlefield Trust seeks a Major Gifts Officer with:

  • A commitment to the mission of American Battlefield Trust to preserve our nation’s hallowed battlegrounds and educate the public about what happened there and why it matters today.
  • Experience in donor and prospect management and gift solicitation, including a proven track record of closing major gifts and stewarding donor relationships; experience securing gifts as part of a capital campaign is preferred but not required.
  • A high level of accountability, self-motivation, and ability to work independently and with confidentiality;
  • Strong communication skills and ability to write effectively;
  • A keen attention to detail and an ability to maintain high standards;
  • A professional demeanor and good judgment when interacting with the American Battlefield Trust’s staff and leadership team, high net worth prospective donors, and key stakeholders; and
  • Competency with Microsoft Office. Proficiency with CRM databases required, and experience with EveryAction is preferred.

A bachelor's degree is required for this position as is at least five years of major gift fundraising or sales experience.

To apply, submit resume and cover letter to developmentresumes@battlefields.org

 


Mid-Level Giving Manager

Position Summary

The Mid-level Giving Manager implements an effective mid-level donor program, and will aim to enhance the experience of the American Battlefield Trust’s mid-level donors (roughly defined as $1,000-$10,000). The Manager will build relationships with our amazing donors by sending them engaging content, stewardship pieces, and getting to know what their passions and interests are. 

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid Office)
Department: Development
Job Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $65,000 - $85,000 annually
Benefits: vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, 403(b) retirement plan, employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance, employer-paid life and AD&D insurance, employer-paid disability insurance, paid parental leave, FSA, onsite gym at Washington, DC office 

About the American Battlefield Trust:

The American Battlefield Trust is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to preserving our nation’s battlefields from the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the Civil War. We are a nonpartisan organization, and present history as accurately and completely as possible to inspire an appreciation of our country’s shared history. Our donors are passionate and deeply committed, and they are a pleasure to partner with! 

America’s 250th birthday is approaching, yet increasing development pressures are threatening our country’s battlefields like never before. The Trust is dedicated to preserving these sites and educating the public about their significance. Join us in this vital effort! A rewarding perk of working with us is the opportunity to experience history firsthand through exclusive tours with our nation’s best historians! 

Principal Responsibilities:

The Mid-level Giving Manager:

  1. Manages relationships across a portfolio of approximately 400 mid-level donors.
  • Engages donors through consistent and active communication to cultivate, steward and solicit them using various channels including phone, email, US mail and occasionally face-to-face, with a premium placed on donor retention and increased giving.
  • Uses content such as donor impact reports and preservation victory announcements, to create personal touchpoints for donors based on their interests and giving. Determines which donors would benefit from more personalized or more frequent contact.
  • Learns about the donors’ passions and interests, and then develop, execute, evaluate, and refine strategies to connect donors with the organization’s priority projects.
  1. Collaborates with the Major Gifts Team and larger Development team to engage donors and prospects, to include participation in special events and other engagement opportunities.
  2. Develop and implement a strategy around Donor Advised Fund giving.
  3. Conducts prospect research on portfolio and supplements existing donor research as necessary.
  4. Serves as an ambassador for the American Battlefield Trust by developing and maintaining a thorough and accurate understanding of its mission, key programs, and funding priorities to effectively connect donors and prospects to its priorities and core services.
  5. Utilizes and updates the American Battlefield Trust’s donor CRM, EveryAction by recording activities, contacts, gift proposals, and strategies on an on-going basis consistent with current policies.
  6. Writes foundation proposals and grant applications for small foundations on an as needed basis.

Required Competencies and Qualifications:

The American Battlefield Trust seeks a Mid-level Giving Manager with:

  • A commitment to the mission of American Battlefield Trust to preserve our nation’s hallowed battlegrounds and educate the public about what happened there and why it matters today.
  • At least two years of experience in development, donor relations, or other similar roles demonstrating increasingly responsible positions in development.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop, deepen and sustain positive relationships with donors.
  • Genuine curiosity in people, an interest in engaging donors, and uncovering their passions and interests.
  • A high level of accountability, self-motivation, and ability to work independently and with confidentiality;
  • Desire to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to write effectively;
  • A keen attention to detail and an ability to maintain high standards;
  • A professional demeanor and good judgment when interacting with the American Battlefield Trust’s staff and leadership team, high net worth prospective donors, and key stakeholders; and
  • Competency with Microsoft Office. Proficiency with CRM databases required, and experience with EveryAction is preferred.

To apply, submit resume and cover letter to developmentresumes@battlefields.org.
 

Partner Engagement Associate

The American Battlefield Trust, the nation’s premier historic land preservation nonprofit organization, seeks a politically savvy professional with a passion for engaging preservation activists, park partners, and historic sites. The Trust preserves America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educates the public about what happened there and why it matters today. 

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid Office)
Department: Policy & Communications
Job Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $55,000 - $63,000 annually
Benefits: vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, 403(b) retirement plan, employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance, employer-paid life and AD&D insurance, employer-paid disability insurance, paid parental leave, FSA, onsite gym at Washington, DC office 

Major Duties and Responsibilities

  • Serve as a point of contact for battlefield partners and historic sites looking to engage with the Trust
  • Initiate proactive outreach to battlefield partners and historic sites, growing our national network during the 250th anniversary of Revolution – and beyond
  • Arrange and/or participate in events, meetings and workshops to engage battlefield partners and advance mutual goals
  • Increase the number and diversity of sites participating in Trust programs, such as the Battlefield Partners Alliance, Preserving America Conference, Heritage Sites Network, and Park Day
  • Ensure regular and effective communication with priority local networks
  • Orchestrate Park Day, a national stewardship effort with a 29-year track record of success, through site recruitment, project development, marketing, media pitching, logistical support and event analysis
  • Collaborate with Trust policy staff to integrate expanded grassroots network into advocacy strategies
  • Coordinate with Trust communications staff place to organizational resources in more partner sites

Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree and 3-plus years of relevant professional experience
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing abilities
  • Keen and demonstrated interest in American history and/or land conservation
  • Zest for fostering relationships with stakeholder organizations through proactive and sustained outreach
  • Outstanding organizational skills, balancing immediate tasks and long-range timelines
  • A track record of independent and entrepreneurial work demonstrating analytical and problem-solving prowess
  • Experience with campaign/grassroots tactics

To apply for the position, please send a resume, cover letter, salary requirements, and references to policyresumes@battlefields.org.  No calls, please.


Internships

The American Battlefield Trust provides students interested in history and conservation with outstanding opportunities to work on meaningful projects and gain perspective on the dynamics of an efficient, top-rated nonprofit organization.

The Trust offers paid part-time internships in our Washington, D.C. office, up to 29 hours per week, as needed throughout the year. Interns will be paid, at minimum, the Washington, DC, minimum wage, which is currently $17.50/hour. Successful candidates may be able to arrange for varied tenures, depending on availability. While we strive to accommodate the schedules of qualified candidates, the selection process is competitive, and organizational staffing needs are consideration criteria.

We are currently accepting applications for the following department(s). Click the links below for additional details, or see the department descriptions below for more information:

Successful candidates will be contacted by a staff member directly. As part of the selection process, candidates may be asked to participate in an interview, either in person or over the phone. We regret that due to the volume of submissions, we may not be able to respond personally to all applicants. No calls, please.

Candidates must specify the department (first and second choices are welcome) for which they wish to be considered. Application packages containing a cover letter, resume and two writing samples (no more than five pages; excerpts welcome). Please submit applications specifically for Development to developmentresumes@battlefields.org; applications for the Digital Department to digitalresumes@battlefields.org; applications for the History & Education Programs to eduinterns@battlefields.org; applications for Land Preservation to LPresumes@battlefields.org; applications for Policy and Communications to to policyresumes@battlefields.org or:

American Battlefield Trust           
ATTN: Intern Coordinator           
1030 15th Street NW, Suite 900 East        
Washington, D.C. 20005

Internship applicants can expect the following per department or initiative:

Development:

Interns will learn the mechanics of the nonprofit industry, including event planning, prospect research and donor and member cultivation and management. Our current opportunity is for a start date of July 2024.

Education:

These internships entail a wide variety of Civil War and Revolutionary War research, writing, content creation and image or video editing in support of our education programs on our web site, at American Battlefield Trust events and in print. These are just some of the opportunities available to you as an intern for the American Battlefield Trust Education Department. For motivated History majors, who are looking to hone and develop their public history and program management skills, this internship is for you.

Video Production:

The Education team also offers internships specific to video editing. Assistance with filming in the field may also be included depending on the intern’s location and length of the internship. Responsibilities include color correction, sound mixing, illustrating with images and B-Roll, and adding Trust branding; researching Civil War, Revolutionary War and War of 1812 topics in order to best find the best possible imagery to illustrate our programming; and building pages on the Trust website for videos to live.

Policy and Communications:

Interns assist with multimedia advocacy and outreach efforts; planning, preparing for and executing select special events; drafting and distributing news releases; and supporting a wide variety of government and public relations initiatives throughout the year.

Land Preservation:

Interns will perform key administrative tasks regarding land transactions. These tasks may include organizing digital and physical files, researching land transaction records, and assisting with grant applications. These internships are ideal for detail-oriented students interested in real estate or data management. Internships will have hybrid or in-office work schedules, to be determined in consultation with successful candidates.

Digital Media:

Interns assist with social media, marketing, digital video editing, and web publishing to help 19th-century history meet 21st-century technology.           
 


More opportunities

If you’re interested in bringing your experience and passion to the Trust, but we don’t have the right position available right now, please email our HR Manager at rmaris@battlefields.org with your resume and contact information, and we’ll reach out if we ever have an opportunity that we think might be a good fit.

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