Director of Development and Communications

Title: Director of Development and Communications

Terms: Regular (year-round), Exempt

Compensation: Salary range $55,000 – $60,000, group health insurance, IRA match, and generous PTO

Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, occasional evenings and weekends required

Supervised by: Executive Director

Supervisees: Communications and Development Coordinator

Environment: Primarily work-from-home, with access to office. On-boarding and ongoing work may contain in-person elements

THE ORGANIZATION:

The Food Literacy Project’s mission is youth transforming their communities through food, farming and the land. Dedicated to a vision for a healthy and equitable community where people and places thrive since 2006, the organization engages youth, their families, schools and neighbors in hands-on learning and leadership development experiences with farming and fresh foods at outdoor classrooms on two urban farms, in school gardens, classrooms and kitchens, and through our mobile education garden, Truck Farm. Programs position youth as drivers of personal and social change through sustainable agriculture.

The Food Literacy Project has a 16-year track record of mission impact and resource development to support a growing organization, and a plan to raise and invest $570,000 in 2022 to advance a more just and sustainable food system. We are seeking a resource development professional who can leverage their own experience and creativity, along with the organization’s success, to co-create a robust resource development program alongside a small and collaborative team.

The Food Literacy Project’s values include:

ENERGY: We are bold and inspired by our community.
ROOTS: We are grounded and purposeful, connected with people and dedicated to sustainably addressing community needs.
DISCOVERY: We embrace the joy of learning by doing.
CULTIVATION: We bring great care to our work and relationships; we nourish growth in our community, and in turn are nourished ourselves.
ABUNDANCE: We leverage our community’s diverse assets to achieve personal and social change.
JUSTICE: We pursue fairness and equity.

Responsibilities:

The Food Literacy Project is seeking an innovative professional to lead the resource development function of a small organization on the cusp of growth. The Director of Development and Communications will lead and coordinate all major aspects of the resource development effort and participate in shaping broad strategic direction alongside the leadership team, which includes the Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Director of Finance and Administration, and the Executive Director. Integral to the role will be cultivating relationships – with prospective and current donors and grantors, volunteers, the Board of Directors, and community partners. We are seeking candidates with both experience and fresh ideas, and the ability to plan and carry out strategy, engaging a team of dedicated staff, board and volunteers in advancing our mission. We have a road map and resource development strategy for 2022, and seek candidates who can execute, adapt, course-correct, and shape ongoing strategy.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop annual and long-term strategic plans for fundraising including annual giving ($160,000), events (typically one/year) and grant opportunities – managing the grants calendar and stewarding approximately 15-20 active relationships with grantors.
• Manage the process of individual donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship – including generating written appeals, overseeing donor acknowledgment and recognition, managing donor database, meeting with donors and prospects, and engaging staff leadership and the Board in this work as appropriate.
• Lead strategy for Food Literacy Project communications, including print and electronic newsletter, social media, and media/PR opportunities. Create annual communications calendar for print, digital and social channels. Ensure communications are timely and strategic.
• Develop and cultivate a major gifts program and lead feasibility assessment and planning for a comprehensive campaign to support future growth of the Food Literacy Project.
• Manage foundation grant program and develop corporate partnerships. Manage grant lifecycle to meet deadlines for proposal submissions and reporting.
• Oversee annual giving activities, including developing print and online appeals, utilizing special fundraising events (Giving Tuesday, etc.) and expansion of the repeat donor pledge society, The Perennial Society. Process and acknowledge contributions in a timely and accurate manner.
• Develop compelling narratives about the work and impact of the Food Literacy Project for a variety of purposes and audience. Collaborate with the Director of Strategic Initiatives to develop program plans and budgets for gift and grant proposals.
• Develop systems and processes to ensure all communications meet visual and editorial standards with minimal errors. Develop systems for tracking and storing multi-media content.
• Track progress towards income goals throughout the fiscal year. Analyze data, identify trends and apply learnings to strategic planning. Develop meaningful communication metrics and track over time to evaluate effectiveness.
• Engage colleagues and community partners in development and communication efforts, including board members, chefs, corporate partners, students, and volunteers with special skills (e.g., graphic design).
• Collaborate with staff leadership to develop the annual communications and development plans, including estimating income by budget category. ?
• Prepare and manage an annual expense budget to reflect the outlined strategic fundraising and communications goals.
• Directly supervise Communications and Development Coordinator. Coordinate and collaborate with colleagues involved in development and communications activities across the organization and lead weekly Development and Communications strategy meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience managing grants, fundraising and communications.
• Able to physically participate in and lead farm and garden work projects (walking, lifting up to 20 lbs, kneeling, etc.) and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Final offer of employment is contingent on passing a criminal background check.

Additional Qualifications:

• Self-directed and organized, with excellent communication (verbal and written) and active listening skills.
• Experience creating original content across platforms.
• Willingness to accept a high level of responsibility and to seek and accept direction as appropriate.
• Supervisory experience.
• Ability to define and ensure the achievement of short- and long-term development goals.
• Proven quality assurance skills; ability to cultivate a culture of excellence and teamwork and hold staff accountable.
• Excellent project planning and management skills with demonstrated ability to lead multiple projects at once.
• Shares a commitment to the Food Literacy Project’s mission and vision; experience with a small, community-based non-profit organization beneficial.
• Demonstrates pride in work; exhibits excellent attention to detail; maintains accurate records, prepares compelling reports, etc.
• Cultivates positive personal and team dynamics among staff and volunteers; establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Flexible and adaptable; possesses a solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to pivot and adapt plans based on evolving circumstances.
• Interest and experience in sustainable agriculture, community food security, cooking, and/or nutrition are assets.
• Experience using a computer and applicable software (i.e., Microsoft Office, email and internet, donor management software, graphic design etc.); social media and website experience beneficial. Knowledge of Bloomerang a plus.
• Strong knowledge of principles, ethics and best practices of successful fundraising.
• Excellent strategic thinking, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Skill in initiating and utilizing innovative approaches to fund raising.

To Apply: Visit this link and fill out the required application materials.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Food Literacy Project emphasizes diversity in both our programs and staff, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or status as a veteran in accordance with applicable federal laws.