This position will take Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s existing fundraising programs to a new level of success, with a focus on contributions from individuals and businesses; donor stewardship; and fundraising events. The position will be supported by collaboration from the Co-Executive Directors, the Board of Director’s Development Committee, the Grants and Data Manager and the Communications Director.
The Fund Development Manager is a critical member of the Farm Fresh RI team and will serve as a key external face of Farm Fresh RI in the community. They will work with program staff to promote farm viability and food access. They will work closely with the Senior Management team to ensure the long-term viability and success of Farm Fresh and the development of a safe, just and healthy local food system.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities — Position
Develop and Implement Annual Contributions and Events Fundraising Strategy
- Work with board and Co-Executive Director to develop and implement the fund development plan, including annual fund appeal, special campaigns, events and sponsorships.
- Manage the development committee of the board of directors, supporting them in creating a culture of philanthropy among board members.
Manage Fundraising Campaigns and Events
- Participate in each step of the donor pipeline: identification, research, cultivation and requests.
- Develop individual donor strategies prioritizing renewal and upgrading donor gifts.
- Lead the planning and execution of giving campaigns, working closely with the Director of Communications to utilize direct mail, email and social media.
- Coordinate with Finance staff to reconcile donation records.
- Manage and direct fundraising database, ensuring accurate record tracking for data entry, gift processing and acknowledgment letters.
Direct Stewardship Program for Farm Fresh Donors
- Ensure that donors are promptly acknowledged and provided opportunities to experience the impact of their gifts.
- Develop and maintain donor relationships, especially with major donors.
- Cultivate relationships with potential and existing donors through in-person meetings, donor events and ongoing communications.
Coordinate and Promote Fundraising, Cultivation, and Stewardship Events
- Plan, organize, and execute the Local Food Fest annual gala and other fundraising events to raise funds from individuals and corporate sponsors.
- Convene and oversee the event management committee.
- Work with the Communications Director to design and distribute event invitations, notices, updates, and other communications, both through mail and electronic communications and social media platforms.
- Work with Board Development Committee and Co-Executive Directors to solicit and coordinate event sponsorships.
- Work with Board Development Committee and Co-Executive Directors to implement event logistics including participating restaurants, coordination with venue and other venues.
- Provide day of onsite coordination to ensure that the event is carried out according to plan and schedule.
- Work with Board and Co-Executive Directors to identify opportunities for new fundraising events and implement as needed.
Fundraising Communications and Outreach
- Work with staff, board, partners, and donors to identify and engage new potential donors.
- Work with staff and board to identify development messaging that highlights Farm Fresh’s role and efforts as a community resource to be supported with charitable funds.
- Work with Co-Executive Directors and Communications Director to coordinate the design and distribution of marketing materials for fund development.
- Contribute development-related items communications channels, including weekly emails, social media presence, and website.
- Collaborate with other staff to enhance relationships and fundraising and outreach possibilities.
- Work with cross-functional teams to develop materials and messaging to support each individual giving campaign/communication.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities — Organizational
- Attend weekly team meeting and weekly supervisory check-in meetings.
- Attend Farm Fresh’s monthly staff meetings.
- Hold a strong commitment to participating in Farm Fresh’s Racial Equity process.
- Be able to build relationships with people from varied cultural, economic, educational, racial, and religious backgrounds.
- Maintain a gracious customer-service orientation while working with Farm Fresh’s participants, volunteers, and funders.
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of Farm Fresh’s programs, outcomes, and impacts.
- Must hold valid driver’s license and have access to reliable transportation.
- Must be willing and able to work occasional evenings, nights, and weekends.
- Must complete tasks as assigned by the Sr. Director of Programs & Operations & Co-Executive Directors.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed for this Position
- Fundraising, relationship management, and event coordination experience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and CRM database.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Self-starter and ability to maintain a self-motivating attitude.
- Passion for local food systems and social justice.
- Ability to juggle and track multiple tasks and responsibilities.
- Commitment to the success of co-workers and Farm Fresh RI’s mission and values.
- Critical thinker and problem solver.
- Supportive team member.
Priority Skills
Candidates with any of the following skills will be prioritized:
- Budget management
- Spanish fluency
- Experience with managing volunteers and staff.
Physical Demands (Physical, Mental, and Environmental)
The following capabilities are required in order to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden on the company are available to address the following requirements.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit/stand for long periods of time at a desk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls on computers; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear in meetings and on the telephone or on the computer in an office or variable setting.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Employees must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to travel, which may include travel via car, train, airline, overnight hotel stays.
Salary & Benefits
- Annual Salary of $53,000
- Generous PTO and paid holiday benefits
- Monthly contributions to flexible health, dental, and life insurance plans
- Annual professional development credit and opportunities
- IRA matching contribution after 2 years of employment
To Apply
- Please send your resume and cover letter (required) to [email protected] with subject line: Fund Development Manager
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
- No phone calls or drop-ins please.
Organizational Info
Farm Fresh has grown briskly since achieving 501c3 status in 2007, to capture the public interest in locally grown food and translate it into sales for local and regional farmers and producers. Strongly mission-driven, Farm Fresh RI hosts a variety of programs to enhance the local food system, with particular attention to farm viability and low-income access to fresh food. Farm Fresh also operates a range of marketplace programs (retail, wholesale, processing) that engage and connect tens of thousands of eaters with thousands of farmers and food producers across the Northeast region.
Mission: Farm Fresh Rhode Island is growing a local food system that values the environment, health, and quality of life of farmers and eaters in our region.
