We’re hiring a Director of Development!
Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Development Director to join Catskills Agrarian Alliance in our mission to promote food sovereignty in the Catskills. The ideal candidate will have a profound understanding of the funding landscape in the region, along with a background in food, agriculture, community investment and racial justice and equity to facilitate effective fundraising efforts and secure funding from various sources. The Development Director will play a pivotal role in establishing sustainable fundraising strategies, building meaningful partnerships, and ensuring the organization's continued growth and impact.
Responsibilities
Coordinating "Development from the Ground Up":
Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that aligns with Catskills Agrarian Alliance's mission and values.
Collaborate with a diverse team of individuals, sourcing their skills and expertise to strengthen fundraising initiatives and community engagement.
Grant Writing:
Proven success in prospecting potential funders, crafting compelling grant proposals, and securing funding to support Catskills Agrarian Alliance's programs and initiatives.
Exhibit experience in collaborative grant writing efforts, working effectively with team members to develop comprehensive grant applications.
Relationship Building:
Cultivate and nurture strong relationships with donors, funding organizations, and community partners who share our commitment to food sovereignty.
Strategically identify and engage potential donors and sponsors to diversify our funding base and foster lasting partnerships.
Fundraising Strategy:
With assistance from the Executive Director and Deputy Director, develop and execute a dynamic fundraising strategy that reflects Catskills Agrarian Alliance's mission and aligns with our long-term vision.
Utilize data-driven insights to assess the effectiveness of fundraising efforts and make informed decisions to enhance fundraising outcomes.
Reporting and Compliance:
Work with the bookkeeper and Executive Director to ensure accurate and timely reporting to funders, providing them with updates on project progress and the positive impact of their contributions.
Adhere to all grant requirements, ensuring compliance with donor guidelines and restrictions.
Qualifications
Demonstrate a strong track record of development experience, either with a funder or a nonprofit organization in the Catskills/Hudson Valley region, or through personal involvement in food and agriculture initiatives aligned with our mission of food sovereignty.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, business, agriculture, or related areas) and/or at least 3 years of demonstrated experience in development, grant writing, and fundraising, preferably in the food and agriculture sector or related fields.
Profound understanding of the Catskills region and its unique food and agriculture landscape.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate the mission and goals of Catskills Agrarian Alliance effectively.
Experience with managing federal, multi-year grants, especially via the USDA.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
A proactive team player with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Comfort with key concepts of our holistic work such as: intersectionality, structural analysis, and restorative justice.
How to Apply
Join our dynamic team at Catskills Agrarian Alliance and contribute to realizing food sovereignty in the Catskills region. To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and a sample of a successful grant proposal you have written. Applications can be sent to francis@catskillsagrarianalliance.org. Catskills Agrarian Alliance is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
Compensation / Hours:
Full time, $30/hour, with flexible scheduling.
We are currently unable to provide health insurance or fringe benefits, but hope to fundraise toward that goal by EOY. In the interim, we offer paid time off (sickness, mental health or family/partner support, and vacation time).