Philanthropy and Communications Manager

Retreat Farm works to foster an equitable, healthy, and sustainable community in southern Vermont. We do this work through a series of integrated programs and initiatives that connect people to the land and each other. We believe that the relationship between humans and the land is the foundation of our health, sustenance, and inspiration. We are stewards, not owners, of these lands. They are the traditional homelands of the Abenaki. We believe that respect for this land and one another and the recognition that we are all in this together are essential for human progress and, indeed, our continued existence on the planet.

Our programs utilize the Farm’s entire 650 acres of farmlands, forests, and waters and build upon partnerships with other farms, businesses, and peer organizations to strengthen the region’s food, health, education, recreation, and other community systems. These lands comprise a vast, resource-rich, and accessible common that is open free to the public year-round.

The Farm is an entrepreneurial environment serving over 40,000 visitors annually. Over 60% percent live within a 50-mile radius, with visitors coming from more than 500 zip codes. Retreat Farm strives to offer a dynamic environment, nurturing, informative, and welcoming to all.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Retreat Farm is seeking a dynamo grant writer with a persuasive writing style that immediately connects with readers. The Philanthropy and Communications Manager will be responsible for developing mission-driven communications and growing our organizations’ philanthropic capacity. 

The ideal candidate is a natural storyteller with an energetic presence, is thoughtful and considered in their actions, and passionate about Retreat Farm’s mission and values. They are detail-oriented, a meticulous copy editor, and highly organized — an eye for graphic design and page layout are a bonus.

This is a full-time, 32 to 40 hour a week position, with flexibility and a hybrid work arrangement. This position does require routine on-site work and occasional weekend and evening availability. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Communicate Retreat Farm’s mission, values, history, programming, and impact in the community to members, visitors, and current and prospective donors by writing newsletters, press releases, feature articles, email sequences, mailings, social media posts, and website content
• Draft and edit well-written and compelling grant proposals, concept papers, letters of interest, and reports that communicate Retreat Farm’s impact in the community to funders and donors
• Work with internal managers to identify and articulate messaging for key value propositions and donor benefits of each program area, reviewing all communication efforts for possible donor and friend-building value.
• Identify, pursue, and secure funding by researching grant opportunities and maintain a schedule of deadlines for applications and reports.
• Assist in designing, developing, and managing in-house mailings, including annual appeals, impact reports, and newsletters
• Accurately maintain grant and donor databases and regularly generate donor acknowledgment letters. 
• Help build the grant-writing capacity of two highly visible land reclamation projects as follows:
• SUSU commUNITY Farm: an initiative of local Afroindigenous leaders to establish a farm and offer educational and healing resources to promote health, justice, and food sovereignty of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in our region
• Atowi Project: an initiative of the southern Vermont Abenaki community to establish and celebrate cultural resources and Native identity

ATTRIBUTES OF THE PHILANTHROPY & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

The ideal candidate 

• Has broad writing experience, a creative spirit, and meticulous attention to detail;
• Compels you to action with their natural storytelling ability; 
• Has a demonstrated interest in rural community development, environmental conservation, social and economic justice;
• Is a skillful communicator with the ability to write clear, structured, and persuasive proposals;
• Artfully manages project deadlines and has an intrinsic need to contribute as part of a cohesive team of changemakers.

Retreat Farm believes that employees from diverse backgrounds are critical to achieving our goals. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain staff who reflect the diverse communities we serve. All candidates who meet the qualification requirements are encouraged to apply.

Retreat Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, ethnic or national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.

To be considered, please email a resume, a cover letter expressing your interest in Retreat Farm, and 2-3 writing samples to lfahey@retreatfarm.org.