Institutional Giving Officer

About Us

Harlem Grown is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability and nutrition. We operate local urban farms, increase access to and knowledge of healthy food for Harlem residents, and provide farm-based development programs to Harlem youth.

Founded in 2011 by Tony Hillery with one school partnership, one urban farm and an idea to help Harlem children, today Harlem Grown’s farms and greenhouses are used as classrooms and as venues to cultivate a connection to the environment and food among young people. Harlem Grown operates 14 urban agricultural sites featuring soil-based urban farms, hydroponic greenhouses, and a mushroom chamber. All of our sites are located between 122nd and 152nd Streets in Central Harlem, Manhattan.

Our Programs

Harlem Grown cultivates deep community roots by growing fresh food, strong youth, and lasting relationships. We meet children where they live, learn, and grow—offering opportunities that extend beyond our farms to the classroom and into their futures. Through Food and Farm Education, we help youth build healthy habits, leadership skills, and a deeper connection to their community. Our urban farms provide free produce and nutritious meals for families while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. Through 14 urban farms and year-round programming, we provide free produce, nutritious meals, and cooking lessons while creating joyful spaces for connection and support. In addition, our programs increase economic opportunity for families and develop leadership and advocacy skills so participants can drive transformational change in their communities.

At Harlem Grown, we grow healthy children and communities through hands-on education, access to resources, and long-term youth support. Our Food and Farm Education —including summer camp, in-school and after-school programs, mobile education, service learning, and farm tours—delivers farm-based lessons to children in our community. We offer free community resources like farmstands, Saturdays on the farm, and events that provide fresh food and create spaces for support and connection. Through academic support, internships, and career readiness programs, we help our young people build confidence and skills to thrive from elementary school through adulthood.

Position Overview

The Institutional Giving Officer a crucial role in securing philanthropic support from corporations and foundations to advance the mission and programs of Harlem Grown. The Officer manages a portfolio of approximately 120 funders, with a focus on increasing the number of $10,000+ philanthropic corporate and foundation funders. The Officer works closely with the Senior Director of Advancement, program staff, and leadership to align institutional funding strategies with organizational priorities, deepen engagement among funders, and foster a culture of philanthropy across the Harlem Grown community.

Success in This Role Means

• Growing the portfolio of institutional partners year-over-year.
• Securing new and renewed gifts that contribute to the organization’s $5M+ annual fundraising goal.
• Demonstrating the measurable impact of philanthropic partnerships.

Responsibilities

Fundraising and Portfolio Management

• Identify, solicit, proactively cultivate, and steward a portfolio of 120 corporate and foundation funders, with a focus on those with the capacity to give $10,000+ annually.
• Meet or exceed annual fundraising and activity goals, tracking all progress in Salesforce.
• Keep abreast of relevant industry trends and best practices in institutional funding, major giving, and youth development.

Relationship Building and Stewardship

• Build values-driven relationships with funders and partners through consistent communication, site visits, and engagement opportunities.
• Secure meaningful investment in Harlem Grown by aligning corporate and foundation interests with our priorities.
• Collaborate with leadership, volunteers, and colleagues to engage funders in meaningful ways—including corporate volunteer engagements, corporate benefits delivery, oversight of grant applications and other related activities/events as needed.
• Provide personalized stewardship experiences that demonstrate the impact of each partnership.
• Lead the cultivation of a culture of philanthropy among partners, donors, volunteers, and staff through strategic communication and collaboration.

Corporate Benefits Delivery

• Maintain up-to-date corporate benefits and sponsorship packages.
• Manage the fulfillment of corporate benefits packages, prioritizing the highest-level sponsorships while making the best use of the team’s time and resources.
• Coordinate experiences for corporate partners, such as co-branding opportunities, site visits, cultivation events, volunteer days, and lunch & learns.
• Develop, document, track and continually enhance systems and procedures related to corporate benefits delivery.

Collaboration and Communication

• Participate in strategy sessions and team meetings to share insights that strengthen fundraising performance.
• Keep abreast of relevant industry trends and best practices in institutional funding, major giving, and youth development.
• Partner across the organization to develop and advance strategies to engage and grow a diverse donor base.
• Attend internal meetings and external events to proactively deepen relationships and secure follow-up meetings.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in relationship-based fundraising, with track record of growing portfolio revenue year-over-year and securing $10,000+ gifts.
• Track record of securing $100,000+ gifts from corporate and foundation funders.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to high-level stakeholders in a persuasive manner.
• High level of organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Willingness to travel up to 50% for partner events, engagements, and meetings.
• A passion for Harlem Grown’s mission, values, and accomplishments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with youth development, sustainability, or food justice sectors.
• Familiarity with Salesforce.

How to Apply: Visit www.harlemgrown.org/careers and click the link to apply on our ADP

Career Center. Please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: Rolling

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Flexible spending account (FSA) and dependent care FSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Commuter benefits
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Sick leave
• Family leave
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development support
• Access to Harlem Grown programming and events

English

Bilingual+