Director of Development

The Food and Environment Reporting Network (FERN) is a nonprofit newsroom focused on food, agriculture, and environmental reporting. Now in its 15th year, FERN is entering an exciting new phase—expanding its reach and deepening its impact in a rapidly evolving media landscape. We’re seeking a strategic, creative, and mission-driven Director of Development to lead our fundraising efforts and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

FERN has built a unique model based on collaborative journalism and high-impact storytelling. To match our editorial innovation, we’re looking for a dynamic development leader who can design and execute a forward-thinking fundraising strategy—one that inspires donors, strengthens partnerships, and unlocks new revenue opportunities.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will be responsible for growing and diversifying FERN’s revenue. This includes overseeing major donor cultivation and solicitation, institutional fundraising, special campaigns, events, and donor stewardship. The ideal candidate will be a strong strategist and storyteller with a proven track record in both individual and institutional fundraising. This position is full-time and exempt. While FERN is a remote workplace, this position is based in New York City.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership

• Work with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop goals, budgets, and strategies related to fundraising, including marketing, and special events.
• Provide training to staff, executives, board members, and volunteers on effective philanthropic solicitation strategies, while serving as a resource on all aspects of fundraising.
• Prepare multi-year projections to support FERN’s long term strategy.
• Recruit philanthropic leaders to the Board and develop strategies to expand FERN’s fundraising capacity.

Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, staff and Board, develop and organize an annual Fund Development Plan and calendar to coordinate all fundraising and marketing activities that maximize resources and results.
• Continuously evaluate results of the Fund Development Plan and recommend modifications or new approaches to support successful achievement of development goals.
• Research, identify, and qualify individual prospects for solicitations to increase donor base.
• Prepare strategy briefings that include donor giving and interests, and develop tailored proposals for donor consideration.
• Develop and refine standard operating procedures and guidelines across the fundraising program..

Fund Development

• Cultivate potential major gift prospects, develop proposals, and conduct solicitations of individual donors.
• Work closely with the Executive Director, board, staff, and volunteers to strategically engage them in donor outreach based on alignment with donor interests, personal connections, and relevant expertise.
• Plan and implement special fundraising events.
• Develop and manage new giving strategies, e.g. planned gift donors, assuring effective administrative and operational support functions are in place.
• Oversee and manage the donor database.
• Write grant proposals for foundation support as needed.
• Recognize contributions with personalized outreach and timely acknowledgement letters.

REQUIRED SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE:

• At least 10 years of experience as a fundraising professional in a nonprofit organization, and a proven track record of accomplishment in this area.
• Demonstrated success in setting fundraising strategy, leading a comprehensive and efficient development program, and preparing work plans to achieve goals.
• Experience managing a portfolio of major donors, including closing six-figure and higher multi-year gifts.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, board, volunteers, community groups and other related agencies.
• Proficiency with donor databases and development operations.
• Working knowledge of proposal preparation, reporting and solicitation.
• Ability to work independently and comfort with a remote working environment.
• Adept at navigating complex cross collaborative responsibilities with internal and external stakeholders.

PREFERRED SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE

• Experience securing seven-figure gifts.
• Direct experience in raising funds for nonprofit journalism or public media.

FERN believes a diverse, open and inclusive environment is essential and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.