Senior Development and Communications Specialist

Founded in 2002, Jones Valley Teaching Farm (JVTF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) located in Birmingham, Alabama. Envisioning communities inspired by food and transformed by youth, JVTF uses food as a foundation so young people can lead, create, and grow a healthy future for themselves and their community. Learn more at jvtf.org.

Our Culture: The “Teaching Farm” isn’t just part of our name, it’s the heart of our mission. Every team member plays a vital role in educating, mentoring, and working alongside students and young people. If you’re energized by passing on your knowledge and skills while doing meaningful work, you’ll thrive here.

Position Summary

The role drives engagement of external stakeholders through event planning and execution, stewarding relationships with existing and prospective donors and increasing revenue through communications including, but not limited to, grant writing, donor solicitations, newsletters, website strategy and maintenance, social media, press releases and event communication. High visibility and presence in this role, as an ambassador of JVTF, is essential for building relationships, facilitating collaboration, and responding to the organization's evolving needs. Responsibilities encompass the full event, donor, and communications lifecycle, from strategic planning and implementation to evaluation, ensuring successful outcomes that increase earned and contributed revenues and align with JVTF’s goals.

Reports to: Director of Development and Communications

Supervises: N/A

Based at: JVTF Center for Food Education, 701 25th St. N. Birmingham, AL 35203

Core Responsibilities

Event Planning and Execution

• Manage the planning and implementation of all donor-focused special events, including the annual Twilight Supper
• Oversee production of marketing materials to build event attendance, membership and donor programs

Donor Stewardship

• Manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors from the initial stages of building strategy all the way through creating opportunities for engagement and donor recruitment; also utilizing JVTF’s Executive Director, Director of Development and Communications, and Director of Partnerships.

External Communications

• Increase awareness of JVTF local and nationally with the intention of increasing earned and contributed revenue through organizational communications including press releases, targeted introductory solicitations, social media, newsletters, event communications, PowerPoints, videos and photo production, and website maintenance.

Donor Proposal Communications

• Secure external funding from local and national individual donors, corporations and foundations including the development of a successful pipeline beginning with research and leading to successful proposal submission and stewardship opportunities.

Please note that this job description is not designed to provide a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position. Job responsibilities may change at any time and without prior notice.

What We Look For

Belief in the power of food, education, and community to create positive change.

Qualifications

• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal skills with the ability to articulate a compelling case for support.
• Proven customer service or relationship-building skills, demonstrating discretion and independent judgment.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities while maintaining strong communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in AI, or willingness to learn.
• Ability to manage donor relationships, event/engagement initiatives, and support fundraising efforts.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of engagement and stewardship events as needed.
• 4+ years of professional experience in a similar events/fundraising role, donor relations, or external affairs. Demonstrated experience with direct stakeholder contact.
• Experience managing a CRM, donor database, or similar system.

Personal Attributes

• Believes in the power of education and food.
• Interest in and/or background in food access, education and/or agriculture preferred.
• A commitment to social justice.
• A team player with the ability to work calmly and effectively in a deadline-driven environment.

Duration and Compensation

This is a year-round, full-time position with a 3-month probation period. The compensation package includes:

• Starting salary range: $55,000-$60,000 (Level 3) with opportunity for growth
• 403(B) with employer matching
• Paid health and dental benefits (individual benefits)
• 9 paid holidays, 22 Days of Paid Time Off, and end-of-year winter break
• Generous parental leave

How to Apply

To apply, please send your cover letter, resume and writing sample to jobs@jvtf.org.

Jones Valley Teaching Farm is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

• 403(B) with employer matching
• Paid health and dental benefits (individual benefits)
• 9 paid holidays, 25 Days of Paid Time Off, and end-of-year winter break
• Generous parental leave