Development Director

Retreat Farm, LTD seeks a thoughtful, energetic, and visionary Development Director to lead the planning and implementation of a multifaceted fundraising program to advance charitable giving in support of Retreat Farm. The person in this new role will build, grow, and help sustain fundraising and communication activities that capture the interest and stimulate the philanthropic intent of prospective donors—including individuals, businesses, and foundations. The Development Director will work closely with the Executive Director, department managers, and the Board of Directors to facilitate, support, and guide involvement in Retreat Farm fundraising efforts. Efforts likely include planning and executing a major giving campaign to support Retreat Farm operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and enthusiastic relationship builder who knows that real, positive change can happen by fostering connections, and by strengthening ties to community and to the land.

Primary Responsibilities

The new Development Director will be tasked with the following objectives:

• Coordinate all aspects of development efforts for Retreat Farm, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and donor stewardship.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to develop and expand fundraising opportunities including development and implementation of a multi-year plan aligned with Retreat Farm’s strategic plan. The plan will include goals, objectives, and a timetable focused on increasing support from current and past donors, corporations, and foundations, and identifying and engaging new donors.
• As appropriate, build relationships with donors and prospects and support connections made by the Executive Director and members of the Board of Directors.
• Work with the Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and fundraising consultants to plan, evaluate, and execute a major gift campaign.
• Supervise and collaborate with the Grants Manager to align efforts with the development plan.
• Supervise the Marketing & Communications Manager, ensuring marketing, PR, and social media messaging appropriately communicate the overall vision, purpose, and core values of Retreat Farm, and support development objectives.
• Establish an ongoing prospecting program to bring in new supporters.
• Work with the Board of Directors and its Advancement Committee to guide Board fundraising activities.
• Develop and maintain fundraising statistics and narrative reports as needed.
• Monitor results to evaluate the effectiveness of development strategies and be prepared to adapt as necessary.
• Work with the Administrative Coordinator to maintain the donor database and ensure data are recorded in a timely manner–accurately and consistently in accordance with development, finance, and regulatory policies and procedures.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Sincere and demonstrated interest in Retreat Farm’s mission and vision
• Outgoing, relationship-oriented personality with the highest degree of personal integrity and a proven ability to build constructive and effective relationships
• Bachelor’s degree required, with preference for a degree or certificate in nonprofit management, institutional advancement, marketing, communications, or a related field
• Five or more years of relevant experience in a community non-profit preferred, or other demonstrated success identifying, soliciting, cultivating, and closing individual gifts
• Proven track record of cultivating and stewarding existing and prospective donors
• Planned giving knowledge and experience preferred
• Experience managing a donor database. Familiarity with Salesforce preferred
• Experience with marketing and communications strategy preferred
• Openness to learning: both engaging in professional development, and assisting with training staff and board members in development fundamentals

Work Environment:

Retreat Farm is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Candidates must be able to switch focus as needed and address changing priorities while maintaining mental focus in an environment with occasional high noise levels and interruptions.

Reporting:

The Development Director will report to the Executive Director, work closely with the Chief Financial Officer and management staff, and be a member of Retreat Farm’s Advancement Committee. The Development Director will also supervise the Grants Manager and Marketing and Communications Manager.

Compensation:

• $70,000 - 80,000 annually based on experience and qualifications
• Optional health, vision, and dental insurance with employer contributions
• A generous holiday and paid time off package
• Eligibility for enrollment in Retreat Farm’s SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% employer matching
• 25% discount at the Retreat Farm Market

TO APPLY:

To be considered, please email a resume and cover letter expressing your interest in Retreat Farm, along with a relevant writing sample (e.g., case statement, appeal letter), to jobs@retreatfarm.org with the subject line “[Last name]: Development Director.” Application review begins September 30, 2024 until the position is filled.

Retreat Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe diverse teams make the strongest teams and encourage qualified people of all backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities to apply.