Development and Communications Manager

Help Grow Good Food and a Stronger Community

At Gaining Ground, we grow food — and we give it all away. Each season, our small but mighty team works alongside thousands of volunteers to grow over 130,000 pounds of organic produce for people experiencing food insecurity in Greater Boston, Lowell, and the MetroWest.

We’re seeking a motivated, creative, and mission-driven Development and Communications Manager to lead fundraising and storytelling efforts, deepening our community connection and expanding our capacity to nourish our neighbors.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to roll up their sleeves on a collaborative, hands-on team where your work will be seen, valued, and make a daily difference.

About the Role

The Development and Communications Manager is both a strategist and a doer. You’ll work closely with the Executive Director and board to raise more than $1M annually through individual giving, grants, and corporate partnerships — while shaping and sharing Gaining Ground’s story to foster meaningful engagement and fuel our mission.

This role is ideal for someone who pairs big-picture thinking with hands-on execution, thrives in a small team environment, and is passionate about food justice, sustainability, and community building.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Write grant proposals and reports; prospect for new opportunities
• Craft clear, compelling fundraising appeals
• Expand Gaining Ground’s donor base
• Oversee donor stewardship at all levels
• Lead corporate fundraising efforts
• Support the Executive Director in growing relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors
• Manage and improve our Bloomerang CRM and Constant Contact email system
• Provide guidance to the bookkeeper on donation entry and reporting
• Track and assess fundraising progress; identify opportunities for growth
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on growing major gifts and planned giving programs
• Stay informed about philanthropic best practices; strategize with leadership on revenue growth

Communications and Storytelling

• Develop and implement an annual editorial calendar
• Write and manage email newsletters, printed newsletters, and the annual Gratitude Report
• Coordinate with a freelance designer for publications and event visuals
• Build media relationships; pitch and place stories
• Keep the website current and compelling
• Support communication needs for organizational events

Organizational Support

• Manage occasional special events
• Pitch in as needed — we’re a small team and help each other out

What You Bring

• A passion for food security, food justice, and/or sustainable agriculture
• At least 5 years of development experience, including individual and institutional fundraising (ideally in a small nonprofit)
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail and project management abilities
• Knowledge of donor databases (Bloomerang a plus), email platforms (like Constant Contact), and website platforms (WordPress)
• Proficiency with tools like Google Drive, Canva, and basic video editing software
• A flexible, collaborative, self-directed work style
• A steady presence and a solutions-focused mindset — you see challenges as opportunities
• Commitment to learning, feedback, organizational, and personal excellence
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, meet deadlines, and follow through
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $75,000–$80,000 depending on experience
• Time Off: 10 vacation days, 11 federal holidays, 5 sick days, plus the Wednesday before and Friday after Thanksgiving, and the week between Christmas and New Year
• Schedule: Hybrid with two required in-office days per week; flexible hours
• Health: Monthly health care stipend
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for learning and development

How to Apply

Send a resume, cover letter, a writing sample, and anything else that helps us get to know you in a single PDF to hiring@gainingground.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We’re excited to hear from you!

No phone calls, please.

Gaining Ground is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status.

About Gaining Ground

Gaining Ground is a nonprofit, no-till organic farm located in Concord, MA. Every pound of produce we grow is distributed at no cost to people experiencing food insecurity through trusted partners like food pantries, shelters, and schools across Greater Boston, Lowell, and the MetroWest.

Our farm thrives thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the support of generous donors, and a deep belief in nutritious food as a human right.

Mission:

To provide free, sustainably grown food to people who are experiencing food insecurity, with the helping hands of a diverse community of volunteers who work and learn with us on the farm.

Vision:

A world where everyone has equitable access to sustainably grown food.

Our Values

• Integrity — We remain true to our mission.
• We grow high-quality, fresh produce sustainably, respect and honor all individuals, provide meaningful experiences for volunteers, and maximize donor generosity.
• Equity — We donate everything we grow.
• We believe healthy food is a human right. Providing it for free helps eliminate barriers and maximize impact.
• Inclusion — We welcome everyone.
• We value diverse perspectives and lived experiences across staff, board, volunteers, and supporters.
• Inspiration — We nurture joy and wonder.
• We cultivate belonging, discovery, and meaning in our fields.
• Continuous Learning — We learn and share.
• We embrace new knowledge, honor cultural contributions to farming, and aim to lead by example.
• Sustainability — We are good stewards of the land.
• We model sustainable practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, water use, and care for all who work in and benefit from our fields.

Full-time, Year Round | PTO + Health Care Stipend | Hybrid Schedule (2 days/week onsite)

Reports to: Executive Director

Start Date: Position open until filled