Project EATS (PE) seeks an experienced development professional to join its dynamic and growing team as Director of Development. This is a senior management position and reports to the President. The ideal candidate is interested in urban farming and social justice and is ready to get to work.
Job Summary
The Director of Development plans, directs, and coordinates all fundraising activities for the organization. The Director of Development, with the President and Fundraising Committee Chair will develop and execute an annual fundraising plan. This includes foundation and corporate fundraising with the following duties: providing leadership and coordination for the identification, analysis, solicitation and cultivation of potential foundation and corporate prospects and donors; major gift identification, stewardship, and solicitation; events including several small events and the annual gala and online fundraising efforts. The Director of Development works in coordination with the Finance and Fundraising Committees of the Board of Directors and the President.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Corporations and Foundations
Research public and private grant agencies, foundations and corporations to identify potential sources of funding for food insecurity and access, local food systems, nutritional health, social art and community vitality. Identify, cultivate and steward a portfolio of current and potential donors by maintaining adequate contact, and by writing, proofreading and submitting persuasive proposals and informative reports.
Develop, coordinate and implement a foundation and corporate relations workplan. Oversee timely tracking and provide analysis of foundation and corporate giving.
Schedule and coordinate PE site visits with foundation and corporate representatives.
Prepare and submit interim and final reports for grants the outcomes and impact achieved.
Identify, create a cultivation plan for and steward major donors. Develop a portfolio of 100- 200 major donors over time.
Develop and manage online fundraising strategy
Plan and manage fundraising and cultivation events including the annual fall gala.
Work with program staff, Senior Director of Operations and President to identify funding potential for programmatic initiatives and possible pilot programs within context of organization’s strategic plan; and track progress against grant requirements and fundraising goals; and propose strategies for course corrections as needed
Research and implement fundraising software package.
Attend community meetings and events, as well as engage in foundation/corporate visits.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited university, with a minimum of five years training/experience in a sophisticated fundraising environment, including grant writing, online donors, fundraising events, and corporate and foundation activities
Exceptional writing, editing and oral communication skills.
Budgeting – ability to forecast and track revenue and expenses for all foundation and corporate relations activities.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral diagram, or schedule form. Ability to prioritize activities and organize duties and assignments.
Ability to identify and research prospective major, corporate and foundation donors using all available resources including foundation center databases.
Strong ability to compose letters and other printed materials
Extreme attention to detail
Diplomatic with strong interpersonal skills
Able to complete projects in a timely manner without supervision
Familiar with nonprofit organizations and funders
Familiarity with arts organizations and knowledge of arts funders preferred
Highly organized and resourceful
Proactively looks for ways to avert or solve problems
Previous work experience with low-wealth communities preferred.
Mandatory Personal Characteristics
Sound judgment and unquestionable integrity
Team player, committed to PE’s mission and culture of prioritizing the team above the self
Proactivity to develop and improve skills and experience
Self-motivation, action-orientation, and foresight
Willingness to go the extra mile when needed to meet PE standards
Adaptability to make adjustments on the fly and maximize available resources
Benefits include employer-paid medical insurance and paid time off.
To apply for this position, please forward a resume, as well as a substantive cover letter outlining your interests and qualifications. Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. NO CALLS PLEASE.
Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at PE where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.
ABOUT PROJECT EATS
Art is what we imagine and create that shapes how we live. Food is the sustenance we need to live. Life is how we use, value, and share what we create to survive and thrive. Project EATS - in its design, work and relationships - operates from the interweaving of these key aspects of being.
Growing Urban Food Networks to Create Livable Futures
Project EATS (PE) occupies a unique space in the urban agricultural landscape of New York City. Founded in 2009 by artist Linda Goode Bryant, Project EATS seeks to catalyze and support residents and infrastructure of low-wealth urban communities to increase their own ability to create conditions that transform their neighborhoods into vital hubs for health and wellbeing. PE believes that increased self-determination and resiliency in these communities will enhance their economic power and food sovereignty.
The PE model features small-plot, community-based and operated, high-yield farms – both ground-level and rooftop. Using sustainable, primarily hand-grown, farming methods, and employing seeding, succession planning, and carbon waste reuse, PE works to maximize crop yields and provide the community with ease of access to healthy, ultra-local ‘income appropriate’ food. PE also operates community farm stands, food pantries, and food Farmacies, to increase resident access to and consumption of nutritious food, and offers an array of workforce development, employment, and learning opportunities for community members. The use of art in PE programs increases the use of imagination, creativity, commitment, and determination as tools for reshaping social, economic, cultural, and environmental conditions in communities that support their ability to thrive and enhance their visions of what’s possible.