Development Director (Full-Time)

Organizations: Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA) and Council for Healthy Food Systems (CHFS)

Location: Remote (strong preference for based in Texas)

Reports to: Executive Director

Compensation: $68,000 - $73,000/ year, commensurate with experience, with performance-based bonuses

About the Organizations

The Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance (FARFA) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that advocates for common-sense policies for independent family farmers, ranchers, and local food producers. We work to reform government policies at the state and federal levels to build a resilient, diversified local food system.

The Council for Healthy Food Systems (CHFS) is FARFA’s sister 501(c)(3)  educational nonprofit, focused on providing educational programs and resources that support farmers and local food producers in building ecologically and economically sustainable operations.

Together, FARFA and CHFS are creating a just and resilient food system that empowers independent producers and improves access to healthy, locally produced food.

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate and strategic Development Director to lead and grow our fundraising efforts across both organizations. This position is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program that includes grassroots membership development, cultivating major donors, government grants, private grants, sponsorships, and events. The Development Director will play a key leadership role in ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of both FARFA and CHFS and thus the impact of our work.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

- Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan that meets or exceeds revenue goals for both FARFA and CHFS

- Collaborate with the Executive Director and Boards to align fundraising with organizational priorities

- Create systems and metrics to track and evaluate fundraising efforts

Individual & Major Donors

- Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual donors and major gift prospects

- Develop donor communications and campaigns, including appeals, newsletters, and updates

- Manage donor recognition and engagement strategies for our grassroots base.

Grants & Foundations

- Research and identify grant opportunities aligned with each organization’s mission

- Work with Executive Director and Program Director to write and submit grant proposals and reports for foundations, government agencies, and other funders

- Maintain a calendar of application deadlines and reporting requirements

Events & Sponsorships

- Secure and manage sponsors for the annual Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference, and support the overall planning and execution of the event

- Plan and execute additional fundraising events as developed in strategic plan

- Work with staff and volunteers to ensure successful planning and execution

Systems & Communications

- Work with administrative assistant to manage donor database (Every Action), ensuring accurate records and reporting

- Coordinate with communications staff to ensure fundraising messages are integrated into public outreach

- Prepare fundraising reports for Executive Director and the Board

Qualifications

- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit development or related field

- Demonstrated success in securing grants and major gifts

- Strong writing, storytelling, and communication skills

- Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable working independently in a small, collaborative team

- Passion for food systems, sustainable agriculture, public policy, or related issues

- Experience with virtual teams and remote work a plus

Benefits & Work Culture

- Flexible schedule and remote work options

- Collaborative, mission-driven team environment

- Paid time off and holidays; also paid medical leave after 1 year

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample (preferably a donor appeal or grant narrative) to elizabeth@wellsgroupmckinney.com with the subject line: Development Director Application – [Your Name]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample (preferably a donor appeal or grant narrative) to elizabeth@wellsgroupmckinney.com with the subject line: Development Director Application – [Your Name]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.