Director of Development

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Job Description

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.

JOB SUMMARY

Plans, directs, coordinates and engages in ongoing 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.  Plans, directs and manages major and online donor activity. Plans, directs and manages fundraising events in collaboration and coordination with the Finance and Fundraising Committee of Project EATS’ Board of Directors.

KEY DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 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 Project EATS site visits with foundation and corporate representatives.
• Prepare and submit interim and final reports for grants the outcomes and impact achieved.
• Develop, cultivate, and manage online donors. Develop materials and implement online campaigns.
• Plan and manage fundraising events.
• Work with program staff and Chief Operating Officer 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
• Attend community meetings and events, as well as engage in foundation/corporate visits.

 REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a grant writing or development role, especially writing new grant proposals and concept notes for institution-wide support
• 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
• Highly organized and resourceful
• Proactively looks for ways to avert or solve problems

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited university, with a minimum of six years training/experience in a sophisticated fundraising environment, including grant writing, online donors, fundraising events, and corporate and foundation activities

MANDATORY PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Sound judgement 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

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at Project EATS 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.

Project EATS’ mission is for everyone to have the opportunity - regardless of income - to live healthily and to thrive. To achieve our mission, we join with residents and other stakeholders in neighborhoods to work as both a catalyst and support in creating community-based enterprises that grow and distribute food and programs that inspire, engage, cultivate understanding and strengthen ties between neighbors. The end goal is to increase the well-being of individuals and to improve the social, economic, and cultural viability of their communities.

Through our Enterprise Program we work with residents and other neighborhood stakeholders to create a network of community-based small plot, high-yield farms that naturally grow and distribute fresh produce for locals and non-locals.  Our small-scale manufacturing operations produce food-based and agricultural products. These enterprises provide youth and adult residents with skills, experience, employment and careers, and support aspiring entrepreneurs.  Through our Community Programs we provide a range of activities and opportunities that includes the integration and creation of art as a mode of communication, action and reflection in which individual and groups of residents engage. We also provide food and wellness-oriented workshops, community meals and events and “food-as-medicine” programs to support people’s efforts to live healthier lives.

PROJECT EATS VALUES & BELIEFS

• Resourcefulness: People can use the resources they have to create the resources they need.
• Understanding: Consideration, thoughtfulness and tolerance are essential to catalyzing and supporting the process of change.
• Creativity: Imagination, new ways of seeing, and fresh ideas lead to new possibilities, strategies and opportunities that turn “can’t” into “can.”
• Determination: Tenacity and willpower are necessary to create change that improves lives.

Please send a cover letter and resume to admin@projecteats.org. NO CALLS PLEASE.