Development Director

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) is seeking a Development Director to lead and implement innovative fundraising strategies that support our mission of promoting local, organic, and sustainable farming. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced development professional to contribute to an organization dedicated to building a healthier and more sustainable food systems.

The Development Director will spearhead OEFFA’s fundraising and membership strategies, focusing on grant management, donor cultivation, campaign leadership, and fostering a culture of philanthropy. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Development Director will engage foundations, corporations, community partners, and individual donors to advance the organization’s mission.

Responsibilities:

1) Development Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy with clear, measurable goals.
• Monitor and analyze the performance of development efforts, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Set clear, measurable fundraising goals.
• Staff the Development Committee of the Board.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy at OEFFA in conjunction with the Executive Director and Board President.
• Represent OEFFA at community events, conferences, and networking opportunities.

2) Grantseeking

• Provide oversight and leadership to staff and contractors engaged in grantseeking.
• Ensure OEFFA has a robust grantseeking plan to raise funds from private, community, and corporate foundations and government agencies.
• Supervise the execution and performance of the grantseeking plan.
• Serve as a key portfolio manager with funders.
• Supervise the Grants Manager, who tracks grant-related information and ensures accurate reporting and compliance with grant guidelines and regulations.

3) Communications & Marketing

• Work with the communications team to ensure development-related publications and communications align with OEFFA’s mission, vision, values, and development plans.
• Provide development leadership to the Communications team for non-development communications such as newsletters.
• Provide leadership to OEFFA as it collects impactful stories.

4) Donor Relations & Engagement

• Identify and cultivate new potential donors, sponsors, partners, and members.
• Build and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporations.
• Create and manage fundraising campaigns, both online and offline, including direct mail, social media, and corporate partnerships.
• Demonstrate organizational appreciation for funders and contributors.

5) Event Leadership

• Work with the events and communications teams to ensure development events align with OEFFA’s mission, vision, values, and development plans.
• Provide development leadership to the events team for non-development events such as the annual conference.

6) Administrative Management

• Develop and manage the annual budget for the development program.
• Ensure cost-effective use of development resources.
• Supervise and provide leadership to the Member Care Coordinator.

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of successful nonprofit development experience.
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies, event planning, and grantseeking.
• Experience developing fundraising plans, tracking progress, and analyzing results.
• Skills to engage politically and culturally diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with fundraising software.
• Experience developing and managing a budget.
• Knowledge of sustainable and organic farming is a plus.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, exempt position based in Columbus, Ohio (remote or hybrid options available).
• Statewide travel is required; occasional out-of-state travel may be necessary.
• Evening and weekend hours may be required for events and meetings.
• Will have access to a shared vehicle, but must be able to provide own personal transportation when needed.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary range: $75,000 to $85,000 per year.
• Eligible for employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision and life insurance, of which OEFFA pays 80% of the premiums.
• Access to employee-paid legal, life, and critical illness benefits.
• New employees accrue 3 weeks of vacation time, access to 5 weeks of sick leave, and are paid for 14 holiday closures per year.
• Access to retirement benefits with a 3% match.

Application

Interested candidates should send their resume and supporting materials to [email protected]. Applications received by January 17, 2025, will receive preferential consideration. The position is open until filled.