Posted on January 24, 2013

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Director of Development

Farm Foundation, NFP is a 501(c)(3), created in 2009 to carry out the programming mission of Farm Foundation, a trust created in 1933 and governed by a 29-member Board of Trustees. Farm Foundation, NFP works as a catalyst for sound public policy by providing objective information to foster a deeper understanding of issues shaping the future for agriculture, food systems and rural regions. The Foundation does not lobby or advocate.

Farm Foundation’s 80-year reputation for objectivity allows it to bring together diverse stakeholders for discussions on economic issues and public policies which results in comprehensive, objective information. Through such activities as conferences, workshops and Farm Foundation_® Forums, Farm Foundation invites stakeholders to discuss evolving matters impacting agriculture, the food system and rural regions; issues shaping the food and agriculture sector - from farm to plate.

The Foundation’s work focuses in six major areas:

• Agriculture in the Environment
• Energy and Agriculture
• Food, Agricultural and Trade Policy
• Agricultural and Food System Productivity, Research and Technology
• Food Quality, Safety and Consumer Perceptions
• Viability of Rural Regions

Farm Foundation, NFP enjoys a small office environment with a staff of four full-time and two part-time in its Oak Brook, Illinois office, fifteen miles west of downtown Chicago. The Director of Development will likely work from this office, although candidates who would prefer to work from a Washington DC area location may also be considered. A considerable amount of the Director’s time will involve travel (estimated 25-50%) throughout the US and Canada, visiting with donors and prospects and attending seminars, programs, and conferences.

The Opportunity: Director of Development The Director of Development role will provide an experienced fundraiser with the opportunity to build a development program within an organization that has a broad reach and a vast, established network in the agricultural sector. This is a new position that will cultivate funding relationships and partnerships with potential corporate, foundation and individual donors by leveraging the networks of Board/Trustee Members and Round Table leaders. Additionally, the Director of Development will be charged with identifying and cultivating new prospects for funding. Reporting to the President of Farm Foundation, the Director of Development will drive and oversee all aspects of fundraising and development; to grow and diversify streams of philanthropic support. The successful candidate will possess demonstrated fundraising achievements and ability to serve as an ambassador for the mission of Farm Foundation. The ideal candidate will have strong development expertise as well as e xtensive knowledge of the issues shaping the food and agriculture sector.

The Qualified Candidate

Farm Foundation, NFP is looking for a focused relationship builder and self-starter to serve as its first Director of Development. S/he will have a proven and measurable history of success with strategic development thinking and planning; experience with building and leading a development program with ambitious goals and multiple streams of revenue. S/he must have a successful track record working with Board Members; and securing contributions from corporate, foundation and individual donors. Knowledge of both the national philanthropic marketplace as well as agricultural sector policy will add tremendous value to the qualifications of the successful candidate. This person will have a strategic outlook paired with the ability to implement plans that result in deliverables and budgeted revenues.

Specific requirements include:

• Passion for Farm Foundation’s mission
• A Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree desired; science, conservation, agriculture, or non-profit management experience preferred.
• 7-10 years of progressive experience in fundraising leadership and management.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing multiple 5 and 6-figure gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations, along with evidence of growing donors from one level to the next.
• Demonstrated success in building a multi-faceted philanthropic program from the “ground up” that encompasses donors as individuals, foundations and corporate partners.
• Proven ability to build strong external relationships with a variety of donors, volunteers, institutional funders, officials and other stakeholders.
• A track record of providing leadership to fundraising programs and building diverse streams of private income.
• Strong analytic and strategic-thinking skills, with demonstrated ability to create, implement and monitor complex plans, and translate those plans into goals and concrete strategies.
• Career track record that shows stability with an organization and capacity to develop and nurture relationships culminating in overall success.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of computer programs.
• Ability to travel for work related activities. Travel is projected at 25-50%.
• Strong moral ethics and integrity.

More information about Farm Foundation

A Dialogue on Food and Agriculture in the 21st Century

A Dialogue on Food and Agriculture in the 21st Century was recently launched to create opportunities for a full range of stakeholders to have civil conversations about the critical issues facing food and agriculture while addressing the challenge of feeding 9 billion people in 2050 and simultaneously protecting natural resources. This Foundation-led project involves multiple activities designed to promote discussions across the food and agriculture value chain—from producers to consumers. The Project Steering Committee has identified four areas of focus: goals and priorities of North American agriculture; the role of science and technology in agriculture; adaptability and resilience in agriculture and the food system; and human capital needs in food and agriculture. A variety of tools are being used to bring stakeholders into conversations, including conferences, workshops and social media tools.

While a portion of the financial resources to support this project will come from The Foundation, the majority will be raised from individuals, corporations, NGOs and other foundations.

Round Table

Farm Foundation_® Round Table is an invitational discussion forum comprised of agricultural and agribusiness leaders from across the food chain and across North America. These leaders meet twice yearly to examine current and developing issues.

Programs are designed to explore ideas, analysis, and insights that participants may use in their own work. Recent Round Table program topics have included: the politics, science and economics of public lands; competition for water resources; sustainable agriculture; trade issues; rural development; infrastructure; changing perceptions of food and agriculture; technology, agriculture and the environment; and the economy.

Application Instructions

To Apply

This position offers a competitive salary with benefits. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.

Farm Foundation, NFP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria.

The search is being managed by Laura Weinman, Senior Consultant at Alford Group Executive Search. To apply, candidates should submit their cover letter and resume and complete the online application at http://ag-es.kintera.org/applicant. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence. No applications will be accepted via email. Questions may be addressed to Whitney Wade at wwade@alford.com.

Alford Group Executive Search (www.ag-es.com) is a retained search firm dedicated to providing recruitment services of exceptional quality and strengthening the not-for-profit community through professional staffing solutions.