Director of Development

Mesa 

www.mesafarm.org

Cultivating Possibilities for Transition Age Youth

A CA Non-Profit Corporation EIN 85-2978137 

Description:

Mesa has an immediate need for a Development Director to head up grant writing, donor development and fundraising event planning. 

MESA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that aims to transform the lives of young adults at risk of or experiencing homelessness. We are building a transitional housing and wellness center on a farm in the Ojai Valley. In addition to stable housing and a focus on wellness, MESA’s foundational program design responds to the whole person, addressing their individual needs and desires for the future.  Earlier this year, we purchased a 10 acre farm and are currently in the process of adding 10 tiny homes and converting the property to a permaculture regenerative farm. Partial occupancy is targeted for early 2023 with full occupancy in mid to late summer 2023. Learn more about the initiative at www.mesafarm.org

Donor Development: Build upon existing relationships and build additional donor targets to expand potential donor pool and develop a strategy for securing gifts. Take advantage of typical giving seasons to grow the donor base in line with the donor pyramid. 

Event Planning: Lead the planning and execution of annual events such as the golf tournament, gala and other community events. Build a team of paid contract staff and volunteers to execute high impact, professional events to raise operations funding. 

Grant Writing: Research and author government, corporate and private grant applications and reports and manage all grant-related activities. The ideal candidate has experience with grant or other persuasive writing with knowledge of fundraising sources, preferably with a background in writing for grants related to Foster Youth and/or Homelessness. Additional areas for potential grant writing include art, entrepreneurship, environment (regenerative farming, water capture, native planting), wellness, vocational training, life skills, and education. 

Major Responsibilities:

Donor Development: 

Utilize Salesforce to track donor participation Build target lists of potential large donors with donor profiles Hold preliminary meetings with donors Create a consistent schedule for donor communication and follow-up Grow membership in Mesa Community of monthly donors Grow list of volunteers (farm picking days, etc) and program partners (wellness providers, businesses, etc) Collaborate with the Board of Directors and Executive Director to create and implement a fundraising plan Collaborate with the communications team to develop a digital fundraising strategy Furnish Board of Directors and Executive Director with regular progress reports

Event Planning:

Lead organizer for annual fundraising gala Golf tournament, currently scheduled for end of 2022 or start of 2023. Responsibilities include building a team of volunteers to fill out the field of golfers, run the silent auction, acquire sponsors for the holes, and provide swag bag/food/drink to golfers Several additional smaller events throughout the year should be expected (friendraisers, off site concerts, runs, auctions, etc) 

Grant Writing: 

Identify, prepare and submit funding applications and grant proposals. Prepare and submit funding reports and audit requirements for government grants and private foundations. Oversee a comprehensive calendar for all grant-related activities, with support from the CEO’s office and the Mesa team. Maintain computer/manual files for all grants and reports. Investigate new public and private funding sources that match the goals and objectives of Mesa, including state and federal opportunities. Write grant narratives and proposal elements in collaboration with internal and external program stakeholders.

Education and/or Experience:

BA/BS degree in related field from an accredited university or college, plus 3 years development experience or AA degree, plus 5 years development experience Experience with grant or other persuasive writing, preferably with experience writing for grants related to homelessness. 

Qualifications:

Excellent written communication skills. Strong oral communication and customer service skills for interaction with staff, funders/donors, donor prospects, volunteers, and others Ability to work in busy environment, under pressure, without compromising accuracy, attention to detail or courtesy to staff and others Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, with effective time management skills Excellent knowledge of fundraising information sources Ability to demonstrate mature judgment, initiative and critical thinking

Mesa Compensation and Benefits: Our benefits package includes a competitive salary, employer sponsored wellness and outdoor activities (yoga, meditation, hiking, etc), a health care stipend, 12 paid holidays, 2 weeks vacation time to start, and 3 sick days. Mesa is creating an employee health plan and, being full time, this job will have access to that plan once it is put in place.

Preferred Start Date:  Applications are reviewed as they come in, but the position is open until we find the perfect fit for our team.

To Apply: Qualified, interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter to hi@mesafarm.org.

Mesa aims to create an environment where former foster youth are given an opportunity to further themselves through community building, health & wellness, employment, and education. We accomplish this by moving upstream from the symptoms of homelessness, incarceration and dependence on social programs and intervening during a critical crossroads - the transition away from dependence on the foster system toward personal resilience and strength through relationship.

Mesa is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, anti-racist and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Mesa is eager to include people with lived experience in all areas of our program. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ persons, and persons from other historically marginalized and oppressed groups to apply.