Development Director

ABOUT THE CHARLIE CART PROJECT

The mission of the Charlie Cart Project is to equip the next generation with the knowledge and confidence to make healthy food choices through hands-on cooking. 

The Charlie Cart Project was founded in 2015 to create an all-in-one food education program with the flexibility to be used anywhere, by anyone. Today, they work primarily with libraries, food banks and schools, which use the Charlie Cart to deliver hands-on cooking lessons and nutrition programs to their constituents. 

Once an organization becomes a member, the Charlie Cart Project provides a portable, compact mobile kitchen, along with a 54- lesson, K-5 curriculum aligned to Common Core standards, training and other ongoing programs, and access to a national network of food and nutrition educators to support their success. 

The Charlie Cart Project network spans more than 1,000 educators across 450 sites in 47 states. The network grows by roughly 10% each year. In this next phase of growth, the Charlie Cart Project will build on its success to understand how community-wide food education efforts impact consumption habits. The organization is growing rapidly and well positioned for scale.

The organization is led by a dedicated, highly regarded governing Board, a dynamic Executive Director, and a small but mighty skilled and passionate staff. For more information about the Charlie Cart Project, please visit charliecart.org.

The Development Director's primary responsibility is the development, management, and execution of the Charlie Cart Project's fundraising strategy. The Development Director will play a key role in managing existing donor relationships and developing new prospects including individuals, foundations, and corporations, with support from CCP leadership and staff.

The Development Director will be responsible for meeting our overall revenue goal of $2 million, through a combination of earned and contributed revenue. The Charlie Cart Project is in a strong cash position and has outlined ambitious foundation and individual giving goals going forward. The Executive Director and Director of Operations contribute significantly to fundraising efforts in institutional and individual giving, and a Sales Director manages operations for earned income, which makes up approximately 50% of overall revenue. Part time interns and administrative assistance will also be available to support development as the team expands.

The Development Director reports to the Executive Director, and will work closely with the Board and full staff to meet current goals and grow contributed revenue. The role will be supported (between 25 – 50%) by a new administrator. Currently, the Charlie Cart Project has 5 FTEs. 

Fundraising Strategy

Set fundraising goals and an annual development plan in alignment with organizational priorities and strategic vision. Participate in strategic discussions around the mission, vision, and values of the Charlie Cart Project. Develop a multi-year growth plan for fundraising in concert with the organization's strategic vision for growth. Establish metrics to evaluate fundraising and outreach activities.

Communications

Create high impact messaging and communications tools for all aspects of development, ensuring that it connects with the overall marketing strategy of the organization. Develop materials as needed for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospects. Produce impact reports and other fundraising materials, including managing external vendors for design and production. Regularly review the website to ensure messaging is aligned to fundraising goals

Solicitation, Cultivation and Stewardship

Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts from individual, foundation, and corporate donors, personally and in partnership with staff and board members. In line with fundraising strategy, execute solicitations, grant proposals and corporate partnerships.  Create and deliver annual appeal letters (both email and printed). Manage all grant and gift reporting including acknowledgements. Create stewardship and cultivation plans for all donors, including developing a calendar for ongoing donor touch points throughout the year. Plan and manage events.

Finance and Database Management

Develop and manage the fundraising budget. Manage, maintain and maximize the donor database in Salesforce Ensure data integrity between the donor database and finance software. Create gift acceptance policies as needed. Work with the Executive Director and Head of Growth on annual planning and budgeting for the organization. Manage financial reporting to donors, which may include an annual report. Other duties as needed.

8+ years of fundraising experience with progressive growth towards leadership Demonstrated track record in developing and meeting fundraising goals Experience directly soliciting gifts from individuals, corporations, and/or foundations Experience managing communications activities including physical and digital asset development Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising best practices Experience working with board of directors to advance fundraising Excellent communication skills both verbal and written; persuasive and confident speaker Sense of humor and flexible, adaptable work style. Creative problem solver. Experience with developing and tracking budgets, and partnering with finance as related to fundraising Experience with Salesforce required Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite Team player, able to work well with a diverse workforce and customer base, and able to delegate responsibilities effectively Commitment to and passion for the mission of the Charlie Cart Project

The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $125,000 plus medical, vision and dental benefits. DOE. This is a full-time position with generous flexibility of vacation. Position offers the opportunity to positively influence children’s health and contribute to the growth of a small but rapidly expanding organization that is making a broad impact on a national level. CCP staff is currently working remotely, with the possibility of returning to the office in 2024.

To apply for this position, or for additional information on the opportunity, please send a copy of your resume with a cover letter to jobs@charliecart.org. All applications and inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Charlie Cart Project is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and supporting our team with equity in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. The Charlie Cart Project prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind and is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, age, gender or sexual orientation, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. The Charlie Cart Project will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. All are encouraged to apply.