Director of Development

Position: Full-time

Schedule: 40 hours per week

Compensation: $95,0000-$110,000 depending on experience.

Benefits: Health, dental, vision; 401k; paid time off, sick and holiday pay; professional development stipend.

Location: Ancram, NY

About Sky High Farm

Sky High Farm is committed to community-centered research and action to contribute solutions toward urgent and long-term issues at the intersection of climate, agriculture, food access and education. Our work responds to urgencies in the food system by proposing a dynamic model – moving beyond a single issue to understand and address the interconnection of nutrition, security, economic and health disparities, and the history of structural, racial, and educational injustice.

Job Summary: Reporting to the Co-Executive Directors, this new position will play an instrumental role in developing and stewarding Sky High Farm’s fundraising strategy into its next stage of exponential growth. Objectives include refining and implementing a development strategy that leverages individual and institutional giving in support of our mission and programs, including agricultural operations and food access, education, grants, and climate-focused research. The successful candidate will spearhead donor prospect research and cultivation, grow the organization’s individual donor base, as well as supervise a development manager focused on  public and private grant research, and collaborate with the Co-Executive Directors and board in preparation for a major capital campaign.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work with the Co-Executive Directors to determine organizational fundraising priorities. Establish annual fundraising goals and budgets according to short- and long-term institutional objectives and targets. Set fundraising objectives for the organization; one year, five year, and longer-term goals. Research, compile and maintain a list of prospective donors including corporations, foundations, and individuals. Design and implement an Individual Giving program to significantly increase organizational revenue and cultivate donor relationships. Research potential funding opportunities, write proposals to private and corporate foundations, and cultivate ongoing relationships with funders. Produce relevant and informative fundraising literature for distribution to donors and the public. Oversees the fundraising process and maintains records of receipts and disbursements of funds. Oversee grant submission deadlines, donor database management, and reporting to funders. Plan fundraising events that effectively communicate the purposes of the organization. Lead formal evaluation of fundraising events and appeals Collaborate with the farm and communications teams to generate content for newsletters to promote Sky High’s work and participate in on-site farm tours for donors. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong commitment to Sky High Farm’s mission Extensive knowledge of fundraising strategies and principles, 7-10 years of experience preferred. Excellent management and supervisory skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Must be able to meet deadlines. Knowledge of tax planning principles and techniques that favor charitable giving. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and fundraising software.

Education and Experience:

• 7-10 years of experience in fundraising for a nonprofit organization is highly preferred. Prior job experience working on grant writing, individual donor cultivation and fundraising for nonprofits Must have strong writing skills to be considered

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Travel and Weekend Work:

• Occasional travel and weekend work

Teamwork is paramount. All Sky High leadership staff and personnel are required to participate in routine team meetings, performance reviews, safety trainings, and internal policy reviews.

This job description synthesizes key responsibilities but does not necessarily capture all applicable job duties. As with the nature of our work, adaptability is essential.

Sky High Farm is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equity, inclusion and diversity in our hiring and employment practices and strive to create an environment that is conducive to collaboration and respect for difference.

To Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and references to: jobs@skyhighfarm.org. Please indicate which position you are applying for in the subject line.