The mission of the Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP) (www.mass-ave.org) is to nurture the growth of a diverse and equitable community food system to promote local economic opportunities, access to affordable nutritious food and social change education.  MAP’s Growing Green Program is a year-round youth development initiative that involves youth in solving Buffalo’s challenges related to nutrition and healthy food access.  The program trains urban youth in urban agriculture, food systems issues, microenterprise development and leadership.  MAP values creativity and cooperative principles and team problem solving. MAP is currently building a new 11,000 sq. ft. Farmhouse and Community Food Training Center at our Urban Farm that will provide new development and enterprise opportunities.

As a key member of our team, the Development Director will have responsibility for comprehensive planning, development, management and execution of MAP’s development/fundraising efforts. This individual will work closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees to increase revenue through the personal solicitation of individuals, cultivation and solicitation of foundation and corporate support and special events management. The Development Director will be charged with expanding and diversifying MAP’s donor base, and coordinating an annual fundraising, communications and marketing plan for the organization.   The Development Director will work closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors and report to the Executive Director (ED).

Essential Functions:

• Create and lead a comprehensive fundraising program to solicit major donor giving, corporate and foundation support, thru direct mail, online fundraising, events and other initiatives to meet established organization fundraising goals.
• Manage relational development, including donor cultivation, solicitation and recognition
• Coordinate organizational communications plan including social media strategy and production of marketing materials, including brochures, newsletters and annual reports
• Direct the maintenance and upgrades to the organizations’ website (WIX) and public information communication to promote and expand the visibility of MAP’s work in the community
• Coordinate and work closely with the Development Committee of the Board to plan special events and develop donor cultivation.
• Manage donor database and conduct periodic analysis of fundraising strategies.  Work to improve the financial return of existing initiatives, identify and implement new fundraising vehicles, and increase the profitability of fundraising activities.
• Support staff events and activities as needed

Qualifications:

• Two to five years’ experience in fundraising and marketing with non-profit organizations
• Outstanding relationship building skills and high comfort level to work effectively with the donors, and corporate and foundation executives
• Experience with CRM software and donor tracking (We use Little Green Light)
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment that includes staff, Board Members and youth
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Fluency with social media and experience with WIX website editing
• Flexible schedule; ability to work occasional evenings, weekdays, and weekends
• Bachelor’s degree required; a relevant advanced degree preferred.

 This is a full-time (40 hrs/wk) position. Health benefits, vacation and retirement benefits offered.