Company description

Mission: To build sustainable food and farming systems through policy advocacy and on-the-ground programs that create more resilient family farms, communities, and ecosystems.

Values:
Ecological Stewardship: We recognize that all farms and communities benefit from healthier and more resilient agroecosystems, particularly in the face of climate change and loss of biodiversity. We provide information and resources to meet farmers where they are and support them according to their unique circumstances so that they may become better land stewards.

Justice and Equity: We recognize the historic and lasting inequities in the California food and farming system. In order to achieve justice, we believe farmers of color, and other historically oppressed people, including immigrant, indigenous and women farmers, should have the opportunity to create and participate in a food and agriculture system that aligns with their needs, values, identities, knowledge systems, and communities. We commit to advancing racial, gender, and environmental justice in our larger systems, as well as in our own workplace because it is morally right and this diversity yields enhanced creativity, problem-solving as well as system-level resilience and wisdom.

Practical Solutions: We are rooted in the real-world needs of working farmers and see farmers of diverse backgrounds as knowledge holders. We offer opportunities for cross-pollination and provide practical resources that help farmers succeed as small businesses, local food providers and land stewards. We remain a resource hub for tools, events, and tips that they can apply directly in their day-to-day operations to be the best farmers they can be.

Economic Fairness: We promote a fair economic system that uplifts farmers’ dignity and gives them the freedom to make individual choices that meet the needs of their land, farm, families, and communities. We believe excessive corporate power undermines the prosperity of individual farmers, our communities, and the health of our democracy.

Centering Farmers: The future of farming rests on optimizing farms for farmers and recognizing the daily challenges they face in growing food, rather than maximum yields or output, which minimizes farmers and their communities and leads to extraction. Our programs and policies are guided by the expressed concerns, needs, and aspirations of farmers. Listening to and including farmers directly in decision-making is essential to advancing policies and programs that address their needs.

Strong Local Communities: We believe vibrant communities, anchored by strong local food economies, offer an antidote to concentrated corporate power. Our staff, board, and chapters aspire to strengthen relationships in their own backyards as part of the fabric of local communities, and allow the organization to remain connected to, informed and enriched by the diversity of California peoples.

Job description

CAFF seeks a Donor Relationship Manager OR a Director of Philanthropy, depending on level of experience; the Director title, workload, and salary are reflective of more responsibility and management.The position Donor Relationship Manager or Director of Philanthropy will lead the individual donor fundraising strategy for CAFF and work with the Executive Director, Associate Director, board, and staff to implement it.

This position requires a creative, strategic thinker with a deep understanding of nonprofit fundraising techniques, donor relations, and organizational development and will take the initiative to drive significant areas of growth for the organization; the position will focus on donor cultivation and stewardship, special events and campaigns, major gifts solicitation and donor database management. The position works closely with several staff who all play a significant role in foundation development, government grants, and fee-for-service contracts. The position is largely remote, with occasional trips to our headquarters in Davis, CA. There is potential to work out of an Oakland shared office or our office in Davis. Travel to events across Northern California, particularly in Monterey Bay, San Francisco Bay Area, North Bay, and Sacramento Region will be expected.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Development Strategy: Work with the Fundraising Team to develop and oversee a fundraising plan for individual giving, particularly major donors, at CAFF. The position will work with the Finance Director to prepare and monitor annual budgets. They will also work with the Communications Team to ensure efforts reach intended audiences.
• Major Donors: Identify and develop strategies for major donor cultivation; they will track relationships and maintain database records; and they will implement personalized stewardship plans to cultivate and deepen relationships with individual donors, ensuring they feel valued, informed, and connected to the organization's mission. This includes regular communication, personalized acknowledgment of contributions, and opportunities for donor recognition and involvement.
• Special Events: Plan, coordinate, and execute 2-4 annual fundraising events, campaigns, and initiatives to engage donors, raise funds, and increase awareness of the organization's mission. Also, evaluate major donor-specific appreciation receptions, site visits, and exclusive briefings to provide opportunities for donors to connect with organizational leadership, program staff, and beneficiaries and deepen their engagement with the organization.
• Business Partnership Support: Support the implementation of CAFF’s business sponsorship strategy – cultivating businesses, applying for sponsorships, developing new incentives, and working closely with the Executive Director and Communications Director.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work with the Management Team to ensure that fundraising, finance, and programs are working together, creating systems to ensure all are coordinated and growing together to communicate progress toward fundraising goals, progress, and impact.
• Budgeting and Financial Planning: Work closely with the Executive Director and Associate Director to develop annual fundraising budgets, monitor fundraising expenses, and analyze fundraising performance against targets.
• General CAFF Responsibilities

This person will be an important member of CAFF’s Team. Participation in weekly All-Staff meetings and annual All-Staff gatherings. Representation of CAFF by participating in community activities and events as necessary.

Educational and Work Experience

• At least 5 years of non-profit experience required
• At least 5 years of fundraising experience required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent ability to manage multiple projects
• Ability to work with various groups of people
• Strong project management skills
• Strong team player
• Excellent communication skills including writing and presenting to groups
• Knowledge of agriculture and food systems is strongly preferred
• Strong attention to detail preferred
• Knowledge of organizational development and strategic planning
• Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings
• Resourceful in performing a variety of administrative and organizational tasks
• Proficiency in Salesforce or other CRM tools preferred
• Travel to events/activities on a weekly basis (valid driver's license required)

Educational and Work Experience

• At least 5 years of non-profit experience required
• At least 5 years of fundraising experience required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent ability to manage multiple projects
• Ability to work with various groups of people
• Strong project management skills
• Strong team player
• Excellent communication skills including writing and presenting to groups
• Knowledge of agriculture and food systems is strongly preferred
• Strong attention to detail preferred
• Knowledge of organizational development and strategic planning
• Willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings
• Resourceful in performing a variety of administrative and organizational tasks
• Proficiency in Salesforce or other CRM tools preferred
• Travel to events/activities on a weekly basis (valid driver's license required)

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000

Location

job can be done remotely

Application instructions

Deadline

May 03, 2024