Company description

Mission:

To build a local food network through education, resources, and creating connections. 

About:

Tennessee Local Food is a bridge building organization that connects, educates, and supports farmers, consumers, and food system stakeholders with the purpose of addressing the following issues: economy, health, food safety, food access, farm/farmers, climate, environment. 
 

After over a decade of hosting a statewide conference, we shifted our purpose in 2022 to become a 501(c)(3) to strengthen the organization's capacity to support the community's growing need for a more resilient food system. Since becoming a nonprofit organization we have expanded to offer educational and networking opportunities all year long, and operate a Farmer Relief Fund to support farmers impacted by climate related disasters. 
 

We work with partners across the southeast region to fulfill our key program priorities: increasing farmer access to markets and resources, providing educational opportunities for producers and consumers, and building bridges for collective impact.
 

Our Guiding Principles 

• Locally grown food is beneficial for our health, environment and economy
• Access to healthy, locally grown food is a basic human right, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, and/or social class
• A healthy food system depends on sustainable agricultural practices, which are rooted in Indigenous wisdom
• A sustainable food system requires integration and cooperation amongst producers, distributors, processors and consumers 
• We believe in fair and equal access across the food system, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, or socioeconomic background, and are working to move resources and center the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
• We recognize that institutions such as hospitals and schools play leading roles in our culture, and can be valuable partners in promoting a sustainable food system

 

Job description General Overview

Tennessee Local Food is seeking a Development & Communications Manager to support the organization in building a diversified donor base and an engaged community to create positive change in our local food systems and agricultural sector. This employee will develop and implement our organization’s fundraising strategy, build and maintain donor engagement and recognition, and raise engagement and awareness about our work. This part-time position (average 20 hours per week) is for 9 months, with continuation of the position contingent on funding.

Job Responsibilities
 

Fundraising and Development

• Work with the Executive Director to develop and execute fundraising strategies to secure financial support for operational and program needs.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, philanthropic organizations, and government agencies to diversify funding sources.
• Establish and fulfill key activities for donor engagement and recognition.
• Enhance stewardship of donor communications by creating follow-up content and campaigns for donors.
• Lead the writing, coordination and reporting of all grant applications (continued and new). 
• Create and oversee an annual grant submission calendar that supports the strategic revenue goals of the organization.

Communications & Outreach

• Create thoughtful, educational content and campaigns to engage current, new, and prospective stakeholders and donors with our work, and to raise awareness and engagement about our work within the community.
• Create email campaigns, including monthly eNewsletter, coordinating with staff to ensure timely content creation.
• Create and update content for TN Local Food’s website, including program content, blogs, and events, collaborating with a web developer when necessary.
• Lead social media strategies and curate and create content that is in line with our mission, vision and goals. 

Public & Media Relations

• Write and disseminate all press releases, media alerts and informational documents.
• Serve as the main point of contact for all media, and address media requests.
• Track media coverage and work to expand and build meaningful relationships with an established media database.
• Research media coverage and industry trends.

 

Qualifications

• Knowledgeable about agriculture and local food systems
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising and development with diverse supporters
• Expertise in grant writing, including project planning with partners 
• Persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
• Experience with Donor Management Software (we use Little Green Light)
• Proficiency with Google Suite, MailChimp, SquareSpace, Canva or other graphic design tools, and capable of creating visually compelling content
• Related experience in non-profit agency is desirable 
• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle with the ability to travel within the Middle TN region

 

Work Environment 

This is a remote position. Occasional evening and weekend event attendance may be required. 

 

EEO Statement 

Tennessee Local Food is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Tennessee Local Food welcomes applicants from a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and ideas.

Compensation this position is : hourly, $20/hr + Location job can be done remotely Application instructions Please click here to sign in and view application details.
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