Company description

North Coast Growers’ Association supports Humboldt County’s farmers and artisan producers in building a robust and resilient local food system.

We envision a strong, successful, growing community of diversified farms supporting broad based consumption of local foods and products. Our organization is stable and resilient, our members are thriving, and our customers are knowledgeable about the value of local food and small farms. We actively engage a more culturally and economically diverse customer base, and foster responsible stewardship of our agricultural resources.

We ensure that local market opportunities match the needs of our members and community. Our local food system is financially sustainable, money invested within direct and wholesale opportunities is balanced with the impacts to our members, and NCGA income supports the diversification of markets and product offerings of our members.

Job description

The Fund Development and Communications Coordinator serves as NCGA's storyteller and relationship builder, sharing compelling narratives about North Coast food systems while developing sustainable funding strategies that ensure long-term organizational viability. This role combines strategic communications with innovative fundraising approaches, working collaboratively with our local farmers and partners, and regional organizations to build lasting support for our resilient and robust food system mission.

Working under the supervision of NCGA's Executive Director, this position plays a key leadership role in organizational growth, donor cultivation, and community engagement. The coordinator will develop and execute integrated communications and fundraising campaigns that tell the authentic story of North Coast agricultural transformation while building a diversified, sustainable funding base through individual donors, philanthropic partnerships, foundation and government grants, and innovative revenue streams.

Strategic Communications (30%)
Lead Organizational Storytelling and Brand Development

Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that tells the story of North Coast food systems, highlighting farmer success stories, community impact, and achievements in development of infrastructure and economic impact
Manage compelling content creation across multiple platforms including newsletters, social media, website, press releases, and donor communications that resonate with diverse audiences
Conduct thorough communications audit and develop new marketing plan including key messaging framework, brand positioning, social media strategy, and visual identity
Participate in regional activities with NCGA staff as a thought leader in regional food systems through strategic media relations, speaking opportunities, developing and maintaining meaningful partnerships
Work with NCGA staff and contractors, like videographers and partner organization content creators, to implement marketing and storytelling
Digital Communications and Content Creation

Manage and grow NCGA's digital presence across all platforms, creating engaging content that drives donor engagement and community support
Develop multimedia storytelling campaigns featuring farmer profiles, impact stories, and behind-the-scenes content that connects supporters to our mission
Create donor-focused communications that demonstrate transparent impact and inspire continued giving
Coordinate with network partners to amplify shared stories and cross-promote collaborative initiatives as part of the CA Jobs First Initiative Catalyst Project: North Coast Food Systems Network
Donor Campaigns & Relationship Building (25%)
Design and Execute Strategic Donor Campaigns

Develop and implement targeted donor campaigns that combine compelling storytelling with strategic asks, including annual giving campaigns, major gift initiatives, and special project fundraising
Create multi-channel campaign strategies that integrate direct mail, digital outreach, events, and personal solicitation for maximum impact
Design donor journey mapping and stewardship programs that move supporters from awareness to advocacy to major gift partnership
Lead collaborative fundraising campaigns with network partners that leverage shared resources and expand donor reach
Major Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

Implement comprehensive major donor program including prospect research, cultivation strategies, and personalized stewardship plans
Coordinate with Executive Director and Board of Directors to conduct donor visits, presentations, and solicitation meetings
Develop donor recognition and retention programs that demonstrate impact and encourage increased giving
Create legacy giving program and materials that connect planned giving to long-term food system sustainability
Sustainable Fund Development (30%)
Diversified Revenue Strategy Development

Collaborate with Executive Director and Program Directors to develop and implement annual fundraising plan that includes individual donors, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, earned revenue, and innovative funding mechanisms
Research and pursue private foundation and corporate partnership opportunities aligned with food systems, agriculture, and community development
Assist in grant writing and foundation relationship management, with focus on funders who understand rural and tribal community needs
Develop sustainable funding models that reduce dependence on single funding sources and create predictable revenue streams
Partnership Development

Cultivate agricultural business partnerships and sponsorships that align with NCGA's mission and values
Develop partnership benefits packages and recognition programs that provide value to corporate supporters
Create collaborative funding opportunities with network partners that leverage collective impact for larger grants and partnerships
Expand the existing sponsorship program
Community Engagement & Events (15%)
Strategic Event Planning and Execution

Plan and execute donor engagement events that combine fundraising with authentic community building and mission advancement
Coordinate collaborative events with network partners that strengthen relationships while generating revenue
Create innovative engagement opportunities that connect donors directly to farmers, food producers, and community impact
Develop event-based fundraising campaigns that extend beyond single events to build lasting donor relationships
Work with NCGA staff and event coordinator to execute annual events focused on both fundraising and celebrating the bounty of local agriculture through food focused community events

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, related field or equivalent experience
3+ years of experience in fund development, donor relations, or nonprofit communications
Proven track record of successful fundraising campaigns and donor cultivation
Demonstrated expertise in digital communications, content creation, and media management
Skills and Competencies:

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $27.00 - $34.00

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline