Company description

Poughkeepsie Farm Project (PFP) is a farm-based non-profit organization committed to cultivating a just and sustainable food system in the Mid-Hudson Valley. On our member-supported farm in the City of Poughkeepsie, we grow fresh vegetables and fruit for our CSA, train future farmers, provide hands-on educational programs, and improve access to healthy locally-grown food. Our mission is to cultivate local leadership in sustainable farming, food access and education, and foster an inclusive, welcoming community for everyone.

Organizational Structural Overview

PFP utilizes a Shared Leadership structure rather than a traditional hierarchy. The organization is led by a team of Co-Executive Directors. This position is one of the Co-ED’s. Staff are organized in “Circles” (similar to cross-functional teams) which focus on specific areas of work.

Job description

Overview of Position

The Co-Executive Director of Communications & Development advances PFP’s visibility, fundraising strategy, storytelling, and community engagement. This role leads PFP’s communications and fundraising functions—including stewardship of the Communications and Development Circles—and ensures that the organization’s public voice, donor relationships, and development strategies are aligned with PFP’s purpose, values, and commitment to food justice.

The Co-ED of Communications & Development works collaboratively with the full Co-Executive Director Team to guide organizational strategy, uphold strong shared leadership practices, and maintain organizational sustainability. This role is responsible for stewarding donor relationships, growing our individual donor base, developing multi-channel fundraising campaigns, overseeing fundraising events, and leading internal and external communications that center transparency, equity, and community voice. They have a demonstrated track record of integrating a strong race equity analysis to their work.

Key Responsibilities:

Communications Circle Steward (35%)

• Steward the Communications Circle, supporting collaboration among staff from Farm, Education, and other teams.
• Develop and implement a holistic communications strategy encompassing brand, messaging, media outreach, digital platforms, and public storytelling.
• Lead the creation, review, and publication of newsletters, social media content, press releases, website updates, and organizational announcements.
• Ensure all communications reflect PFP’s values, racial equity commitments, and focus on community voice.
• Oversee impact storytelling and produce compelling narratives that highlight program outcomes, community partnerships, and mission alignment.
• Serve as a key public spokesperson, including representing PFP in media, public events, interviews, and public-facing materials.
• Support internal communications practices that foster transparency, shared leadership, and cross-team collaboration.

Development Circle Steward (35%)

• Steward the Development Circle, which includes both staff and Board members, to advance collaborative fundraising strategies.
• Convene and facilitate regular meetings of the Development Circle
• Lead annual fundraising planning, including donor engagement, donor stewardship, and cultivation of individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Oversee development-related communications, including appeals, sponsorship campaigns, newsletters, and fundraising event marketing.
• Lead planning and implementation of fundraising events
• Ensure high-quality donor stewardship, including thank-you letters, donor recognition, and impact updates.
• Maintain strong relationships with donors, community partners, and supporters, prioritizing long-term relationship building and mission alignment.
  Identify and pursue emerging opportunities for revenue generation, including collaborations, sponsorships, and digital fundraising strategies.

Director Circle participation (20%)

• Contribute to the development and execution of PFP’s organizational strategy as an integral member of the Director Team, and maintain a strong working knowledge of PFP’s current programs and future goals
• Ensure that a strong racial equity analysis informs all communications, fundraising, and organizational priorities.
• Support the development and implementation of PFP’s strategic plan and accountability to organizational values.
• Communicate effectively with the Board of Directors and attend monthly board meetings; support the Board's Growth and Training Committee as needed.
• Collaborate on policy development to ensure equity, transparency, and alignment with organizational values.
• Represent and advocate for the organization in public, community spaces, and with external partners.
• Support the integration of communications and development strategy across all program areas.

Admin & Finance Circle participation (5%)

• Provide regular updates on fundraising and development revenue initiatives to support transparent budget creation and organizational financial planning.
• Work collaboratively with the finance team to ensure that fundraising and donor-related income align with budget goals, and inform financial decision-making as needed.

People & Culture Circle participation (5%)

• Support the Director team in HR-related responsibilities, including staff onboarding, performance management, and policy implementation.
• Contribute to building an equitable, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture, bringing a communications and development perspective to staff support, conflict resolution, and people-centered practices.
• Other related assignments as necessary.

Qualifications:

Required

• 3–5+ years of relevant experience in fundraising, donor development, community engagement, communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Experience leading or contributing to fundraising strategy, donor management, and cultivation of individual or institutional supporters.
• Experience with communications, including storytelling, writing, public speaking, and digital engagement.
• Strong writing, editing, and persuasive communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex program or impact information into compelling public-facing narratives.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a shared leadership framework.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to racial equity, social justice, and inclusive communication practices.
  Enthusiasm for PFP’s purpose, food justice, and community-driven work.

Preferred

• Experience with communications tools (email platforms, social media schedulers, website CMS, content creation tools), we use mailchimp, hootsuite, and squarespace.
  Experience with donor CRMs or database management, we use Zeffy.
• Familiarity with the Hudson Valley’s philanthropic and community landscape.
• Background in nonprofit development, marketing, or community storytelling.

Compensation and schedule:

• Hourly rate: Starting at $30/hr at 25 hours a week with anticipation to grow this role to full time by end of 2026
• Access to Dental insurance upon date of hire
• Farm benefits: Full season CSA half share and access to Pick-Your-Own fields and discounted add-ons (cheese, yogurt, fruit, eggs, berries, and mushrooms)
• Paid time off: 21 vacation/holiday days (first year) and 10 sick days

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $20/hr +

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline