Company description

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
The mission of the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF envisions a future where organic farming is the leading form of agriculture. Since its founding in 1990, OFRF has sponsored organic farming research, education, and outreach to support organic and transitioning farmers across North America. This work is complemented by efforts to share our findings with policymakers, agricultural institutions, and federal agencies to support broader change and advance the organic sector.

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW
The OFRF Donor Stewardship & Engagement Manager is a full-time, benefited, exempt position reporting to the Partnerships and Development Director (PDD). While the organization is based in Santa Cruz, CA, this position can be performed remotely within the continental USA. This position does not offer visa sponsorship. All applicants must already be eligible to work in the US.

The Donor Stewardship & Engagement Manager is responsible for deepening donor connection, increasing retention, and building a more community-centered fundraising ecosystem. This new role will design and implement donor journeys, strengthen annual giving programs, and collaborate across the organization to elevate authentic stories that demonstrate OFRF’s impact.

The ideal candidate combines excellent relationship-building skills, impeccable project management, and a passion for equitable, community-centric fundraising. They understand that good stewardship is good strategy, and that the heart of that work lies in trust, transparency, and meaningful engagement.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Donor Stewardship & Retention

Implement, evaluate, and continually refine multi-channel donor journeys to reach new donors, increase retention, and deepen long-term donor engagement.
Maintain OFRF’s stewardship matrix and update annually, ensuring timely touchpoints (thank-yous, updates, invitations, spotlights, milestone acknowledgments) for individual and corporate donors.
Ensure stewardship practices reflect Community Centered Fundraising principles, including equitable recognition, transparency, and community benefit.

Annual Giving, Appeals, & Digital Engagement

Work with the PDD and Communications team to develop and execute annual giving campaigns.
Partner closely with the Communications team to develop compelling email series, print appeals, landing pages, social media content, and digital storytelling assets.
Evaluate campaigns and use data to maximize donor conversion and retention.
Collaborate with program staff to identify “field stories,” farmer profiles, quotes, and visuals that support donor cultivation and show meaningful impact.

Events & Donor Experiences

Plan and execute donor-facing events, such as virtual briefings, webinars for prospective donors, small stewardship gatherings, and partner presentations.
Support event logistics, invitations, content creation, and follow-up strategies to deepen donor relationships and encourage next steps.

Data, Systems & Process Management

Work with the Operations Associate and PDD to manage the donor database and maintain accurate donor records and stewardship activities within OFRF’s CRM (Virtuous).
Track key metrics related to donor retention, engagement, and campaign performance.
Use data insights to evaluate and improve donor pipelines, stewardship flows, and annual giving strategies.
Other related duties as assigned by your supervisor.

DESIRED SKILLS & QUALITIES
3–5 years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, customer experience, or nonprofit communications.
Exceptional writing skills (especially storytelling, donor messaging, and impact reporting).
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to move multiple projects forward across teams.
Experience with CRM systems (Virtuous experience a plus).
A relationship-centered approach that aligns with the values of Community Centered Fundraising.
Commitment to equity, sustainability, and the mission of organic agriculture.
Experience with digital marketing, email automation, or donor journey mapping.
Experience planning small-scale events or webinars (not required, but helpful).
Familiarity with agriculture, sustainability, or food systems (not required, but helpful).
COMPENSATION and BENEFITS
Starting salary range $72-77K, depending on experience. OFRF offers a competitive benefits package and a great work environment with lots of flexibility. We look for co-workers who can have fun while working as hard as we do for a cause we love.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Location

job can be done remotely

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline