Company description

Rodale Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regenerative organic agriculture movement through rigorous research, farmer training, and education. Our groundbreaking science and direct farmer-support programs serve as a catalyst for change in farming and food production worldwide. Over our 75-year history, we have proven that organic farming is not only viable, but essential to humanity’s survival.

Job description

Rodale Institute, a globally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a leading voice in regenerative organic agriculture, seeks a strategic, visionary, and experienced fundraising executive to serve as its next Chief Development Officer (CDO). This individual will join a mission-driven leadership team at a pivotal moment in the organization’s growth, helping to scale its philanthropic enterprise and expand its global impact.

For more than 75 years, Rodale Institute has advanced the science and practice of regenerative organic agriculture through rigorous research, farmer training, and education. What began as a pioneering effort to explore the connection between soil health and human health has grown into an internationally respected organization influencing farming practices, policy, and food systems worldwide. Today, Rodale Institute supports farmers transitioning millions of acres to regenerative organic practices, partners with corporations and government agencies, and leads one of the longest-running comparative farming systems trials in the United States.

Philanthropy plays a central and increasingly important role in supporting this work. As the Institute expands its national and global footprint, there is a need to build a more scalable, sophisticated, and data-informed development function. The organization is currently advancing a $140 million comprehensive campaign to support research, farmer training, infrastructure, and programmatic growth over the next several years.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and serving on the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Development Officer will lead all fundraising and external development activities. This includes overseeing major and principal gifts, institutional and corporate partnerships, planned giving, digital fundraising, and development operations. The CDO will also serve as a visible external ambassador, personally engaging in cultivating and soliciting high-capacity donors and strategic partners.

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished development leader with a track record of building and scaling fundraising programs within complex, mission-driven organizations. They will bring the ability to recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing development team, recognizing that strong people and clear structure are essential to sustained fundraising success. The CDO will inspire generosity, cultivate meaningful relationships, and translate a highly scientific and mission-focused body of work into compelling opportunities for philanthropic investment. A deep commitment to advancing regenerative organic agriculture and a passion for mission-driven impact are essential.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a development executive to join a respected, growing organization at a defining moment, helping to build the resources, partnerships, and visibility needed to advance a global movement focused on the health of people and the planet.

This is an on-site role with the expectation for in-office presence at least two days per week to support collaboration and engagement. In addition, this role requires the ability to travel nationally as needed for donor meetings, events, and organizational activities.

Additional information about this position, including a leadership profile, can be found at https://wittkieffer.com/positions/a1wun000001gljvmaq.

Rodale Institute values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, more than $100,000

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Deadline

no deadline