CT NOFA > Resources > Classified and Community Board > Development Director

Development Director

Employer: Berkshire Agricultural Ventures

Work Location: Great Barrington, MA

Term of Employment: Full-time

Compensation Range: $82,000 to $86,000

More Details / Apply for Job

Duties / Responsibilities

BAV seeks a strategic and results-driven Development Director to lead our fundraising efforts. This
position is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the development team and
overseeing all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and stewardship. The Development Director
is responsible in a leadership capacity for cultivating and maintaining relationships with Board
members, donors, foundations, and corporate partners to support the organization’s mission and
growth. The Development Director is also responsible for stewarding donors, overseeing
foundation and corporate grant applications, and for designing campaigns that grow financial
support for BAV’s mission.

Fundraising Strategy & Implementation

  • Develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan to increase revenue from individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
  • Identify and pursue new funding opportunities that align with BAV’s mission.
  • Work with Executive Director and finance team to set and achieve annual fundraising goals.
  • Identify and solicit gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations.
  • Oversee fundraising for BAV’s annual giving campaigns, special campaigns and Market Match Fund.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

  • Cultivate relationships with major donors and prospects, ensuring engagement and long-term commitment.
  • Plan and execute donor stewardship activities, including personalized outreach, events, bi-annual appeals, and impact reports.
  • Oversee donor data management, ensuring accurate records and timely follow-ups.

Grant Management & Institutional Giving

  • Oversee tailored grant proposals and reports to foundations.
  • Oversee tracking of grant deadlines and compliance requirements.
  • Build and maintain relationships with institutional funders.

Special Events & Donor Communications

  • Oversee fundraising events and community engagement initiatives.
  • Develop donor-specific materials and donor communications in collaboration with the communications team.

Additional

  • Manage/Provide support to the Board of Directors, Committees and prepare for Board meetings
  • Supervise the Communications and Development Manager
  • Other duties as assigned

Desired Applicant Experience

Required Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience in leading successful individual giving programs at nonprofits or campaigns with significant fund development experience, and a track record of successful fundraising results, with a minimum of three years of experience in a lead fundraising role.
  • Experience cultivating and soliciting individual donors, foundation and corporate funders.
  • A passionate interest in and/or knowledgable about farms, local agriculture, food systems, and economic development.
  • A self-starter, with experience building and executing a fundraising plan to reach revenue goals.
  • Excellent relationship-building skills with examples of cultivating authentic relationships with donors of varying backgrounds, interests, and giving capacity.
  • A clear approach for donor research to identify new prospects, diversify the donor base, and tailor pitches accordingly.
  • Demonstration of exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills, along with strong verbal communication skills.
  • Strong work ethic, organized, excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Team player, able to collaborate on projects, mentor staff on relationship building and fundraising strategies and also complete work independently. Supervisory experience is a plus.
  • Strong technical skills and experience working with a team remotely using collaborative workplace technology tools, e.g. Google suite; Adobe Acrobat; Zoom; Donor Perfect, Asana.

We recognize that knowledge, experience, and potential are expressed differently for different people. We encourage anyone with an interest in the position to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the desired qualifications!

How to Apply / Notes / Other Information

To apply please submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@berkshireagventures.org.

Applications will be reviewed through May 7, 2025. Applications received after that date will be reviewed on a rolling basis only if the position remains unfilled. Berkshire Agricultural Ventures is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

For questions, please contact jobs@berkshireagventures.org.