Associate Director of U.S. Philanthropy

Summary

Join the Good Food Institute (GFI), a nonprofit think tank, as the Associate Director of U.S. Philanthropy. This role focuses on growing GFI's prospect portfolio in the Midwest and Southeast, securing major and principal-level gifts. You will manage all aspects of GFI's U.S. Midwest and Southeast major gift portfolios, identify and cultivate new donors, and collaborate with colleagues to develop fundraising strategies. The position requires significant experience in major gifts fundraising, strong relationship-building skills, and experience with CRM databases. GFI offers a remote work environment, full medical coverage, a 401(k) plan, and other benefits. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of securing substantial gifts and a commitment to GFI's mission.

Requirements

• A minimum of eight years of previous development experience including five years in a major gifts officer capacity with a minimum of two years of demonstrated experience successfully closing principal-level ($1M+) gifts
• A proven track record of creatively cultivating relationships with individuals, donor advisors, and families with major gift ($100,000+) potential, successful solicitation, and closing major gifts
• Demonstrated ability to successfully identify, cultivate, and solicit both cold and warm prospects while building the foundations for longstanding relationships between donor and organization
• Experience working independently as well as managing and/or mentoring fellow Development team members
• Experience with a CRM database (GFI uses Salesforce)
• Extensive philanthropic experience within the U.S. Midwest and Southeast during at least the most recent three years, including the development and maintenance of established philanthropic relationships in the area
• A willingness and ability to travel regularly throughout the U.S. Midwest and Southeast and occasionally major metropolitan areas in Canada, with frequent evening and weekend work (flexible scheduling available to accommodate for off-hours responsibilities)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work effectively under the pressure of deadlines
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels like they belong
• Comfort working remotely and in a rapidly growing and evolving organization
• Strong support for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in plant-based & other alt proteins, public health, environmentalism, climate change, animal protection, or hunger relief
• A commitment to GFI’s values: believe change is possible, do the most good we can, share knowledge freely, act on evidence, and invite everyone to the table

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of GFI’s U.S. Midwest and Southeast major gift portfolios
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward new and existing donors
• Connect and collaborate with donors, prospects, and connectors throughout the region to facilitate major and principal-level gifts
• Secure unrestricted and restricted philanthropic contributions to GFI at the major and principal gift levels
• Demonstrate and model healthy portfolio management skills designed to enhance and strengthen the donor pipeline
• Develop and execute creative strategies to expand our major donor base, ensuring that we have a robust prospect pipeline
• Serve as deputy to the Director of U.S. Philanthropy, assisting with strategic oversight to the U.S. Philanthropy team and assistance and backup coverage as needed
• Apply specific focus to the key areas of prospect identification, qualification, portfolio assignment, and early cultivation
• Directly manage the Leadership Giving Officer, including but not limited to training, development, and performance management
• Attend and host industry-specific events and conferences focused on prospect identification and relationship development
• Craft and present creative funding proposals, identifying new and unique opportunities for fundraising growth, and preparing compelling personalized progress reports in consort with our writing and stewardship colleagues
• Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

Passionate about GFI’s mission

Benefits

• Working from home
• Full medical coverage
• Optional dental and vision packages
• A 401(k) plan with employer match
• Flexible holiday and vacation plans
• Lifestyle spending account
• Opportunity for advancement
• Respectful managers
• Supportive colleagues