Vice President of Development

Summary

Join the Good Food Institute (GFI) as the Vice President of Development and drive GFI’s global strategy to secure lasting philanthropic support for food system transformation. You will develop and oversee a multifaceted development program, managing a team across three sub-teams: philanthropy, donor services, and institutional giving. This role involves setting department strategy, vision, and culture, while partnering with senior leadership to cultivate and steward transformational gifts. You will also oversee a collaborative operating model for global affiliate fundraising and foster an inclusive team culture. The position requires significant experience in development leadership, major gift securing, team management, and philanthropic strategy. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader with strong communication and coaching skills, committed to GFI’s mission and values.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of previous development leadership experience, including at least five years in a top fundraising position, with a successful track record in securing major gifts, managing a team, and setting philanthropic strategy
• Demonstrated success in overseeing and advancing a multifaceted development program, with a proven ability to work independently and effectively under the pressure of constant deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of donors and stakeholders, inspiring new supporters to invest in our mission and deepening engagement with existing funders
• Experience leading and motivating a team, preferably in a remote-work environment, with a strong preference for experience collaborating with fundraising colleagues based in multiple countries toward shared global goals
• A leadership style marked by a focus on resilience, optimism grounded in reality, and strong written and verbal communication that inspires without overlooking complexity
• A coaching-oriented management approach that empowers teams and offers guidance and clarity
• A commitment to fostering a work environment that is respectful, supportive, fair, and welcoming to all
• Strong support for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in plant-based & other alternative 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

• Developing the strategic plan and key initiatives for building and maintaining a growing, diversified, and sustainable development program to power a $40-50+ million annual global network
• Overseeing the Development team across three sub teams: philanthropy (major and principal gifts), donor services (including annual fund and mid-tier giving), and institutional giving (grant-making foundations). This includes setting priorities for the expansion of planned giving and other capabilities critical to supporting GFI’s growth
• Setting department strategy, vision, and culture; directly managing the Senior Global Director of Development, Director of U.S. Philanthropy, Senior Executive Assistant (Development), Associate Vice President of Development, and Senior Director of Foundation Relations; fostering mentorship and professional development opportunities within the department; and, ensuring excellent execution of signature deliverables such as the Year in Review, donor reports, and proposals
• Partnering with the Founder and President, CEO, and global affiliate leaders to cultivate and steward transformational gifts. Navigating and leading on high-stakes donor relationships and feedback with discretion, providing strategic guidance to GFI’s senior leadership on how to respond to shifting donor priorities
• Overseeing implementation of a collaborative operating model for global affiliate fundraising that fosters trust-based engagement with development counterparts at GFI’s affiliates, providing thought partnership and support on regional fundraising efforts that align with GFI’s global development framework
• Fostering an inclusive and people-centered culture, ensuring team members feel empowered, heard, and supported
• Being an engaged and active member of the GFI U.S. Leadership Team and the Global Leadership Team, contributing to organizational planning, cross-functional collaboration, and culture building
• Performing other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Working from home
• Paid employee base medical coverage
• Dental, vision, and other medical insurance options
• A 401(k) plan with employer match
• 14 paid holidays
• Personal, sick, and vacation time
• Paid family/parental and medical leave
• Lifestyle spending account
• Opportunity for advancement
• Respectful and collaborative culture