Job Description

Development Director

Reports to: Executive Director

Wage & Benefits: $90,000-110,000/year DOE; 75% company supported health insurance plan (medical, dental, vision), 403(b) retirement plan, 19 paid company holidays, additional paid time off, flexible scheduling, $500 annual professional development stipend Term: Full time, exempt Location: Puget Sound Region with capability to be regularly in office, on-farm and present at events in Mount Vernon, WA or Woodinville, WA; hybrid arrangement considered

Viva Farms is a non-profit Farm Business Incubator and Training Program founded in 2009. We empower beginning and limited-resource farmers by providing bilingual training in holistic organic farming practices, as well as access to land, infrastructure, equipment, marketing, and capital.

Viva Farms is committed to maintaining a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for its diverse community of farmers, staff, students, volunteers, and partners. Viva Farms provides equal opportunity for its programs and activities and does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

Position Overview

The Development Director is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive fundraising program to support the mission of Viva Farms. This position will cultivate and steward donor relationships, secure major gifts, oversee corporate and foundation fundraising, lead grant strategy, and collaborate with staff and the Board of Directors to achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals. The Development Director will play a key role in ensuring the sustainability and growth of Viva Farms by expanding and diversifying funding sources.

Supervision

The Development Director works in close collaboration with the Communications Manager and will collaboratively supervise the Development and Communication Assistant.

Essential Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Leadership (30%)

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and events.
• Set annual fundraising goals in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, and monitor progress.
• Provide regular reports on fundraising progress and forecasts to the Executive Director and Board.

Major Gifts and Individual Giving (25%)

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, steward, and maintain trusting relationships with major gift prospects and individual donors.
• Develop and implement strategies for donor engagement and recognition.
• Create and manage donor communications in partnership with communications staff.

Federal, Corporate, and Philanthropic Grant Management (25%)

• Oversee grant, partnership, and sponsorship prospecting, proposal development, budget management, and reporting.
• Maintain relationships with foundation, government, and corporate funders.
• Work with program staff to gather data, stories, and outcomes to support proposals and reports.
• Identify and secure corporate sponsorships and partnerships.

Board and Staff Collaboration (10%)

• Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen their fundraising capacity and engagement.
• Provide training and support to Board members and staff involved in fundraising activities.
• Collaborate with program and operations staff to align fundraising efforts with organizational needs and opportunities.

Events and Community Engagement (10%)

• Lead the planning and execution of fundraising events in collaboration with staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Represent and champion Viva Farms at community events, conferences, and donor gatherings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of Viva Farms and passion for providing high-level fundraising leadership in service to the organization's goals.
• 7–10 years of fundraising experience with a track record of success in securing major gifts, managing donor portfolios, and meeting fundraising goals.
• Experience supervising staff and building effective teams.
• Strong grant writing and grant management experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to build authentic relationships with donors, partners, and colleagues.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action and results.
• Experience with fundraising databases and CRM systems, such as Little Green Lights. Salesforce experience is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Passion for sustainable agriculture, food systems, or community-based economic development is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish would be great; fluency in English required.++

This position will remain open until filled. 

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