Director of Philanthropy

Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research• US,

2d•$170,000 - $195,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) seeks an entrepreneurial, relationship-driven Director of Philanthropy to lead the organization's philanthropic fundraising efforts by implementing the newly developed Philanthropy Strategy & Implementation Plan to advance FFAR's mission and long-term financial sustainability. Reporting to the Vice President of Partnerships & Development, the Director of Philanthropy will lead fundraising efforts focused on major gifts, family offices, private foundations, corporate philanthropy and other mission-aligned philanthropic investors. The director will be responsible for implementing a developed robust portfolio of philanthropic prospects, securing significant philanthropic commitments and expanding FFAR's base of unrestricted and flexible funding. As FFAR continues to diversify its revenue streams, the director will play a foundational role in building fundraising systems, cultivating strategic donor relationships, supporting executive and board engagement, and positioning FFAR as a premier philanthropic investment opportunity within food and agriculture innovation. This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of food and agriculture by securing philanthropic investment in scientific innovation, workforce development and food system transformation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible fundraising, philanthropy, advancement, development or donor relations experience in agriculture, food, sustainability, etc. is required.
Demonstrated success securing and stewarding major philanthropic commitments, including six- and seven-figure gifts.
Experience managing major donor portfolios and gift pipeline-management processes.
Experience identifying grant opportunities, coordinating proposal development, grant submissions and reporting requirements
Track record of qualifying and soliciting across a range of philanthropic vehicles including private foundations, family offices and corporate giving programs.
Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies and revenue growth initiatives.
Experience supporting executive leaders and boards in fundraising activities.
Knowledge of food systems, sustainability, scientific research or innovation funding landscapes in the agriculture and food space.
Strong understanding of major gifts, fundraising, donor development and philanthropy best practices.
Exceptional relationship-building, networking and interpersonal skills.
Ability to engage confidently with senior executives, philanthropists, foundation leaders and board members.
Excellent written, verbal and presentation communication skills.
Ability to translate complex scientific, technical and programmatic concepts into compelling donor narratives.
Strong strategic thinking, planning and execution capabilities.
Experience using CRM systems, donor databases and fundraising analytics tools.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Degree in business, communications, nonprofit management, public policy, agriculture, food science or systems, sustainability, life sciences or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead implementation of FFAR's philanthropy strategy and annual fundraising plan.
Set annual revenue and pipeline targets and adjust fundraising tactics based on pipeline performance.
Contribute to revenue forecasting, fundraising targets and pipeline planning.
Identify opportunities to diversify philanthropic funding sources and increase unrestricted support.
Monitor fundraising performance and recommend adjustments to strategies, priorities and resource allocation.
Manage and actively advance a portfolio of high-potential philanthropic prospects and donors to meet FFAR’s 2027-2029 fundraising goals.
Grow prospects portfolio of philanthropic investors to secure higher donations past 2029.
Build and implement individualized solicitation plans for each donor.
Secure philanthropic commitments ranging from major gifts to transformational investments.
Manage prospect conversion through all stages of the donor lifecycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and renewal.
Conduct donor meetings, presentations and engagement activities that strengthen relationships and advance fundraising objectives.
Develop and manage relationships with private foundations and institutional funders aligned with FFAR's mission and strategic priorities.
Identify and pursue opportunities for unrestricted, thematic and programmatic funding to meet FFAR’s 2027-2029 fundraising goals.
Coordinate proposal development, grant submissions, reporting requirements and stewardship activities in collaboration with internal teams.
Maintain awareness of philanthropic trends affecting food systems, agriculture and innovation funding.
Build long-term relationships that position FFAR as a preferred funding partner.
Partner with the Executive Director, Vice President of Partnerships & Development and board members to strengthen fundraising effectiveness and meet FFAR’s 2027-2029 fundraising goals.
Coordinate donor engagement activities involving senior leadership and board members.
Develop briefing materials, relationship maps, meeting preparation materials and solicitation strategies.
Support board fundraising engagement and ambassador activities.
Facilitate introductions and relationship-building opportunities that expand FFAR's philanthropic network.
Develop meaningful donor engagement opportunities that deepen relationships and encourage long-term support.
Partner with Communications and Scientific Program Directors to translate complex scientific work into compelling stories to drive philanthropic opportunities.
Support development of donor-facing materials, impact stories, case statements and fundraising communications.
Maintain accurate donor, prospect and engagement information within FFAR's CRM system.
Monitor portfolio health, prospect conversion, fundraising metrics and pipeline performance.
Contribute to the development of fundraising procedures, reporting systems, dashboards and performance measures.
Provide regular updates on fundraising progress, pipeline health metrics and opportunities.