Gaining Ground
Development and Communications Manager
Gaining Ground, Concord, Massachusetts, us, 01742
ABOUT GAINING GROUNDFarming sustainably for hunger relief in Boston, Lowell, and the MetroWestGaining Ground (Concord, MA) is a nonprofit, no-till organic farm that donates everything we grow to emergency food programs in the region.Each year, about 10,000 people of all ages and backgrounds benefit from the fresh, nutritious, and culturally-preferred food we provide. Our distribution partners include day and overnight shelters, soup kitchens, schools, food pantries, and senior centers.Our grassroots organization thrives on committed, friendly individuals who support our mission with enthusiasm, a positive outlook, and a sense of humor.Our mission is to provide free, fresh produce to people experiencing food insecurity.
We do this with a diverse community of volunteers who work and learn with us on the farm.We envision a world where everyone has equitable access to sustainably-grown food.ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITYThe Development & Communications Manager is responsible for the administrative, systematic, and creative elements of an annual fundraising and communications plan.
This role also serves as the in-house manager for our external freelance writer and graphic designer.The Development & Communications Manager works with the Executive Director and key staff and Board members to raise $1M+ in revenue annually by building a program to attract, retain, and steward the gifts of grant funders and individual donors.Responsibilities include:Drafting compelling communications to individual donors and for broad appealsCreating, producing, and sending 2x/annual print and email appealsGrant writing, reporting, and new prospect researchProcessing all donations to Gaining Ground and issuing prompt receipt/acknowledgment to donorsManaging donor database (Bloomerang), including data entry, reporting, and systems updatesSupporting occasional special eventsWorking with a freelance writer to create and send a monthly email newsletter, an annual print newsletter, and an annual gratitude reportWorking with a freelance graphic designer to create an annual print newsletter, an annual gratitude report, and graphics for 2x/annual poetry and art exhibits on the farmRemaining informed about best practices in philanthropy and strategizing with leadership on opportunities for improving annual fund implementationWillingness to help with tasks outside this job description on an as-needed basisEXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONSDemonstrated interest in Gaining Ground’s mission, food insecurity/food justice, and/or regenerative agriculture5+ years of development/fundraising experienceStrong verbal and written communication skillsExcellent attention to detail and solid project management and organizational skillsProven ability to build relationships, connecting and engaging with donors, Board members, and community membersAbility to handle diverse, simultaneous tasks, prioritize, meet deadlines, and attend to follow-throughKnowledge of development best practices and ability to implement planned campaignsExperience managing donor database systems (familiarity with Bloomerang is a plus) and discretion with confidential informationProficiency with Google Drive for workflow management, email marketing (Constant Contact a plus), Canva, WordPress, and video editing softwareTeam player, self-starter, interested in personal and professional growthA calm, grounded presence, and the ability to manage setbacksA solutions-focused outlook and growth mindsetSelf-motivated and committed to personal and organizational excellenceOpenness to learning and willingness to give and receive feedbackAbility to work occasional evenings and weekendsAdaptable to the changing needs of the organizationWillingness to get a little dirty (we are a farm, after all!)
We do this with a diverse community of volunteers who work and learn with us on the farm.We envision a world where everyone has equitable access to sustainably-grown food.ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITYThe Development & Communications Manager is responsible for the administrative, systematic, and creative elements of an annual fundraising and communications plan.
This role also serves as the in-house manager for our external freelance writer and graphic designer.The Development & Communications Manager works with the Executive Director and key staff and Board members to raise $1M+ in revenue annually by building a program to attract, retain, and steward the gifts of grant funders and individual donors.Responsibilities include:Drafting compelling communications to individual donors and for broad appealsCreating, producing, and sending 2x/annual print and email appealsGrant writing, reporting, and new prospect researchProcessing all donations to Gaining Ground and issuing prompt receipt/acknowledgment to donorsManaging donor database (Bloomerang), including data entry, reporting, and systems updatesSupporting occasional special eventsWorking with a freelance writer to create and send a monthly email newsletter, an annual print newsletter, and an annual gratitude reportWorking with a freelance graphic designer to create an annual print newsletter, an annual gratitude report, and graphics for 2x/annual poetry and art exhibits on the farmRemaining informed about best practices in philanthropy and strategizing with leadership on opportunities for improving annual fund implementationWillingness to help with tasks outside this job description on an as-needed basisEXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONSDemonstrated interest in Gaining Ground’s mission, food insecurity/food justice, and/or regenerative agriculture5+ years of development/fundraising experienceStrong verbal and written communication skillsExcellent attention to detail and solid project management and organizational skillsProven ability to build relationships, connecting and engaging with donors, Board members, and community membersAbility to handle diverse, simultaneous tasks, prioritize, meet deadlines, and attend to follow-throughKnowledge of development best practices and ability to implement planned campaignsExperience managing donor database systems (familiarity with Bloomerang is a plus) and discretion with confidential informationProficiency with Google Drive for workflow management, email marketing (Constant Contact a plus), Canva, WordPress, and video editing softwareTeam player, self-starter, interested in personal and professional growthA calm, grounded presence, and the ability to manage setbacksA solutions-focused outlook and growth mindsetSelf-motivated and committed to personal and organizational excellenceOpenness to learning and willingness to give and receive feedbackAbility to work occasional evenings and weekendsAdaptable to the changing needs of the organizationWillingness to get a little dirty (we are a farm, after all!)