Join Our Team

We have been working to inspire and equip people to eat food that nourishes themselves and the planet since 1993. We are BC’s oldest and largest food and agriculture charitable non-profit organization.

Our programs go from seed to plate—engaging a network of farmers, seed growers, researchers, food system advocates, policymakers, community partners, chefs, and eaters. Together, we are creating food systems in BC that are strong, sustainable, and resilient. Our programs celebrate local food and connect people with the farmers who grow it. We support BC farmers to use local seed and to grow food in ways that mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity.

We provide a flexible working environment, supportive team engagement opportunities, great benefits, and the chance to make a difference.

JOB STATUS: Employee, full-time – salary
WAGE BAND: Manager – $55,000 – $70,000/year (commensurate with experience)
SCHEDULE: 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday, with occasional travel, weekend and evening work required

BENEFITS: See below
START DATE: As soon as possible
WORK LOCATION: Remote (from anywhere within British Columbia, preferably the Lower Mainland area)

THE ROLE:

The Development Manager is responsible for fundraising, development and related engagement for FarmFolk CityFolk (FFCF). Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Manager builds relationships with funders, donors, partners, & volunteers and successfully develops and executes fundraising and development strategies and initiatives to provide sustainable, enhanced and diversified revenue streams in support of FFCF’s programs and mission.

Reports To: Executive Director
Works With: Leadership Team and Fundraising Committee

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Development Manager is responsible for leading the strategic development and management of FFCF’s fundraising efforts.

Strategy:

  • Collaborate with the Leadership Team and the Fundraising Committee to develop, manage and track fundraising and development strategies
  • Collaborate with the Leadership Team and the Fundraising Committee to develop, execute, monitor and report on annual fundraising plans and budgets for the organization from individual donors, foundations, corporations and government
  • Set, monitor and achieve annual revenue targets

Fundraising:

  • Responsible for all revenue development activities and initiatives including:
    • Individual and corporate gifts including donor acquisition, retention and stewardship
    • Develop, implement and expand stewardship, tribute and legacy programs for the organization
    • Grant program including writing, submitting and tracking proposals to secure funding and leading preparation and submission of required funder reports
    • Campaigns – online, email and direct mail; including 50/50s, raffles, year-end and peer to peer
    • Fundraising events and activities; including related supports for the annual Feast of Fields events and other applicable events & activities
    • Sponsorship; including program, activity and event sponsorships
    • Third-party fundraising; including crowd funding and third-party events
  • Cultivate strong relationships with current and prospective partners, donors, funders and volunteers to contribute to fundraising and related engagement goals, ensuring personalized engagement, communications and tailored solicitation strategies
  • Research, identify, prioritize, cultivate and secure funding and revenue opportunities, including grants, government contracts, sponsorships, collaborative partnerships and diversified membership categories & related benefits
  • Prepare customized, targeted and compelling grant proposals, funding appeals, and donor stewardship materials & communications to effectively communicate our mission and impact
  • Implement and manage robust fundraising systems, including CRM (Keela) as well as donor/funder stewardship activities and communications
  • Develop and implement strategies to retain and grow FFCF’s base of monthly supporters through acquisition, conversion and stewardship
  • Collaborate with team members on the development of donor communications materials, including the annual report, sponsorship decks, direct mail and email solicitations
  • Collaborate with team members on the development and implementation of strategies to build and measure supporter and donor engagement through FFCF’s platforms
  • Prepare and present fundraising research, analysis and reports on specific areas of the fundraising and development strategy and/or annual plans
  • Prepare and provide regular development reports to the Executive Director, Fundraising committee and Board
  • Supervise development-related contractors, interns and volunteers as applicable
  • Provide guidance and support to the Fundraising committee in all fundraising activities and initiatives, assisting the committee to build/enhance fundraising skills when required
  • Be a visible and enthusiastic advocate for FFCF in the community and support the organization by attending events, making presentations and networking with targeted audiences to inform them about FFCF and opportunities to support our work

Data Integrity and Financial Management:

  • Ensure all resource development activities and donor records management uphold high standards of accuracy and adhere to applicable privacy legislation, ethical requirements and FFCF policies in the administration, processing and management of related funds
  • Manage and collaborate with team members on the on-going maintenance of the CRM system (Keela) including donation processing, data entry, credit card updates, tax receipting for charitable donations and donor data security
  • Develop and implement fundraising-related policies and procedures including donation processing, data entry, email list integrity and segmentation, etc.
  • Analyze development-related data and report out on trends and opportunities
  • Other duties as assigned and necessary to fulfill the requirements of the role

General:

  • Maintain organized, transparent and comprehensive files and written procedures for all aspects of the role and program areas.
  • Develop and implement decolonization and EDI protocols across areas of responsibility
  • Reinforce and model and culture of equity, diversity and inclusion in all work-related activities, interactions and communications.
  • Be a visible and enthusiastic advocate for FFCF in the community and support the organization by attending events & outreach activities, representing FFCF in a professional manner, making presentations and networking with targeted audiences to inform them about FFCF and opportunities to support our work.
  • Assist FFCF with special projects and other related activities and initiatives, as required.
  • Other related duties as assigned and required to fulfill the role.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A passion for sustainable food systems and a commitment to FFCF’s vision, mission and values;
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field with minimum three years of experience in a similar development role or an equivalent combination of education and experience; CFRE designation is an asset;
  • Demonstrated experience in the full spectrum of development including fundraising plan and budget development & implementation, research, targeted solicitations, donor stewardship & recognition, appeal campaigns, grant writing, events, sponsorship, administration and policy development;
  • Proven track record of successfully securing multiple gifts, grants, donations and sponsorships through a range of fundraising revenue streams including monthly giving, digital appeals, major donors, collaborative partnerships and multi-channel fundraising campaigns;
  • Strong interpersonal, social and communication skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse partners, foster teamwork and collaborations and deliver compelling presentations;
  • Exceptional writing skills, including grant writing, donor appeals and reports, with the ability to develop action-oriented and inspiring cases for support;
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute long-term fundraising plans
  • Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to adapt to change, manage multiple, competing priorities and meet tight deadlines;
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to monitor and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of various fundraising strategies and initiatives and use data to inform decision-making;
  • A self-starter with a proactive, solutions-based approach who takes initiative, works independently and delivers high level performance in a remote work setting;
  • Excellent IT proficiency including Google Workspace, Adobe Suite, Quickbooks and CRMs (Keela preferred);
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion & good judgment and respect the confidentiality of sensitive information and materials;
  • Curiosity and creativity to investigate and test new fundraising strategies, including challenging traditional power dynamics;
  • Understanding of CRA guidelines for charities and AFP’s code of ethics;
  • Understanding of Canada’s Anti Spam Law and BC’s Personal Information and Protection Act an asset;
  • Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence;
  • Experience and proficiency working with remote/virtual teams;
  • Must have a valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle and be available for occasional travel;
  • Must be eligible to work in Canada with the ability to obtain a police background/criminal record
    check, if required

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH FARMFOLK CITYFOLK:

  • Remote work-from-home environment with a monthly WFH allowance
  • Flexible work schedule beyond core organizational commitments
  • Potential for growth and salary progression
  • Vacation entitlement starting at 15 days (3 weeks) for full time employees
  • One week paid December office closure
  • Five paid personal (flex) days annually for physical/mental well-being, caregiving, etc., in addition to five legislated paid sick days
  • Ten statutory plus two additional paid days off every year
  • Paid community volunteerism opportunities
  • Comprehensive health benefits that include an extended health and dental plan for all staff, spouses/partners and dependents
  • Free and confidential employee and family assistance program (EFAP) with a wide range of services available
  • Annual paid professional development opportunities for each staff member
  • Team-wide paid professional development and training opportunities
  • A workplace where your experience and voice are valued
  • A staff team of diverse backgrounds and experiences that is committed and passionate about sustainable food systems, agricultural-related climate action and working to embed decolonization and EDI practices in all aspects of our work

ABOUT FARMFOLK CITYFOLK:

FarmFolk CityFolk is BC’s oldest and largest food and agriculture charitable non-profit organization. We have been working to inspire and equip people to eat food that nourishes themselves and the planet since 1993. Our programs go from seed to plate, celebrating local food and connecting people with the farmers who grow it. We connect, collaborate and engage with farmers, seed growers, researchers, food system advocates, policymakers, community partners, chefs, and eaters. Together, we are creating food systems in BC that are strong, sustainable, equitable and resilient.

As a primarily settler-led organization working within the food movement, we are committed to recognizing our responsibility to challenge and address harmful patterns in our work and create a more diverse and equitable organization. We also recognize that our mission will only be fully realized when equity, diversity and inclusion are experienced by equity-deserving voices.

Our staff and board commit to doing the necessary work to ensure FarmFolk CityFolk is an organization that not only strives for sustainable food systems in BC, but also makes equity, diversity, and inclusion inextricable parts of that mission. As such, we are actively seeking ways to use our networks, relationships, and resources to amplify the work of Indigenous and other equity-deserving food leaders and seed sovereignty advocates that have been historically marginalized in our colonial food system.

We strive to learn from and be proactive allies for all farm folks and city folks, including Indigenous, Black, Persons of Colour, LGBTQIA2S+, persons with disabilities, and people who hold otherwise traditionally marginalized identities. As an organization, we must reflect the diversity of the sector we serve and our collective constituents throughout BC. We are committed to ensuring that our mission is one that is inclusive of all communities and people. We have a lot to learn and a long way to go – and we look forward to the Development Manager joining us on this ongoing journey and bringing their unique perspectives to our team.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please email your application to: recruitment@farmfolkcityfolk.ca

Please use the subject line ‘Development Manager’ and send one PDF file containing both your cover letter and resume, using the file name ‘Development Manager – First Name Last Name’

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis and the position will remain open until filled, therefore early submission is highly encouraged. The position is available immediately.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.

Please note: Shortlisted applicants may be asked to provide a professional writing sample of a direct mail appeal, grant application or a fundraising campaign they’ve developed in the past. We don’t expect or require shortlisted applicants to produce a new piece for this purpose.

FFCF is strongly committed to equity, diversity, anti-racism and to being a welcoming and inclusive workplace. Like many organizations, we have recognized and are learning the ways we have benefited from and perpetuated colonialism in our sector and our organization. We are committed to and are continuing our journey of learning and unlearning, transforming into a more just, equitable and inclusive organization and bringing that lens to all of our work.

We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, members of racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities to advance the mission of FFCF.

FFCF strives to ensure that our candidate application system and recruitment process is accessible to everyone and accommodations are available upon request. We can also provide ways for candidates to apply other than email, such as video submissions, as applicable. Please let us know if there are other accommodations that would support your application. If at any time during the application and/or recruitment process you require an accommodation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at recruitment@farmfolkcityfolk.ca

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