Director I, Donor Relations
- Organization
- World Food Prize Foundation
- Location
- Des Moines, IA
- Job Type
- Full-time
- Where to Apply
- https://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/about_the_foundation/careers/?action=dspdetail&JobID=10235
- Tags
- Full-time
Description
The Director I, Donor Relations will work closely with the Foundation’s President and Chief Executive Officer to lead and strengthen the organization’s fundraising efforts. This is a high-impact opportunity for a strategic, relationship-driven development professional who will help diversify and grow revenue streams to ensure the Foundation’s long-term sustainability and success.
Working in partnership with Board Members, the President and the Chief Executive Officer, the Director I, Donor Relations will develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy that cultivates major donors, secures grant funding, builds corporate and foundation partnerships and develops a strong individual giving program. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment and is passionate about advancing global food security and reducing hunger around the world.
Requirements
- Strategic Fundraising Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising plan aligned with organizational goals, targeting $4M+ in annual revenue.
- Major Gifts & Individual Giving: Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major donors ($10K–$500K+ gifts) and build a pipeline of mid-level and recurring individual donors.
- Grants & Institutional Funding: Research, write and manage foundation, corporate and government grants; maintain strong relationships with current and prospective funders.
- Corporate & Partnership Development: Cultivate sponsorships, cause-marketing partnerships and strategic alliances with food/agriculture companies, philanthropists and mission-aligned organizations.
- Donor Engagement & Events: Plan and execute donor cultivation events, award-related fundraising opportunities, virtual campaigns and stewardship activities (some travel required).
- Database & Systems: Implement and manage a donor CRM (e.g., Little Green Light, Salesforce or similar), ensuring accurate tracking and reporting.
- Board & CEO President Support: Partner with the CEO, President and Board on fundraising strategy, prepare them for solicitations and provide regular revenue forecasts and reports.
- Communications: Collaborate on compelling case statements, proposals, impact reports, and fundraising materials that highlight our mission and results.
- Compliance & Administration: Ensure all fundraising activities comply with legal and ethical standards.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification a plus.
- Minimum 7 years of progressive fundraising experience in nonprofits, foundations, or higher education (experience raising $1M–$5M+ portfolios strongly preferred).
- Proven track record of successfully closing major gifts ($25K+) and managing a full development cycle.
- Prior experience with grant writing and institutional giving.
- Strong existing network or demonstrated ability to quickly build relationships in philanthropic, agricultural, food systems or international development circles.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex global issues into compelling donor narratives.
- High emotional intelligence, integrity and a collaborative “roll-up-your-sleeves” style suitable for a small team.
- Passion for the mission of reducing global food insecurity.
- Prior experience working in the food and agriculture sector is desired.
- Experience working with a wide array of stakeholders including funding donors; local, national & international government officials; agency leaders; scientific & industry related experts and dignitaries.
- Excellent organizational, communication, negotiation and multitasking skills.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure without losing a customer-service oriented attitude.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Office setting, occasional travel. May be required to lift up to 25 – 50 lbs (generally office supplies or event props). Long periods sitting at a computer screen. May stand for prolonged periods during events. Some bending, stooping may be required. Willing to relocate to Des Moines, IA. This is not a remote position.
