Working collaboratively within the department team, the Foundation Board of Directors, Farm Bureau and the agriculture industry, the Fundraising Specialist is responsible for fundraising and networking outreach to growing a strong financial future and shared mission success of the Foundation and Farm Bureau for agricultural literacy in Virginia.

The Fundraising Specialist is primarily responsible for:

• Fundraising and financial development to support Agriculture in the Classroom programs and partnerships;

• Developing of new donors and pathways that support the organization financially,

• Written and verbal communication with donor/sponsor contacts and supporting grant organizations, and

• Maintaining and analyzing fundraising database to monitor and stay abreast of funding status and campaigns.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Orchestrate and implement fundraising efforts in collaboration with department team,

• Develop new levels of supporting relationships across Virginia as well as steward existing relationships with a primary focus on new and major donors (proficient at facilitating and securing major funding sources with emphasis on grants, individual and business donors and industry sponsors);

• Elevate public relations/social media presence through social media channels to enhance brand recognition and financial support,

• Effective use of data systems that track fundraising progress and donor/sponsor asks.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Travel within the state for donor meetings and sponsor events;

• Represent foundation through attendance of agriculture industry meetings for the purpose of cultivating and enhancing funder relationships;

• Support educational program activities as related to fundraising and/or program promotion;

• Other duties as assigned by the manager or executive director.

EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE PREFERENCES

• Bachelor’s degree (related experience in sales or non-profit fields);

• 2 years’ experience in fundraising, agricultural industry and/or sales equivalent;

• Volunteer engagement and/or involvement with a non-profit organization.

SKILL QUALIFICATIONS

• A proven track record of performance and outcomes-based fundraising and/or sales efforts with an unwavering commitment to quality fundraising/sales strategies and data-driven results evaluation;

• Strong marketing and public relations experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures, especially those connected to agriculture and education;

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills;

• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, mission-driven, self-directed, innovative, and;

• Committed to agricultural literacy and growth of Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom programs.

At VA Farm Bureau, we provide an exceptional benefits package, including ongoing job development and support in all roles, paid training and continuing education reimbursement, medical and dental insurance available on your first day, generous employee 401K contribution, excellent Paid Time off (PTO) plan and more!

Virginia Farm Bureau Companies provide equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, age, disability, orientation or veteran status.

VAFB supports compliance with COVID-19 protocols.