Director of Philanthropy

Company Description

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) is a nonprofit organization that builds public-private partnerships to fund audacious research addressing the biggest challenges in food and agriculture. FFAR is committed to providing every person access to affordable, nutritious food grown on thriving farms. The Foundation pioneers scientific and technological innovation by funding research that fills critical research gaps. Ultimately, FFAR's partnership and results benefit farmers, consumers and the environment.

Position Summary

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Philanthropy Strategy & Revenue Growth (20%): 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.
• Donor Development & Major Gifts (35%): 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.
• Foundation & Institutional Giving (20%): 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.
• Executive & Board Engagement (10%): 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.
• Donor Stewardship & Philanthropic Communications (10%): 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.
• Fundraising Operations & Portfolio Management (5%): 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.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred in business, communications, nonprofit management, public policy, agriculture, food science or systems, sustainability, life sciences or a related field.
• Experience: 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 & Skills: 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.

Pay

$170,000.00 to $195,000.00 annually

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance
• 100% company paid dental and vision insurance for employee and family
• 100% life and disability insurance
• 6% 401k match – fully vested after first contribution
• Employee assistance program
• Robust vacation, sick and holiday leave
• On-site gym with free access for employees
• Training and professional development opportunities

Additional Information

This position requires longs period of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Occasional travel may be required. Additionally, this position will work closely with the Vice President of Partnerships & Development and may be asked to come into the FFAR office located in downtown Washington, D.C. to attend key meetings and events. Work outside of normal business hours may be required.