Donor Development & Community Engagement Director
Organization Overview
Food + Farm Exploration Center (F+FEC), in partnership with Farming for the Future Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability. Located in Plover, Wisconsin, F+FEC aims to deepen the understanding of modern agriculture, promote agricultural literacy, and foster connections between farmers and consumers. By creating a space for learning and engagement, F+FEC provides an opportunity for people to explore the world of agriculture and better understand the origins of their food.
Position Overview
Food + Farm Exploration Center is seeking a dynamic and driven Donor Development & Community Engagement Director to lead fundraising, donor stewardship, and membership growth. Reporting to the Executive Director, this leadership role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive strategies to build a culture of philanthropy, deepen community relationships, and enhance guest services.
In addition to donor development and community engagement, the Director will oversee the Guest Services department, including admissions, membership, the gift shop, and volunteer coordination. This role ensures that front-of-house operations deliver an exceptional, mission-aligned experience for every visitor while supporting revenue and engagement goals.
The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in donor development and community engagement, paired with strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a passion for agricultural innovation and sustainability. This role will be instrumental in securing the financial and community support necessary to advance F+FEC’s mission and ensure a welcoming experience for all visitors.
Essential Responsibilities
Foster a culture of philanthropy and donor stewardship across the organization.
Oversee all donor-related communications, including appeals, newsletters, publications, website content, and social media, ensuring consistent and compelling messaging.
Provide leadership and oversight of Guest Services operations—including admissions, membership, gift shop, and volunteers—ensuring a welcoming, efficient, and mission-aligned experience for all visitors.
Lead donor relations efforts through active participation in relevant committees and cross-functional work groups.
Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for donor development, membership, and guest services; apply insights to guide strategic improvements.
Supervise and support departmental staff, including the Guest Services Manager and front desk team, with responsibilities for hiring, training, coaching, and professional development.
Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy encompassing annual giving, corporate sponsorships, and special events.
Leverage Customer Relationship Management (CRM) data to inform decision-making, track donor engagement, and enhance fundraising effectiveness.
Design and manage the full donor lifecycle, from identification and cultivation to solicitation, recognition, and ongoing stewardship.
Collaborate with internal teams to align fundraising and engagement strategies with programs, exhibits, membership, events, and facility rentals.
Ensure all donor development activities comply with ethical fundraising standards, donor intent, and data privacy regulations.
Identify and pursue grant and underwriting opportunities in coordination with the leadership team to support operational and programmatic needs.
Act as a thought leader, staying current with industry trends and innovations in donor development and community engagement.
Prepare and present budget recommendations for donor development, membership growth, and community engagement initiatives.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field.
Minimum of five years of progressive experience in fundraising, community engagement, and/or marketing, including at least two years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Proven success in leading community-based and donor-focused strategies, including stewardship, program development, and evaluation.
Strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to interpret data and make informed, results-oriented decisions.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to craft compelling messaging that advances organizational mission and donor engagement.
Effective at building collaborative relationships with staff, partners, and stakeholders across diverse backgrounds.
Highly organized and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Skilled at leading, mentoring, and motivating teams to achieve strategic goals.
Commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability and an understanding of its significance is strongly preferred.
Physical Demands
Able to stand and sit for long periods of time.
Physical requirements include but are not limited to stooping, kneeling, bending, standing, squatting/crouching, crawling/kneeling, pushing/pulling, climbing (ladders), reaching above the shoulders, lifting of up to 25lbs.
Instructions for Applicants
Interested applicants please assemble and email the following pieces of information, combined into one document, to hello@fftf.us by 06/20/2025:
A cover letter describing your qualifications, including your interest in the Food + Farm Exploration Center.
A current resume.
Three professional references with names and relationship (references will not be contacted until candidate has been notified).
Food + Farm Exploration Center Commitments
The annual salary range for this position starts at $70,000.
Paid time off (PTO)
Eight paid holidays
Competitive medical and supplemental benefits are available after 60 days of employment.
A 401K plan is offered following one year of employment.
Complimentary employee membership and discounts.
Offers of employment are contingent upon results of thorough background check, drug screen, and reference checks.
All inquiries about and interactions with candidates are kept in strict confidence.
Food + Farm Exploration Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military.
Food + Farm Exploration Center is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the organization and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives. This commitment is embodied in company policy and the way we do business at Food + Farm Exploration Center and is an important principle of sound business management.
