The Cornucopia Institute is seeking candidates for its Development and Communications Director position.  Applicants for this position should possess fundraising and member stewardship expertise and an ability to oversee the organization’s communications efforts. A heartfelt passion for protecting the environment, the good food movement, human health, humane livestock husbandry, and social/economic justice for family farmers is essential.

Formed in 2004, The Cornucopia Institute has become one of the most aggressive organic and sustainable food and farming watchdogs.  We seek to defend the integrity of the organic food label from governmental regulatory indifference as well as from agribusinesses cutting corners so as to profiteer from unethical food and agricultural practices.

Core Values of The Cornucopia Institute

• Integrity is the root of the organic community and is essential to the work we provide to our constituency. The Cornucopia Institute aims for full transparency in its efforts.
• The Cornucopia Institute continues to be a watchdog within the organic industry, working to protect the character of the organic standards while auditing the integrity of products bearing the organic seal.
• The Cornucopia Institute researches issues and promotes findings, based in science, that are fundamental to maintaining the integrity of organic production, processing, labeling, and marketing.
• The Cornucopia Institute will be a vocal, visible catalyst for interaction between consumers and producers within the good food movement.
• The Cornucopia Institute works to identify and capitalize on opportunities to partner with likeminded organizations and individuals. We are a collaborative and unifying force within the authentic organic industry.
• The Cornucopia Institute is committed to treating others, including its dedicated champions, volunteers, and staff, with the utmost respect.

Primary responsibilities for this position:

Development

• Develop and execute the organization’s fundraising plan
• Establish fundraising goals and create a development calendar
• Retain existing major donors and recruit new ones
• Design and implement fundraising campaigns using email, direct-mail, social media, events, and other channels as they arise
• Integrate existing social media platforms into the fundraising program and introduce novel platforms to enhance outreach and attract new members
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities and serve as lead grant writer
• Track reporting requirements for grants and ensure they are met in a timely fashion

Communications

• Oversee the organization’s messaging both online and in print communications
• Publish The Cultivator, Cornucopia’s newsletter (4 or 5 issues per year), and coordinate biweekly e-newsletters
• Design correspondence with the membership (solicitations, stewardship, and other communications)
• Manage media outreach, write press releases, and build media relationships
• Work with social media coordinator to develop engaging social media content

Management and Leadership

• Steward the brand and reputation of the organization
• Oversee the membership staff and any future development or communications positions
• Work closely with contractors who handle social media and graphic design
• Collaborate with board members to identify donors

Qualifications and required skills and abilities:

• You hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college and have at least 7 years of development and/or communications experience in the non-profit sector
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• You are a self-starter who is able to work autonomously and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• You have an understanding of the full range of development office activities
• You are excellent at building relationships and have excellent interpersonal communications skills
• You are proficient in social media and CRM software (particularly eTapestry, Salesforce, and Raiser’s Edge), and have some knowledge of Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
• You are conversant on current issues affecting the good food movement

The Development and Communications Director is expected to provide his or her own worksite.  Because of this, employment with Cornucopia is possible anywhere in the U.S.

The Cornucopia Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

How to apply:

If you have an interest in exploring the opportunity to merge your background and skills with the chance to affect real change, please forward a letter of inquiry, including salary history/expectations, and resume to [log in to unmask]. No calls please.

The Cornucopia Institute is engaged in educational activities supporting the ecological principles and economic wisdom underlying sustainable and organic agriculture.  Through research and investigations on agricultural and food issues, The Cornucopia Institute provides needed information to family farmers, consumers, stakeholders involved in the good food movement, and the media.