Director of Philanthropy

Forsyth Farmers’ Market

About Us

Forsyth Farmers’ Market (FFM) is a community-focused non-profit organization dedicated to promoting food justice, health equity, and sustainable development in Savannah, Georgia. The mission of Forsyth Farmers’ Market (FFM) is to promote understanding and participation in a local food system that supports sustainable production and increases access to local products.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Communications and Philanthropy to lead our efforts in effectively communicating our mission, engaging with stakeholders, and securing financial support to drive our initiatives forward. This position will lead FFM’s public relations, social media, branding, and external messaging strategy and implementation, as well as grant writing and grant management efforts. The position requires an engaging and powerful storyteller, a results-oriented strategist, and a meticulous writer with the proven ability to design communications that draw in diverse constituencies and stakeholders to advance our mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Communications Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the organization's mission and values.
• Create and maintain a consistent brand identity, messaging, and storytelling that resonate with our target audience.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, newsletters, and other communication materials.
• Manage the organization's digital presence, including website and social media platforms.
• Cultivate media relationships and opportunities for positive coverage of our initiatives.

Philanthropy and Fundraising

• Lead fundraising efforts by identifying and cultivating prospective donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Develop and maintain strong donor relationships through effective stewardship.
• Plan and execute fundraising campaigns and events.
• Write grant proposals and reports to secure and maintain funding from grants and foundations.

Community Collaborations

• Collaborate with community partners, stakeholders, and donors to strengthen our impact.
• Engage with community members to understand their needs and aspirations.
• Represent the organization at community events and meetings.

Internal Communications

• Compose and share weekly meeting summaries.
• Monitor media coverage, inform Executive Director and staff about key issues.

Team Leadership

• Manage a team of communications and development professionals, interns, and volunteers, providing guidance, support, and mentorship.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that reflects the organization's commitment to equity and diversity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
• Proven experience in nonprofit communications and fundraising, with at least 5 years] of leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of food justice, health equity, and issues related to structural and systemic racism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in digital marketing, social media management, and fundraising software.
• A passion for the organization's mission and a commitment to equity and social justice.
• Demonstrated experience as an effective, mission-driven communications professional with ability to synthesize complex information into impactful stories.
• Deadline oriented and able to work independently, managing multiple tasks, projects, and documents.
• Experience using software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, and Google Sheets.
• Experience using social media applications for business (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) as well as content management systems (Bloomerang, Hootsuite, etc.)
• Exceptional editing and proofreading skills, able to produce tight copy on a deadline.
• Experience working in and/or with many diverse communities.
• May include other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Reporting: The Director of Communications and Fund Development reports directly to the Executive Director.

Compensation: Starts at $50,000/year

Application: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to hr@ffm-sav.org with the subject line "Director of Communications and Philanthropy Application - [Your Name]."

Forsyth Farmers’ Market is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Fundraising: 5 years (Required)
• Communication skills: 3 years (Required)
• Social media marketing: 3 years (Required)
• Grant writing: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Savannah, GA 31404