Director of Development

The FarmHouse Foundation, the educational and fundraising arm of FarmHouse Fraternity, seeks a dynamic, ethical, motivated, donor-centric and goal-driven fundraising professional to serve as its Director of Development. This individual is a vital team member in furthering the Foundation’s mission and purpose.

ABOUT THE FARMHOUSE FOUNDATION

The FarmHouse Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public educational foundation, organized in 1965 as a Trust, to foster high standards of scholarship, character, leadership, and cultural development among undergraduate members of FarmHouse Fraternity, Inc. The Foundation works diligently to cultivate donor passion and support to advance FarmHouse Fraternity’s mission and help members achieve excellence. The funds entrusted to the Foundation are used for educational grants and scholarships, including assistance to students based on financial need and merit, study abroad opportunities, values‐based leadership programs, educational initiatives, as well as loans and grants to improve housing and living/learning environments for members of the Fraternity. The Foundation has $32.1 million in assets, ranking in the top 10 among 54 men’s national fraternity foundations, and raised $4.5 million last fiscal year. The Foundation has four staff members with additional support from the Fraternity staff.

ABOUT FARMHOUSE FRATERNITY

FarmHouse Fraternity, Inc. was founded in 1905 by a group of like-minded young men at the University of Missouri who had a few important things in common: they were studying agriculture and they were looking for community. Today, FarmHouse has chapters on 34 campuses in North America, with 1,700 undergraduates and 30,000 alumni. FarmHouse International Fraternity is a 501(c)(7) social organization and is a member of the North American Interfraternity Conference.

OVERVIEW

This full-time position is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition of current and future donors to advance the Foundation’s mission, vision and funding priorities. This individual will be instrumental in securing philanthropic support for FarmHouse’s educational and leadership programs and scholarships. The ideal candidate is passionate about building relationships and excited by the opportunity to create meaningful donor experiences that fuel the Foundation’s impact.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Foundation’s Executive Director & CEO, this role will:

• Build meaningful, long-term relationships with alumni, parents and friends to present the case for philanthropic support.
• Collaborate with Foundation CEO, staff and Trustees to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors for annual leadership-level, restricted, major and planned gifts.
• Meet fundraising goals aligned with FarmHouse’s educational and leadership priorities through in-person visits, events, robust virtual fundraising and other initiatives.
• Implement donor strategies that increase engagement and involvement.
• Drive membership in the Chairman’s Club, $1,000-plus annual donor giving society, for the FH Excellence Fund.
• Partner with the Director of Annual Giving to shape donor engagement strategies and annual campaign priorities, including FH Month of Giving.
• Support chapter-based alumni relations efforts and fundraising initiatives.
• Assist with and attend Foundation board meetings.
• Represent and support the Foundation at FarmHouse educational conferences, alumni events and interfraternal programs.
• Embrace the importance of data integrity and ensure accurate donor records in coordination with the Foundation team.
• Recognize the importance of stewardship and collaborate with the team to ensure it is timely and personalized.
• Uphold the Foundation’s values of integrity, responsible stewardship and donor care.
• Support a collaborative and mission-aligned team environment and contribute to the broader goals of the FarmHouse International team.

DESIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Proven fundraising experience in donor cultivation and solicitation, with a strong preference for candidates possessing more than five years of major gift experience.
• Background in marketing, sales, public relations, communications, higher education and/or volunteer management is beneficial.
• Membership in FarmHouse Fraternity preferred; membership in another fraternity or sorority is desirable, but not required.
• Relocation is desirable, but not required. The option to work remotely will be considered based on the candidate’s current location and ability to work remotely.
• Ability to travel approximately 40% of the time, including nights and weekends.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; detail-oriented and self-motivated.
• Proficient in Microsoft and donor databases (e.g., Blackbaud, Salesforce or similar).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

WORKPLACE LOCATION

FarmHouse Foundation employees are primarily based at the headquarters office in Kansas City, MO. This role may be based in Kansas City or performed remotely, with occasional travel to the headquarters required for remote staff.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary range of $75,000 to $95,000, commensurate with experience.
• Annual performance bonus opportunity.
• Health insurance (90% employer-paid premium) and $1,500 annual health savings reimbursement.
• Employer SEP-IRA retirement contribution up to eight percent (8%).
• PTO of 24 days annually and 11 observed holidays.
• Mileage and travel reimbursement; employees keep reward points.
• Positive and flexible work culture with professional development support.
• Professional development allocation available

DESIRED START DATE

A start date on or after October 15, 2025, is preferred.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The FarmHouse Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, nationality, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability or age.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To be considered for this opportunity, applications should include:

• Cover letter detailing interest, relevant experience and salary expectations (300-400 word limit);
• A resume highlighting relevant achievements and leadership.
• Contact information for up to three references.

The above application materials must be submitted electronically via https://www.lumenleadershipstrategies.com/farmhousefoundationdevelopment. The priority deadline for applications is September 15, 2025. However, review of materials will continue until the position is filled.

Review of applicant materials will begin upon receipt. There will be three phases to the applicant process: an initial application screening, secondary virtual interview(s), and a final in-person interview. Final candidates must complete a background check and should be prepared to interview in person in mid to late September. Travel expenses will be covered and/or reimbursed by the FarmHouse Foundation.

All inquiries and applications will be received and evaluated in full confidence.