Director I, Donor Relations

Director I, Donor Relations

World Food Prize Foundation

REPORTS TO: President, World Food Prize Foundation

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 6, 2026

APPLY AT: www.worldfoodprize.org/jobs

SALARY: $62,000-$123,000 | Based on Professional Experience

START DATE: Anticipated September 15, 2026

JOB PURPOSE

The Director I, Donor Relations will work closely with the Foundation’s President and Chief Executive Officer to lead and strengthen the organization’s fundraising efforts. This is a high-impact opportunity for a strategic, relationship-driven development professional who will help diversify and grow revenue streams to ensure the Foundation’s long-term sustainability and success. 

Working in partnership with Board Members, the President and the Chief Executive Officer, the Director I, Donor Relations will develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy that cultivates major donors, secures grant funding, builds corporate and foundation partnerships and develops a strong individual giving program. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment and is passionate about advancing global food security and reducing hunger around the world.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Fundraising Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising plan aligned with organizational goals, targeting $4M in annual revenue.
• Major Gifts & Individual Giving: Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major donors ($10K–$500K gifts) and build a pipeline of mid-level and recurring individual donors.
• Grants & Institutional Funding: Research, write and manage foundation, corporate and government grants; maintain strong relationships with current and prospective funders.
• Corporate & Partnership Development: Cultivate sponsorships, cause-marketing partnerships and strategic alliances with food/agriculture companies, philanthropists and mission-aligned organizations.
• Donor Engagement & Events: Plan and execute donor cultivation events, award-related fundraising opportunities, virtual campaigns and stewardship activities (some travel required).
• Database & Systems: Implement and manage a donor CRM (e.g., Little Green Light, Salesforce or similar), ensuring accurate tracking and reporting. 
• Board & CEO President Support: Partner with the CEO, President and Board on fundraising strategy, prepare them for solicitations and provide regular revenue forecasts and reports.
• Communications: Collaborate on compelling case statements, proposals, impact reports, and fundraising materials that highlight our mission and results.
• Compliance & Administration: Ensure all fundraising activities comply with legal and ethical standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification a plus.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive fundraising experience in nonprofits, foundations, or higher education (experience raising $1M–$5M portfolios strongly preferred).
• Proven track record of successfully closing major gifts ($25K ) and managing a full development cycle.
• Prior experience with grant writing and institutional giving.
• Strong existing network or demonstrated ability to quickly build relationships in philanthropic, agricultural, food systems or international development circles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex global issues into compelling donor narratives.
• High emotional intelligence, integrity and a collaborative “roll-up-your-sleeves” style suitable for a small team.
• Passion for the mission of reducing global food insecurity.
• Prior experience working in the food and agriculture sector is desired.
• Experience working with a wide array of stakeholders including funding donors; local, national & international government officials; agency leaders; scientific & industry related experts and dignitaries.
• Excellent organizational, communication, negotiation and multitasking skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure without losing a customer-service oriented attitude.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Office setting, occasional travel.  May be required to lift up to 25 - 50 lbs (generally office supplies or event props). Long periods sitting at a computer screen. May stand for prolonged periods during events. Some bending, stooping may be required. Willing to relocate to Des Moines, IA. This is not a remote position.

OVERVIEW OF THE ORGANIZATION

The World Food Prize Foundation is a dynamic and small foundation seeking to elevate innovation and inspire action to sustainably increase the quality, quantity, and availability of food for all. 

The Foundation annually awards the World Food Prize designed to recognize the accomplishments of individuals who have advanced human development through improving the quality, quantity and availability of food for all. 

Beyond the awarding of the World Food Prize, the Foundation recognizes and rewards other individuals who are making exceptional contributions to addressing food insecurity, convenes global leaders to promote science and innovation as key tools in the fight against hunger, and inspires the next generation to be hunger fighters through the Foundation’s Youth Programs. 

With an annual operating budget of approximately $6 million (of which ~$4 million must be raised each year), we celebrate excellence through awards, knowledge-sharing, partnerships and targeted support for high-impact work in food systems, agriculture, nutrition and related fields.