Title:                           Development Manager

Reports to:                 Vice-President of Development

Location:                    Kansas City, MO or Remote

Classification:           Exempt

Summary and Objective

As the Development Manager, you will play a crucial role in supporting AFA by serving as a key steward for both current and prospective partners. You will be an essential member of the development team, working to meet annual revenue goals through the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of corporate partners. Your efforts will create meaningful impacts on the lives of partners, students, alumni, and friends. You will exercise discretion and independent judgment in coordinating and maintaining relationships with AFA partners, facilitating effective communication and participation between external partners and internal teams.

Essential Functions

• Identify, solicit, and steward industry partnerships
• Coordinate communication with industry partners to ensure clarity and provide excellent customer experience
• Research and oversee project plans for potential and existing partners and donors, including preparing proposals and reports to attract, confirm, and renew partnerships
• Collaborate with the internal team to engage partners in meaningful program opportunities that align with our goals.
• Oversee logistics and tracking of program/partner events (i.e. Leaders Conference) including kick-off calls, preliminary and final itineraries in coordination with program lead, development coordinator and sound data management strategies
• Support the design and execution of industry-focused programs through strong project management
• Tracking and reporting of partner communication in a timely and accurate manner
• Coordinate with financial and data teams for effective tracking and reporting of donations and financial contributions
• Update and maintain accurate data related to partner organizations and individuals
• Support other development/program efforts as needed.
• Demonstrate moves management best practices and work closely with Development Coordinator

Competencies

• Ability to build and maintain relationships
• Attentive to the needs of partners, donors and volunteers
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with a broad demographic of ages, professions, and educational levels
• Demonstrated professionalism, strong work ethic and self-starter
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to energize, inform, and engage stakeholders
• Ability to work under pressure through the management of a variety of tasks with deadlines and direction from various team members
• Demonstrated ability to learn and optimize data systems
• Strong project management
• Dedication to the mission and vision of our organization

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of college-level course work and training in non-profit, business development, sales, or fundraising
• 2-5 years' experience in fundraising, business development, customer relations or similar experience
• Working knowledge of food and agriculture issues, careers and stakeholders
• Experience in and/or understanding of non-profit organizations
• Competence in Microsoft Office software suites
• Willing to obtain and maintain a valid CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification while in this position

Preferred Education and Experience

• Advanced degree and/or CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive)
• Strong analytical skills necessary for organizing files and materials, managing correspondence, etc.
• Background, experience or interest in the agriculture industry, youth programs and/or career development
• Experience with customer relationship management software (e.g. Salesforce or similar).

Work Environment

This job operates primarily in a professional office environment. Remote employees may work primarily from home office.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, and subject to request reasonable accommodations, you will be required to constantly operate a computer and other office machinery as needed. You are expected to remain in a stationary position most of the day and to exchange information with internal and external constituents regularly. Occasionally, the employee may need to move or position equipment or supplies weighing 5-10 pounds. 

Because travel is frequent and this role represents our organization at other conferences, the ability to transport personal belongings and organizational promotional materials for travel, with reasonable accommodation, is necessary.

Position Type/Regular Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and regular hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. This position will be expected to work some evenings and weekends as needed.

Travel

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although out-of-area and overnight travel is expected to AFA events throughout the year and on weekends.  Travel is approximately 15-20%.
 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Agriculture Future of America (AFA) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, AFA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. 

AFA expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, and interference with the ability of AFA's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge. 

Visit our website to view our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)