Director of Strategic Engagement

Who We Are: Big Table is a fast-growing Christian non-profit that provides care for the largest industry in the nation - those working in the restaurant and hospitality industry. It is a vibrant industry full of gifted, creative, and generous people. It is also an incredibly tough industry that is the catch basin for the most marginalized in the country: at-risk teens, single parents, minorities, new immigrants, income‑insecure seniors, and those formerly incarcerated working to build new lives. Many work inconsistent hours at multiple jobs that push relationships past the breaking point. The stress levels are constantly high and most have no safety net, insurance, or benefits. It is the industry with the highest rates of drug and alcohol abuse in the country. Our Mission: Guided by the remarkable example of Jesus, Big Table exists to see the lives of those working in the restaurant and hospitality industry transformed by creating community and caring for those who are in crisis, transition, or falling through the cracks. Big Table is joyfully committed to care for all who work in the restaurant and hospitality industry without any strings attached. We do so specifically because of our faith that God created each person for eternity, and each person we engage with is of infinite value. We share our Christian faith and model Christ’s love as we care and build trust. We don’t lead with this on our website or print materials because the perception of Christian faith in the restaurant and hospitality industry is uniquely negative and would keep us from engaging the very people we are called to serve. What We Are Looking For: Big Table is seeking a highly skilled Director of Strategic Engagement to join a fast-paced, high-performance Headquarters Office team. Who You Are: Christian faith is core to your identity, marked by deep grace and a desire to care for everyone regardless of their own interest in faith. You are a relationship hunter at heart. There's something that stirs in you when a new strategic connection is made, and pure magic happens when someone catches the vision and decides to join the mission. You don't wait to be pointed in the right direction — you're already moving. Behind the enthusiasm lives a remarkably organized human. You juggle multiple projects with ease, follow through with excellence, and somehow make the administrative side of things look effortless. Whether you're crafting an email, having a one‑on‑one conversation, or commanding a stage, your communication is warm, articulate, and leaves people feeling inspired. You lead with integrity, invite honest feedback, and carry a joy that has a tendency to spread to everyone around you. Fast‑paced, ever‑changing environments don't rattle you — they fuel you. *Big Table is permitted to give employment preference to those who share our Christian faith under the Religious Exemption clause of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For more information, please refer to the EEOC Compliance Manual, Section 2-III, B4bi. Position Summary Big Table is a nonprofit serving the hospitality industry across four states and four cities. The Director of Strategic Engagement is a frontline fundraiser and business development leader responsible for driving significant new funding for the organization. This role is primarily a hunter — identifying, pursuing, and closing new corporate, foundation, and major donor partnerships nationally — while also stewarding and deepening key existing relationships. The Director will be expected to generate new and renewed funding annually, build a national funding pipeline, and work closely with City Directors, Impact Boards, and the Executive Director to align development strategy across all current and new locations. Primary Focus: New Giving Partner Development Identify and cold‑approach national companies, foundations, and high‑capacity individuals with no prior relationship with Big Table Build and manage a national prospect pipeline — from first contact through close Develop and pitch compelling funding proposals to corporate partners, including QSR chains, restaurant groups, hotel companies, food distributors, alcohol/beverage brands, and resorts Pursue and close major gifts and multi‑year corporate sponsorships Identify and cultivate benefit events, cause‑marketing opportunities, and brand partnerships aligned with the hospitality industry Represent Big Table at national conferences, trade shows, and industry conventions as a go‑to expert on hospitality workforce challenges Research and pursue national nonprofits open to collaboration as Big Table expands to new cities Stewardship & Relationship Cultivation Once relationships are opened, the Director ensures they deepen and endure: Cultivate major donor relationships, providing personalized touchpoints and engagement opportunities Implement and monitor the Giving Partner Strategy (GPS) at the HQ level; support city teams in local GPS execution Manage planned giving and bequests development, including donor recognition events Work with City Directors and local Impact Boards to support location‑specific development efforts Grants & Foundation Relations Steward existing foundation partners and ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements Manage a master grants calendar including deadlines, letters of intent, applications, and reporting Identify and pursue new foundation funders aligned with hospitality workforce, crisis care, or community resilience Write and submit compelling grant proposals; ensure all compliance and reporting obligations are met Development Systems & Operations Maintain and update national development funding tracker: corporate sponsorships, monthly partners, grants, and event income Ensure corporate partner commitments are fulfilled organization-wide Maintain accurate contact reports and activity documentation in donor management software Provide fundraising training and coaching to city‑level staff Collaborate with the Marketing Director on national media and public relations efforts What Success Looks Like $350,000 - $500,000 or more in new and renewed funding closed annually A growing national prospect pipeline with documented activity at each stage New corporate and foundation partners added each year Strong working relationships with City Directors and local boards All grant deadlines and reporting requirements met on time Qualifications Genuine passion for Big Table's mission and the hospitality industry Proven track record of closing new gifts, sponsorships, or partnerships — not just maintaining them Comfort with cold outreach, rejection, and building relationships from scratch Strong presentation and pitching skills; ability to make a compelling case to executives, foundations, and major donors Experience with grant writing and foundation relations Highly self‑directed — able to set priorities, manage a pipeline, and drive results with minimal supervision Exceptional written and verbal communication skills Experience with donor management software and development reporting Willingness and ability to travel nationally on a regular basis, including evenings and weekends Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Preferred Background 5+ years in nonprofit fundraising, business development, or sales — with a demonstrable record of closing new business Experience working in or with the hospitality, food service, or restaurant industry Familiarity with multi‑site nonprofit operations Bachelor’s degree required - business, hospitality business, marketing, sales, or nonprofit leadership focus preferred HOW TO APPLY Submit the following REQUIRED documents to View email address on click.appcast.io: A current resume A letter describing why you would be successful in this position that highlights relevant experience A brief statement of faith DATE CLOSING: Until Filled JOB TYPE: Hybrid (combination of on‑site and remote work), connected to our Big Table’s HQ Team. Officing in a current Big Table city. SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday | Willingness and ability to travel nationally on a regular basis, including evenings and weekends. SALARY: $87,000 - $92,000 annual salary DOE BENEFITS: Paid time off Health insurance Parental leave Retirement plan (Simple IRA) #J-18808-Ljbffr