Development Director

Development Director Job Type: Full-time, In-person Are you energized by building relationships, sharing compelling stories, and helping people see how their generosity can strengthen our community? BREADA is seeking a Development Director to lead our fundraising and donor engagement efforts as we approach our 30th anniversary. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of an established organization with a demonstrated history of supporting farmers, increasing food access, and building community. About Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance (BREADA) Founded in 1996, BREADA works to build a healthy, strong, and resilient local food system through farmers markets, education, nutrition incentive programs, policy advocacy, and direct support for local producers. BREADA currently operates four Red Stick Farmers Market locations, Main Street Market, and a range of programs supporting local food access and producers. The Opportunity Reporting to the Executive Director, you will create and execute BREADA’s overall fundraising strategy, building the relationships and resources needed to sustain and grow our impact. You will work closely with the Executive Director, Board, Development & Communications Coordinator, and Grant Writer across individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, sponsorships, donor stewardship, annual campaigns, and special events. A key priority will be leading a multi-year fundraising initiative tied to BREADA’s 30th anniversary, celebrating our history while investing in our future. What You’ll Do Fundraising Strategy Create, manage, and execute an annual and multi-year fundraising plan aligned with BREADA’s mission, strategic priorities, and financial goals. Establish fundraising goals and measures of success; track progress and regularly report results to the Executive Director and Board. Develop and maintain a comprehensive fundraising calendar encompassing individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, grants, annual campaigns, and special events. Identify new opportunities to diversify and grow BREADA’s philanthropic support. Plan, coordinate, and facilitate internal and external meetings and communications. Build Meaningful Donor Relationships Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, foundation, and major-gift donors. Develop and manage a portfolio of prospective and current major donors, creating individualized strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Create meaningful donor experiences that deepen supporters’ connection to BREADA’s mission and impact. Work with the Executive Director and Board to identify, cultivate, and strengthen key donor and community relationships. Lead Grants, Campaigns & Events Partner with BREADA’s Grant Writer to identify funding opportunities and coordinate grant development, deadlines, deliverables, and reporting. Lead fundraising strategy for Farm Fête and BREADA’s 30th Anniversary. Lead the implementation of a multi-year fundraising initiative to support organizational sustainability and growth. Develop fundraising initiatives connected to key organizational milestones and community engagement opportunities. Share BREADA’s Story Guide development communications, including donor communications, newsletters, impact reports, and digital outreach, in partnership with the Development & Communications Coordinator. Use program and fundraising data to clearly communicate BREADA’s impact and demonstrate the value of philanthropic support. Help develop compelling stories that connect donors to the farmers, producers, families, and communities benefiting from BREADA’s work. Ensure consistency in BREADA’s messaging, branding, and public presence. Strengthen BREADA’s Fundraising Culture Partner with the Executive Director and Board to build a strong culture of philanthropy throughout the organization. Provide Board members with the tools, training, and opportunities to participate effectively in fundraising and donor stewardship. Supervise and mentor the Development & Communications Coordinator. Build and maintain organized systems for donor information, communications, reporting, and follow-up. Serve as a visible and enthusiastic ambassador for BREADA throughout the Baton Rouge community. Work Schedule This is a full-time position based at BREADA’s downtown office, farmers markets, and community locations. BREADA Staff are expected to: Work two Saturdays per month at the Red Stick Farmers Market (Flex day is given the following Monday when a Saturday is worked). Work occasional evening/weekend hours for events. Occasionally lift 30+ pounds, stand for extended periods, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions. What We’re Looking For We’re looking for someone who combines fundraising expertise, strong relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, project management, and exceptional attention to detail. Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of nonprofit development, fundraising, advancement, or related experience. Demonstrated experience creating and executing fundraising plans with measurable outcomes. Experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors, including major donors. Strong relationship-building, writing, communication, and presentation skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, relationships, and follow-up. Experience with fundraising databases, donor management systems, and reporting. Experience supervising staff and working with nonprofit boards and volunteers. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a dynamic, small-team environment. Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, donor database systems, and project management tools. Passion for BREADA’s mission and local food systems. Self-motivated, collaborative, adaptable, professional, trustworthy, and results-oriented. BREADA values diverse experiences and perspectives. If you are excited about this opportunity but don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. BREADA Team Expectations Commitment to and passion for the mission of BREADA Great multitasker and capable of simultaneously managing multiple projects with different deadlines Self-motivated, honest, punctual, dependable, friendly, flexible Team player with the ability to contribute positively, take direction and work independently Dress appropriately to work in various weather conditions while representing BREADA While working during the farmers market, ability to lift 30+ pounds occasionally and work in extreme weather conditions while standing for long periods of time Work well under pressure, easily adapting to a dynamic work environment Work Monday through Friday at BREADA’s main office (or offsite locations), work seasonal markets on a rotational schedule, and work two Saturdays per month at the Red Stick Farmers Market (receiving a flex day for use within the same month) All staff engaged with annual special events (i.e. Farm Fete, BREADA Anniversary) Compensation & Full-Time Benefits $50,000-$70,000 salary, commensurate with experience Health insurance, with BREADA currently paying 90% of the employee premium Matching retirement plan after one year $100/month phone/technology allowance 14 Paid holidays, 10 days vacation, and 10 days sick leave Flex days for Saturday market participation Farm tours and team-building activities #J-18808-Ljbffr