Job Description

Position Summary

The Fundraising Manager plays an essential role in leading and executing fundraising initiatives to generate financial support for Team Ag Ed partners: Iowa FFA Foundation, Iowa FFA Association, Iowa Professional Agricultural Student Organization (PAS), Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators (IAAE), and Iowa FFA Alumni & Supporters. 

In close collaboration with the Executive Director, this position is responsible for promoting awareness of the organization’s mission and goals; spreading a strong fundraising message; developing and managing donor pipelines; cultivating strategic relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations; and implementing targeted engagement and retention tactics to ensure long-term financial stability.

The Fundraising Manager will be responsible for researching and reaching out to prospective donors and sponsors, organizing and coordinating fundraising events, campaigns, and programs, and helping create engaging marketing and promotional materials, and gathering and maintaining fundraising documentation. This position will be required to evaluate the success of every fundraising activity and collect feedback.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Research and contact potential sponsors and donors.
• Promote awareness and spread the organization’s mission and goals.
• Create and deliver a strong fundraising message.
• Collaborate with the Communications and Special Events Manager to create and distribute marketing and promotional materials.
• Develop customized proposals and partnership opportunities aligned with Foundation initiatives.
• Form and maintain strong relationships with donors. Sponsors and prospects.
• Negotiate terms with donors and motivate them to maximize their funds.
• Organize and coordinate fundraising events, campaigns, and programs.
• Recruit and train volunteers for fundraising activities.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy, with measurable goals to increase individual, corporate, and foundation giving.
• Research and engage potential sponsors of Proficiency Awards, CDEs/LDEs, and other FFA Association direct-appeal needs.
• Establish annual partnership agreements with Iowa Ag Ed Partners including the Iowa FFA Association, Iowa Professional Agricultural Student Organization (PAS), Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators (IAAE), and Iowa FFA Alumni & Supporters.
• Manage the development database, ensuring accurate, consistent and timely entry of donor information, gift processing and reporting.
• Evaluate the success of fundraising activities.
• Research emerging philanthropic trends and potential new funding sources to diversify and increase revenue streams.
• Raise donations through online platforms.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Deep commitment to and enthusiasm for raising visibility and engaging Iowans in the development of leadership in youth and agriculture.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and professionalism in person, phone, and by e-mail.
• Extraordinary communication and public speaking skills.
• High energy and enthusiasm to engage and motivate stakeholders.
• Negotiation skills and persuasiveness.
• Great customer service ethic and high expectations for quality.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with strong organizational, project management, and time management skills. 
• Creative intellect.
• Ability to be a team player.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of fundraising compliance, donor privacy, and ethical fundraising standards. 

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required (major in business, sales, public relations or communications preferred).
• Two years of fundraising experience.
• Experience with FFA, agricultural education, or ag-related field.
• Working knowledge of CRM fundraising databases (advanced Bloomerang experience preferred).
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Establish and strengthen donor relationships; day travel with occasional overnight travel.
• Experience working in a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

• Regularly sits, operates a computer and office equipment; communicates in person and virtually. 
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds.
• Travel required, primarily within Iowa; will be day travel with occasional overnight travel.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

The company is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

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