Director of Development: Agronomic Science Foundation

Status: Full-time

Location: Madison, WI (with up to 15% travel) Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience

Open to remote candidates

Fundraising Goal: $500,000–$1 million annually

Who We Are

The Agronomic Science Foundation (ASF), in partnership with the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America (collectively, “ACSESS”, is dedicated to advancing the science and practice of agronomy, crop, and soil science. ASF fuels innovation, research, and education to address the most pressing challenges in agriculture and food systems. We seek a strategic, results-driven Director of Fundraising & Development to lead and grow our fundraising efforts, ensuring the continued impact and perpetuation of the strategic objectives, visions, missions of our organizations. Please learn more about us here: ASF https://www.sciencesocieties.org/asf

Position Purpose

The Director of Fundraising & Development is the chief architect and driver of ASF’s fundraising and development strategy. This leader will secure $500,000 to $1 million annually in support of ASF’s programs, research, and educational initiatives, building strong relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders across the agricultural community and beyond to foundations and major donors who share passions for protecting our planet, building resilient food systems, and telling the stories of our disciplines and our members to those in a position to support our efforts financially.

Position Summary

The Director of Fundraising & Development is responsible for designing, overseeing, and—most importantly—executing a comprehensive fundraising and development program that includes major gifts, grants, and alternative funding streams while building awareness and visibility of ASF’s efforts among our core stakeholders. This position collaborates with the CEO and internal departments and serves as the primary ambassador for ASF’s development efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a robust fundraising plan to meet annual and multi-year revenue targets of $500,000–$1 million annually.

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and non-traditional funders.

• Oversee grant proposal development and submission, ensuring alignment with ASF’s mission and strategic priorities, including the identification and effective targeting of organizations and

foundations with capability and interest in funding large-scale initiatives intended to make major impact on our disciplines and their ability to effect positive change on the world. • Diversify ASF’s revenue streams by exploring innovative funding opportunities.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Set clear fundraising targets, monitor progress, and report results to organizational leadership.

• Collaborate with executive staff, board members, and program leaders to maximize fundraising effectiveness and donor engagement.

Industry Engagement

• Stay current on trends, challenges, and opportunities in agriculture and agronomic science to inform fundraising strategies and donor communications.

Education & Experience

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising; frontline fundraising experience preferred, specifically experience soliciting major and principal gifts.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification required.

• Experience managing diverse revenue streams, including major gifts, grants, and annual campaigns.

• Leadership experience collaborating with executive staff and board members.

• Knowledge of natural resources conservation, agriculture, food systems, and sustainability is highly desired.

• Departmental budgeting and planning capacities.

Travel: This job requires at least one week of travel per year to the Societies’ Annual Meetings; in some years, there may be travel to split meetings or specialized conferences to represent ASF. Additional travel may be required for events, or attending professional development conferences. As much as 25% travel may be expected.

If you are a results-driven, strategic thinker with a passion for fundraising and development, and you want to contribute to the growth and success of the Tri-Societies and ASF, we encourage you to apply. Join us in supporting cutting-edge agricultural research, education, and innovation.

ACSESS is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.