Carolina Farm Trust is Hiring for Director of Development

Director Of Development At Carolina Farm Trust

Carolina Farm Trust seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Director of Development to power its mission to build a resilient regional food system. If you are motivated by measurable impact, collaborative partnerships, and sustainable growth, this role offers the opportunity to shape a comprehensive development program for a mission-focused nonprofit.

Learn more about Carolina Farm Trust.

Company Overview

Carolina Farm Trust works to build a decentralized, regional food system that supports social, environmental, and economic resilience. Through collaborative programs and partnerships with farmers, markets, and community organizations, the nonprofit advances sustainable farming and equitable food access across the region.

• Urban Farm Network
• Farm Apprentice Program
• Food As Health Initiative
• Regional Distribution Platform

Role Summary

The Director of Development will design and execute a multi-year fundraising program to sustain and grow Carolina Farm Trust’s impact. Reporting to the CEO/Executive Director, this leader will cultivate donors, foundations, and corporate partners; manage grants; guide communications that advance philanthropy; and steward data-driven development operations. The role blends strategy and execution with cross-functional collaboration and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year strategy across annual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, and events; set and meet annual revenue goals aligned with organizational priorities.
• Build, steward, and expand relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners; design and manage a monthly donor program to grow recurring revenue.
• Lead grants management, including prospecting, proposal development, submissions, and compliant reporting that demonstrates outcomes.
• Partner with the CEO, Chief of Staff, board members, staff, and volunteers to advance development goals and donor engagement.
• Collaborate with PR and marketing to craft donor-centered messages and materials, including appeals, newsletters, and the annual report.
• Plan and execute fundraising events that align with mission and amplify visibility through partner collaboration.
• Maintain accurate CRM records; track key metrics and report on progress to inform strategy and accountability.

Ideal Profile

• 5+ years of progressive fundraising/development experience with success in meeting or exceeding revenue goals.
• Experience creating and owning annual and multi-year development plans.
• Proven record in major gifts, donor cultivation and stewardship, and corporate/foundation partnerships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to craft compelling donor narratives and cases for support.
• Excellent project management, organization, and attention to detail; deadline-driven and data-informed.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms and fundraising software.
• Commitment to sustainability, equity, and community development aligned with the mission.

Preferred Experience

• Leadership experience in a small to mid-sized nonprofit (Director, Associate Director, or Manager).
• Affiliations or credentials (e.g., AFP, CFRE).
• Experience in North Carolina and familiarity with nonprofit budgeting and financial management.

Compensation, Location, And Employment Details

• Salary Range: $86,879–$114,070 USD; commensurate with experience.
• Employment Type: Full-time, exempt.
• Location: Charlotte, North Carolina.
• Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until filled; equal opportunity employer.

How To Apply

Submit your application via the official posting. Include a resume and a brief cover letter outlining relevant experience and results.

Conclusion

This role is a strong fit for development leaders who pair strategic vision with disciplined execution. If that sounds like you, apply above and explore more curated nonprofit and marketing roles on Mesha

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