Gloucester, MA | Full-Time

About Backyard Growers

Backyard Growers is a community‑based nonprofit dedicated to cultivating healthy, connected, and resilient communities by empowering people to grow their own food. Through home, school, and community gardens, alongside a vibrant weekly farmers market, we expand access to fresh food for families, seniors, immigrants, and children across Gloucester.

At our core, we believe food is more than nourishment–it’s a pathway to connection, dignity, and community strength. 

Job Summary

The Development Manager executes Backyard Growers’ fundraising efforts to support the organization’s mission of increasing equitable access to vegetable gardens and the resources people and communities need to grow their own food. The Development Manager oversees donor stewardship, manages and optimizes the DonorPerfect database, coordinates appeals and fundraising events, and completes grant applications and reporting as assigned. Working closely with the Executive Director & Leadership Team, this position strengthens donor relationships, expands funding opportunities, and ensures accurate tracking and reporting of fundraising progress.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy 

• Execute our annual fundraising plan with the goal of raising $600K+ annually 

• Attend staff meetings and report on development progress 

• Provide a brief Development Report bi-monthly to the Executive Director to deliver at the board meetings

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to support our Development Committee in assisting with development efforts 

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Manage and track all donations, thank you’s, acknowledgements, and records using DonorPerfect. 

• Oversee the organization’s use of the DonorPerfect database, maximizing its effectiveness as a fundraising and reporting tool.

• Manage spring and year-end appeals in close collaboration with the Leadership Team.

• Manage our membership and monthly giving program.

• Provide the Executive Director with materials and information to support direct donor solicitations.

• Solicit business and/or organization community sponsors with our yearly suite of marketing perks and ensure we are complying with sponsorship packages

• Assist in planning and executing all fundraising events including our yearly fall fundraiser the GrowDown in close collaboration with the Executive Director. 

Grant Funding

• Maintain annual grant pipeline and research new grant opportunities

• Complete all assigned grants and final reports from the Executive Director

• Interpret impact measures managed by the Programs Team for reporting purposes

Financial Management & Administration

• Monitor fundraising expenses. 

• Work with the Director of Communication to update information and language on the website, social media, and other public materials as it relates to brand and development.

• Provide administrative support as requested by the Executive Director. 

• Provide programmatic support as requested by the Director of Programs & Operations. 

Required Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience working in development for nonprofit organizations

• Experience working with budgets over $10,000

• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills

• Experience working with diverse populations

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

• Must have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving a large work van

• Must submit to a CORI/SORI check

• Must submit a writing sample

• Proficiency with Google Drive, Google Suite, Slack and basic budgeting tools (Google Sheets, Excel, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of local food systems and urban agriculture.

• Knowledge of Gloucester’s neighborhoods & schools is a plus.

• Multi-lingual (English/Spanish & Portuguese)

• Experience working with volunteers & committees

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet 100% of the qualifications listed. If you meet many, but not all, of the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply anyway.  

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to lift and move equipment (up to 30 lbs).

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.

• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.

Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000, based on experience 

Benefits & Schedule

• This is an exempt, full-time position at 35 hours per week 

• As the organization grows, this position has the potential to grow in responsibility, salary, and benefits 

• Unlimited Paid Time Off and Flex Schedule policies; Work from home and Flexible Fridays

• Yearly farmers’ market or CSA credit

• Two weeks paid vacation while office is closed from the Monday prior to Christmas through the Sunday following New Years Day

How to apply

Email hiring@backyardgrowers.org with your resume and a cover letter. Backyard Growers will be accepting applications until this position is filled.

Backyard Growers is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.