ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

The mission of the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF envisions a future where organic farming is the leading form of agriculture. Since its founding in 1990, OFRF has sponsored organic farming research, education, and outreach to support organic and transitioning farmers across North America. This work is complemented by efforts to share our findings with policymakers, agricultural institutions, and federal agencies to support broader change and advance the organic sector.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The OFRF Donor Stewardship & Engagement Manager is a full-time, benefited, exempt position reporting to the Partnerships and Development Director (PDD). While the organization is based in Santa Cruz, CA, this position can be performed remotely within the continental USA. This position does not offer visa sponsorship. All applicants must already be eligible to work in the US.

The Donor Stewardship & Engagement Manager is responsible for deepening donor connection, increasing retention, and building a more community-centered fundraising ecosystem. This new role will design and implement donor journeys, strengthen annual giving programs, and collaborate across the organization to elevate authentic stories that demonstrate OFRF’s impact.

The ideal candidate combines excellent relationship-building skills, impeccable project management, and a passion for equitable, community-centric fundraising. They understand that good stewardship is good strategy, and that the heart of that work lies in trust, transparency, and meaningful engagement.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Stewardship & Retention

  • Implement, evaluate, and continually refine multi-channel donor journeys to reach new donors, increase retention, and deepen long-term donor engagement.
  • Maintain OFRF’s stewardship matrix and update annually, ensuring timely touchpoints (thank-yous, updates, invitations, spotlights, milestone acknowledgments) for individual and corporate donors.
  • Ensure stewardship practices reflect Community Centered Fundraising principles, including equitable recognition, transparency, and community benefit.

Annual Giving, Appeals, & Digital Engagement

  • Work with the PDD and Communications team to develop and execute annual giving campaigns.
  • Partner closely with the Communications team to develop compelling email series, print appeals, landing pages, social media content, and digital storytelling assets.
  • Evaluate campaigns and use data to maximize donor conversion and retention.
  • Collaborate with program staff to identify “field stories,” farmer profiles, quotes, and visuals that support donor cultivation and show meaningful impact.

Events & Donor Experiences

  • Plan and execute donor-facing events, such as virtual briefings, webinars for prospective donors, small stewardship gatherings, and partner presentations.
  • Support event logistics, invitations, content creation, and follow-up strategies to deepen donor relationships and encourage next steps.

Data, Systems & Process Management

  • Work with the Operations Associate and PDD to manage the donor database and maintain accurate donor records and stewardship activities within OFRF’s CRM (Virtuous).
  • Track key metrics related to donor retention, engagement, and campaign performance.
  • Use data insights to evaluate and improve donor pipelines, stewardship flows, and annual giving strategies.

Other related duties as assigned by your supervisor.

DESIRED SKILLS & QUALITIES

  • 3–5 years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, customer experience, or nonprofit communications.
  • Exceptional writing skills (especially storytelling, donor messaging, and impact reporting).
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to move multiple projects forward across teams.
  • Experience with CRM systems (Virtuous experience a plus).
  • A relationship-centered approach that aligns with the values of Community Centered Fundraising.
  • Commitment to equity, sustainability, and the mission of organic agriculture.
  • Experience with digital marketing, email automation, or donor journey mapping.
  • Experience planning small-scale events or webinars (not required, but helpful).
  • Familiarity with agriculture, sustainability, or food systems (not required, but helpful).

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS 

Starting salary range $72-77K, depending on experience. OFRF offers a competitive benefits package and a great work environment with lots of flexibility. We look for co-workers who can have fun while working as hard as we do for a cause we love.

TO APPLY

For all applicants, please read and follow these instructions carefully. We value clarity and attention to detail, and applications that do not follow these guidelines may not be considered.

Please do not submit a cover letter. Instead, submit:

  1. Your resume, and
  2. One (1) page (standard margins, 12-point font, Times New Roman) responding to the four questions below.

We will use your written responses as the primary basis for selecting candidates to interview. Resumes will be reviewed later in the process.

Formatting instructions for the written responses:

  • Limit your responses to one page total.
  • Include your email address only (the same one listed on your resume) in the top left corner of the page header.
  • Do not include your name or any other identifying information on this page.
  • We recommend dividing the page roughly evenly across the four questions.

Questions

  1. What does meaningful donor stewardship look like to you? Please describe an example (real or hypothetical) that illustrates how you would build a long-term relationship with a donor.
  2. This role works closely with program staff, communications, and leadership to surface stories and impact. How do you approach collaboration across teams – especially when people are busy, priorities differ, or timelines are tight?
  3. How do equity, power, and respect show up in donor engagement and storytelling? Are there practices you actively try to avoid or challenge in fundraising work?
  4. Describe a time you received feedback that changed how you approached your work. What did you do with that feedback?

 

Submit your complete packet with “Donor Stewardship and Engagement Manager” in the subject line via email to jobs@ofrf.org. Priority applications should be submitted by 2/28/26, but will be accepted until the position is filled. 

 

 

Please visit www.ofrf.org to learn more about the Organic Farming Research Foundation.

OFRF is an equal opportunity employer. Just as in the natural world where diversity creates resilience and strength, we believe a diverse workplace is crucial to the success of our organization and our efforts to support organic farmers. We strive to create a safe and supportive office culture and workplace that encourages racial and social equity. OFRF has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind, and we encourage all qualified applicants to apply no matter their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran or disability status.