TITLE: Director of Development and Communications 
STATUS: Exempt; Full-time 
REPORTS TO: Executive Director 
LOCATION: Hybrid: Telecommuting + Occasional On-Site at Farmers’ Markets and events 
COMPENSATION: $85,000 - $100,000 

SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday; some evenings and weekends as needed 

About Food Access LA 
Founded in 1996 as Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles (SEE-LA), dba Food Access LA is a leading Southern California nonprofit organization, connecting people to healthy food, promoting economic development, and building sustainable food systems. We operate the largest network of mission-driven farmers’ markets in Los Angeles as well as programs that provide nutrition education, food access, and opportunities for small regional farms and local food businesses to thrive.   

Our programs include 

• Hosting a network of nine community-based certified farmers’ markets in Los Angeles 

• Programs that stretch public nutrition benefits to increase access to fresh, nutrient-rich food 

• Providing comprehensive nutrition education to low-income families and children in underserved schools 

• Operating a wholesale and CSA produce distribution program 

Position Summary 
Food Access LA seeks a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven Director of Development and Communications to lead all contributed revenue generation and organizational communications. Drawing from best practices in nonprofit development leadership, this role is responsible for building diversified revenue streams, strengthening donor and partner relationships, and elevating Food Access LA’s brand, visibility, and storytelling. Working in close partnership with the Executive Director, senior leadership, and Board of Directors, the Director will design and implement integrated development and communications strategies that support long-term sustainability and community impact. This role blends external-facing relationship building with internal systems leadership and people management. The Director of Development will hire and supervise a Communications Assistant and may manage consultants and vendors. Regular engagement at farmers’ markets and community events is expected; some weekend work required. 

Key Responsibilities 

Leadership, Team Development & Culture 

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy, planning, and decision-making 

• Design and implement an annual development strategy to grow private philanthropy (individuals, corporations, and foundations). 

• Develop and execute an integrated development and communications strategy aligned with Food Access LA’s mission, values, and growth goals 

• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors and leadership team to align philanthropic messaging with organizational priorities and community impact. 

• Hire, supervise, support, and evaluate the Communications Assistant, ensuring strong coordination across fundraising and communications functions 

• Establish systems, workflows, and standards to ensure consistency, efficiency, and accountability across development and communications efforts 

Development, Fundraising, & Relationship Building 

• Lead all contributed revenue efforts, including institutional giving, individual giving, major gifts, sponsorships, and special campaigns. Please see below for the current funding overview 

• Partner with the Board’s Fundraising Committee to plan and execute fundraising strategies and events; support board members as ambassadors and fundraisers 

• Partner with foundation program officers and corporate partners to maintain and expand funding through authentic, trust-based relationships 

• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, with an emphasis on deepening engagement and growing a base of loyal, values-aligned supporters 

• Develop and manage mission-aligned partnerships, sponsorships, and earned-revenue-related visibility opportunities tied to farmers’ markets and programs 

• Attend and support development-related events, including some evenings and weekends 

• Create & oversee giving campaigns, peer-to-peer events, and other creative fundraising initiatives that invite community participation 

• Ensure accurate donor tracking, acknowledgement, and reporting through effective CRM management, cross-department collaboration, and transparent communication. 

Communications & Messaging 

• Partner with the Communications Assistant and creative consultant to ensure that all written and visual communications, such as appeals, newsletters, social media, and event materials, reflect consistent, mission-centered storytelling and authentic gratitude 

• Craft and steward messaging that reflects Food Access LA’s core values and mission 

• Serve as lead writer and editor for high-level development communications, including case statements, donor communications, impact reports, and campaign materials; may include unrestricted foundational grant proposals 

• Oversee the collection and synthesis of program data and impact metrics to support compelling donor communications and reporting 

• Lead organizational messaging, brand strategy, and storytelling across all platforms 

• Direct agency-wide digital communications systems, including mass email, social media, website content, and digital fundraising campaigns 

• Manage and increase the communications budget to increase visibility of Food Access LA’s markets, programs, and policy priorities 

• Participate in establishing and refining a cohesive brand identity and aligning brand implementation across departments and programs 

• Collaborate with senior staff to elevate Food Access LA’s voice in food access, nutrition, and food systems conversations 

First-Year Timeline and Key Milestones 

Food Access LA is poised to build on a strong foundation of impact as it enters its next phase of growth and innovation. With many core partnerships already in place, the organization is focused on diversifying its funding and developing more sustainable and flexible revenue streams, ensuring that its mission to expand equitable food access can continue to grow, adapt, and serve the community in the years ahead. 

This position calls for thoughtful stewardship, nurturing relationships with existing supporters while expanding connections with new donors, foundations, and corporate partners across Los Angeles. The Director of Development will play a key role in advancing this work, building a culture of generosity and partnership that uplifts the farmers, vendors, and communities we serve while strengthening Food Access LA’s long-term sustainability.  

We recognize that building a robust and diversified development program takes time. The first year of this role will focus on relationship-building, strengthening systems, identifying new funding opportunities, and laying the groundwork for long-term philanthropic growth. While early revenue growth is anticipated, the primary goal of the first year is to establish strategies, partnerships, and infrastructure that will support sustained fundraising success in the years to come. 

Months 1–3: Orientation, Assessment, and Foundation Building 

• Onboard with leadership, staff, board, and key external partners 

• Review existing development and communications systems, materials, and performance 

• Assess fundraising pipeline, donor base, and communications platforms 

• Clarify short- and long-term revenue goals with Executive Director 

• Begin planning for hiring the Communications Assistant 

Months 4–6: Strategy Development and Early Implementation 

• Finalize and launch a comprehensive development and communications strategy 

• Initiate priority fundraising campaigns and grant submissions 

• Support hiring and onboarding of the Communications Assistant

• Strengthen brand consistency and messaging across programs and markets 

• Begin proactive media outreach and visibility efforts 

Months 7–9: Growth, Optimization, and Team Development 

• Fully transition day-to-day communications execution to the Communications Assistant 

• Deepen donor cultivation and stewardship efforts 

• Expand partnerships, sponsorships, and visibility opportunities 

• Evaluate progress toward revenue and engagement goals; refine strategies as needed 

• Support board fundraising engagement and capacity-building 

Months 10–12: Evaluation, Scaling, and Planning 

• Assess fundraising and communications outcomes against annual goals 

• Strengthen systems for donor stewardship, reporting, and impact storytelling 

• Identify opportunities for revenue diversification and long-term growth 

• Develop goals, budget recommendations, and strategic priorities for year two 

• Present outcomes and recommendations for future strategic planning to leadership and the Board 

Current Financial Overview 

We believe any successful organization operates with financial transparency. Food Access LA’s projected operating budget for the Fiscal Year 2027 (July, 1 2026 – June 30, 2027) totals $6.15 million and reflects a strong foundation of partnership and impact across Los Angeles. Our current funding composition illustrates a history of trusted relationships with public agencies and private foundations, and a growing opportunity to expand philanthropy that is rooted in community care, shared values, and local engagement. Our current fundraising revenue that this position would be responsible for is comprised of the following: 

• Foundation Grants: $550,000 - Philanthropic foundations continue to invest in Food Access LA's successful programs focusing on access to food and nutrition education. There is strong potential to deepen these relationships and invite new partners to support our mission. 

• Individual Contributions: $100,000 - Individual giving, largely from loyal supporters and seasonal market events, represents meaningful and underdeveloped opportunities for growth. With intentional stewardship and storytelling, Food Access LA is well-positioned to expand this base of support. 

• Corporate Support: $75,000 - Corporate giving and sponsorships reflect the alignment between Food Access LA's mission and values driven businesses in Los Angeles. This is an emerging program, supported by a vetted sponsorship and brand consultant, with room for strategic growth and community collaboration. 

• Special Event and Retail Sales: $25,500 – Events offer meaningful opportunities to invite the community into our network of passionate advocates while generating essential funding and creating moments of connection. These gatherings allow us to tell our story, celebrate the hard work of our vendors, and inspire deeper support for our work.   

Our operations are also supported by additional revenue streams, including government contracts and Farmers’ Market stall and operational fees; however, management of these sources would fall outside the scope of responsibilities of this position. 

Qualifications 

• Minimum of five to seven years of progressive experience in development, communications, or related fields, including senior-level responsibility 

• At least three years of people management experience, with demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff 

• Proven track record in nonprofit fundraising, including institutional and individual giving 

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats and audiences 

• Strong strategic thinking, project management, and organizational skills 

• Experience working collaboratively with executive leadership and boards of directors 

• Comfort managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, community-centered environment 

• Working knowledge of CRM systems, digital fundraising tools, and standard office software 

• Experience in Los Angeles food systems, food access, public health, or related sectors strongly preferred 

• Written Spanish fluency strongly preferred 

Compensation & Benefits 

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience 

• Employer-covered health, dental, vision insurance and Employee Assistance Program after a 90-day probationary period for applicants new to the organization 

• Open PTO 

• 14.5 paid holidays 

• Voluntary Pet Insurance, Flexible Spending Account  

• Option for 403(b) retirement plan contributions 

• Remote work stipend, company cell phone, and computer 

Physical Demand and Work Environment 
This role requires a combination of office-based and field-based work. Duties include sitting, standing, walking, and using a computer and phone. Some work will take place outdoors at farmers’ markets and events in varying weather conditions and may require standing for up to two hours or lifting up to 25 pounds.