Description

About FoodChain

FoodChain is a Lexington-based nonprofit forging links between our community and fresh, local food through education, production, and outreach. From our indoor aquaponics farm to our teaching kitchen and community meals program, we create opportunities for neighbors to grow, cook, and share food together — building a more connected, equitable, and sustainable food system for all.

Position Overview

The Development & Events Coordinator plays a key role in growing the resources and relationships that power FoodChain’s mission. This position will oversee all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and special events including: donor communications and stewardship, maintenance of accurate records, assistance with sponsorship outreach, and coordination of fundraising campaigns and events throughout the year. The ideal candidate has a strong background in executing high-return fundraising events, and is an organized, creative, and people-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Development & Donor Relations

• Maintain accurate donor and contact records through our fundraising CRM (Givebutter), tracking gifts, communications, event participation, and follow-up workflows.
• Support the Co-Executive Directors in donor cultivation and stewardship, and relationship management.
• Prepare donor correspondence, acknowledgments, and tax receipts.
• Conduct prospect research to identify potential donors, sponsors, and partners.
• Assist in tracking and reporting fundraising metrics and progress toward annual goals.
• Assist in coordinating direct mail and digital campaigns, including Kentucky Gives Day, Giving Tuesday, end-of-year appeals, and other targeted outreach efforts.
  
  Events & Campaigns
• Plan and execute FoodChain’s annual fundraising events, primarily F.E.A.S.T.
• Manage event logistics such as timelines, vendor coordination, sponsorship deliverables, volunteer scheduling, and guest communications.
• Work with marketing staff to promote events through social media, newsletters, and press releases.
• Ensure consistent brand presentation, donor recognition, and mission storytelling at all events.
• Support community engagement activities that build awareness of FoodChain’s mission and impact.
• Help identify additional event opportunities that will raise friends and/or funds in support of the FoodChain mission. 
  
  Administrative & Collaborative Support
  
  
• Collaborate with program, communications, and finance teams to align fundraising goals with organizational priorities.
• Maintain organized digital and physical files for development activities.
• Represent FoodChain at events and gatherings in a professional and mission-aligned way.
• Perform additional tasks as needed to support FoodChain’s development and communications efforts.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, event management, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in development, event planning, & donor relations (nonprofit experience required).
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and follow-through.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing donor and contact data in our fundraising and donor CRM (Givebutter) with strong attention to detail in tracking gifts, communications, event participation, and organizing workflows.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to FoodChain’s mission and values of community, equity, and sustainability.
• Occasional evening and weekend availability for special events required.