Are you ready to build corporate and foundation partnerships that expand opportunities for young people nationwide? Do you have experience securing multi-million-dollar, multi-year commitments and engaging executive decision-makers? National 4-H Council is seeking a Development Director to lead new business development and advance partnerships that support our mission and Beyond Ready initiative.

At National 4-H Council, we empower nearly 6 million young people each year to become confident leaders who are ready for life and work. As the nation’s largest youth development organization, we prepare young people to be Beyond Ready through hands-on learning experiences in STEM, Agriculture, Healthy Living, and Civic Engagement.

As the Development Director, you will report to the Senior Development Director and contribute to a team fundraising goal of over $50 million, with an individual goal of $5 million annually. You will build and advance a portfolio of 90–100 national prospects; engage C-suite executives, senior corporate leaders, and foundation decision-makers; and lead opportunities from initial outreach through proposal development, negotiation, and close. Working with Council executives, Trustees, and cross-functional teams, you will develop proposals that connect philanthropic investment, corporate engagement, and program priorities.

Join us in building partnerships that extend 4-H’s reach and impact across the country. In this role, you will connect corporate and foundation partners with opportunities to invest in hands-on learning, career readiness, and the experiences that help more young people become Beyond Ready. #4HBeyondReady

Mission

4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. In collaboration with the USDA and our network of 110 public universities, we serve every county and parish in the United States in more than 3,000 local 4-H Extension offices. Our programs have a positive impact on young people: 4-H youth are 2x more likely to excel in school, 4x more likely to contribute to their communities, 2x more likely to make healthier choices, and 2x more likely to pursue STEM education or careers.

National 4-H Council (Council), 4-H’s private sector nonprofit partner, builds public-private partnerships and provides resources and leadership development opportunities that expand the reach and impact of 4-H. With the Beyond Ready Initiative, 4-H has the potential to reach 10 million young people annually to help them lead healthy, productive, and engaged lives. Young leaders will have the experience and mentorship to succeed in an evolving workforce and thrive in their communities.

Position Summary

National 4-H Council seeks a dynamic Development Director to contribute to the Development and Marketing fundraising goal of over $50M that includes coordinated solicitation of grants ranging from $250K to $5M from major national corporations and foundations to support unrestricted operational efforts as well as major programmatic initiatives. The Director will be responsible for outbound outreach to Fortune 500 companies to secure funding in support of the 4-H mission and the Beyond Ready initiative. This role will be responsible for researching and contacting C-Suite executives and senior leaders to secure partnership discussions. The Director will work to generate leads, cultivate prospects, build relationships and identify new transformational partnership opportunities. 

Responsibilities

Development Portfolio Duties

Development-Program Collaboration Duties

Minimum Education and Experience

Required Skills and Qualifications 

Preferred Skills

Travel Requirements: Travel may be necessary, up to 50% of the time (local, regional & national). This role would require travel by air, car, rail. 

ADA Requirements: The physical demands described here represent those that an Associate must meet to perform the position's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer: This position description indicates, in general, the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to include or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required. An incumbent may be asked to perform other tasks as needed.