Job Description

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) is looking for a full-time Senior Development and Communications Manager, based in the Greater Minneapolis Area, Washington D.C, New York, or Virginia.

Who are you?

You are passionate about our mission and excited about IATP’s multifaceted work across food and farm systems, climate, and trade. You understand that nonprofit development and communications is not transactional, but is built on trust and sustained through authentic communications and relationships with donors, whether they are foundations, corporations, or individuals. You have experience in nonprofit marketing and communications, fundraising, donor engagement and stewardship, and grants management. You will collaborate with the Associate Director of Development, IATP’s program communications team, and the Executive Director, ensuring alignment with our organizational goals.

Who are we?

IATP is a nonprofit policy advocacy organization with headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Our mission is to work locally and globally at the intersection of policy and practice to ensure fair and sustainable food, farm, and trade systems. Our program staff match high-level research and analysis with on-the-ground engagement to bring policy into practice. In addition to our headquarters in Minneapolis, we have small offices in Washington, D.C. and Berlin, Germany. (Find out more at www.iatp.org).

The Position:

The Sr. Development and Communications Manager plays a central role in advancing the mission by creating engaging narratives, cultivating new donors and stewarding existing donors, and planning and implementing special events. This role manages the day-to-day development communications and fundraising operations. It requires someone who pays attention to detail, is organized, can manage multiple projects, and who is skilled at building the relationships that drive organizational growth. Reporting to the Associate Director of Development, the Sr. Development and Communications Manager will create and implement the development communications and marketing plan along with the individual fundraising strategy while supporting grants management and other development priorities.

Responsibilities:

Develop a strong understanding and communicate a clear and compelling vision of IATP, our mission and programs, and our strategic priorities to a range of audiences, specifically engaging individual donors with clarity and purpose.

Marketing and Communications (40%): Create engaging donor-focused narratives and communication tools in close collaboration with the program communications team and the Associate Director of Development.

Translate organizational strategies and goals into clear narratives, marketing messages, campaigns, and appeals.
Define and manage audience segmentation and create messages and materials.
Create and implement the donor engagement, cultivation, and stewardship plans in alignment with donor segments.
Create and own the marketing and development communications calendar and coordinate external messages and sequencing with the program communications team.

Fundraising Appeals & Donor Cultivation (30%): Develop and execute donor appeals and communications in collaboration with the Associate Director of Development, the Executive Director and the program communications team.

Write, manage, and execute fundraising campaigns (i.e., spring, summer, fall, Give to the Max Day, Giving Tuesday, end-of-year appeals).
Create, produce, and distribute donor communications and the annual report.
Engage, cultivate, and steward donors through multiple channels: events, video or phone calls, strategic communications, and one-on-one meetings.

Fundraising Operations (20%): Manage donor database (Bloomerang) and generate reports, dashboards, and donor lists to support fundraising.

Ensure accurate records by entering gifts in a timely manner, processing donation acknowledgments, and updating donor information.
Attend relevant webinars and courses (by Bloomerang, MCN) to implement improvements and optimize the database and maximize its capabilities.
Support budget reporting and reconciliation (with Finance Team).

Grants Management Support (10%): Assist and serve as backup to the Associate Director of Development for grants management.

Track grants calendar and deliverables and ensure the timely submission of concept notes, LOI, proposals, and reports.
Maintain and update grant files and database in SharePoint and Bloomerang.
Work across IATP program, finance, and communications teams to support successful submission of requests, proposals, and reports.

Preferred Qualities and Qualifications:

Understanding and commitment to IATP’s mission and values.
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience.
Minimum five years of professional experience in communications, marketing, fundraising, and development in the nonprofit sector. Background in project management and/or related role desirable.
Experience in creating donor communications and marketing materials, building long-term relationships, and strategic thinking.
Comfortable making a direct ask/invitation for financial support.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a talent for building and sustaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written, editing, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint and experience with CRM or donor databases (Bloomerang, Salesforce, Blackbaud, DonorPerfect or similar).
Experience using email marketing platforms (MailChimp, Constant Contact, or similar) and social media is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability to travel domestically to the Minneapolis office two or four times a year.

Benefits and Compensation:

Compensation for this position is based upon qualifications and experience, with a starting range of $55,000 - $70,000. IATP offers excellent health insurance, a Health Savings Account (HSA), paid vacation and holidays, sick and safe leave, 403B retirement plan with employer match, employer paid life, AD&D and LTD insurance, and optional employer paid mobile plan. Enjoy a lively, collegial, flexible, and dog-friendly work environment.

How to Apply:

Please combine your resume, cover letter and two samples of your work into a single PDF and submit to jobs@iatp.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting March 16. No phone calls, please.

IATP is committed to the principle of equity. If your experience is close to what we are looking for, please consider applying. Experience comes in many forms — skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We know that diversity makes for the best problem-solving and creative thinking, which is why we are dedicated to adding new perspective to the team and encourage everyone to apply. IATP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other characteristic as established by law.

Application deadline

Mon, 03/16/2026 - 13:03

Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy

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