Business Development Partner (Donor Engagement and Dev Partner)

POSITION: Donor Engagement and Development Partner

SUPERVISOR: Retail Stores Service Manager

STATUS: Salary/Exempt

PAY RANGE: $73,000 - $83,000 Annually

The base pay offered will consider internal equity and may vary based on the candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other factors.

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOOD BANK

The mission of the Food Bank is to mobilize resources to fight hunger in our community. To fulfill our mission, we source and acquire nutritious food and other products and distribute them to people experiencing nutrition insecurity through our partner agency network and directly through programs; energize the community to get involved and support hunger relief; and conduct hunger and nutrition education and awareness campaigns and advocate for public policies that benefit the people we serve. Food Bank employees are hired because of their unique skills, diverse perspective, and their commitment to our mission. This means that each of us, working together, will do all that we can to fulfill our vision that no one goes hungry in Los Angeles County. Our core values include: Respect, Stewardship & Accountability, Collaboration, Urgency, Service, Integrity and Diversity. Our organization is committed to maintaining a positive and engaging workplace for all employees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Donor Engagement and Development Partner is responsible for cultivating and sustaining strong relationships with current, lapsed, and prospective in-kind donors to increase food and nonfood donations that support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank's mission.

Working collaboratively with the Product Acquisition team, Agency Relations team, Feeding America, and external partners, the Partner facilitates effective donation coordination, promotes donor satisfaction, and supports a sustainable pipeline of in-kind contributions. The position also serves as a resource to donors regarding applicable food and grocery industry regulations, including SB 1383, while promoting awareness of food insecurity, food recovery, and the Food Bank's mission.

Reports directly to and receives supervision from the Retail Stores Services Manager, with indirect supervision provided by the Product Acquisition Manager.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Cultivate and Sustain Donor Relationships

• Develop and maintain strong, productive relationships with current in-kind donors through consistent communication, personalized engagement, and timely follow-up.

• Engage with representatives of retail stores, food manufacturers, brokers, food service organizations, and other industry partners, including inventory personnel and regional and district leadership.

• Conduct in-person donor visits at retail stores, regional offices, and other partner locations to reinforce relationships, understand operational needs, and identify opportunities for increased donations.

• Monitor donor engagement and donation activity to identify service gaps, address concerns, and recommend strategies that improve donor satisfaction and retention.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to resolve donor-related challenges and enhance the overall donor partnership experience.

Increase In-Kind Donations and Expand Donor Partnerships

• Identify, cultivate, and secure new in-kind donation opportunities through proactive outreach, cold calling, networking, and lead generation.

• Re-engage lapsed donors to restore partnerships, address barriers to participation, and recover potential donation opportunities.

• Expand and leverage existing donor relationships to increase the frequency, consistency, and volume of food and nonfood donations.

• Evaluate and qualify prospective donor opportunities based on donation potential, product suitability, operational feasibility, and alignment with the Food Bank's needs.

• Maintain an organized pipeline of prospective, active, and lapsed donors to support short-, medium-, and long-term product acquisition goals.

Promote Donor Engagement and Communicate Community Impact

• Deliver presentations and educational outreach to current and prospective donors that communicate the Food Bank's mission, the impact of in-kind donations, and opportunities for partnership.

• Build donor awareness of food insecurity, food recovery, and the value of redirecting surplus products to communities in need.

• Represent the Food Bank professionally during donor meetings, site visits, industry events, and other engagement opportunities.

• Communicate donor program expectations, participation requirements, and available resources to support successful and sustained partnerships.

• Gather donor feedback and identify opportunities to improve engagement strategies, communication, and the donor experience.

Monitor Regulatory Compliance and Donation Practices

• Support donor compliance with applicable food recovery regulations, including SB 1383, through accurate reporting, documentation, and maintenance of donor agreements.

• Educate donors on relevant food and grocery industry regulations, donation requirements, and Food Bank policies to promote responsible and compliant donation practices.

• Maintain accurate donor records, agreements, and related documentation to support regulatory compliance, accountability, and effective partnership management.

• Identify potential compliance gaps or operational challenges and collaborate with appropriate internal stakeholders to recommend corrective actions.

• Participate in Feeding America conferences, meetings, and training opportunities to remain informed of industry developments, best practices, and emerging donor engagement opportunities.

Improve Donation Coordination and Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Product Acquisition, Agency Relations, and other internal teams to coordinate donor contributions and facilitate efficient donation processes.

• Communicate donation opportunities, donor needs, and operational considerations accurately and promptly to support effective planning and product distribution.

• Establish productive working relationships with staff and leadership across departments to support organizational priorities and improve donor service.

• Share donor insights, emerging opportunities, and recommendations that contribute to continuous improvement in donation coordination and donor engagement.

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by department leadership to support evolving organizational and operational needs.

• Performs other such duties and projects as assigned by department leadership. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on business needs.

• Work effectively with other staff members at all levels of responsibility within the Food Bank.

• Duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on business needs

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree preferred, or 3-5 years of relevant experience in sales, marketing, business development, donor relations, account management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in sales, donor development, or business-to-business outreach preferred.

• Experience working with retail, grocery, food manufacturing, food service, or nonprofit organizations preferred.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to deliver presentations, engage in public speaking, and build professional networks.

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to listen actively, evaluate feedback, and respond effectively to donor and stakeholder needs.

• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate qualitative and quantitative information, identify opportunities, and recommend improvements.

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

• Proficiency with video conferencing applications and ability to learn and utilize donor management, reporting, and other organizational systems.

• Ability to communicate accurately, professionally, respectfully, and promptly with external stakeholders and internal team members.

• Strong self-motivation, initiative, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Knowledge of food recovery practices, donation processes, and applicable regulations, including SB 1383, preferred.

• Communicates accurately, honestly, supportively and in a timely manner with external stakeholders and department and interdepartmental team members. Demonstrates strong planning, organizing, time management, and interpersonal skills.

• Passion for the Food Bank's mission and commitment to the values of the organization: collaboration, inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, respect, service, stewardship & accountability.

• Possess a valid California Driver's License and have access to a reliable, insured vehicle. Must be able to travel within Los Angeles County as required. Work assignments may include various facilities and hubs across Los Angeles County, including locations in Los Angeles and the City of Industry, CA. Flexibility to commute between Food Bank facilities as needed is essential.

BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package:

• Medical: Employee HMO coverage as little as $10 per bi-weekly paycheck and access to Nonstop Health funds

• Dental: Employee HMO coverage available at no cost

• Vision: Comprehensive vision insurance with generous allowances for examinations and material costs

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Employer-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability

• Optional Long-Term Care Insurance

• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with expanded Mental Health

• Employee recognition programs

• Growth & career development support for professional certifications and additional training resources

• Vacation: Two weeks annually for the first three years

• Holiday: Nine paid holidays; eligible upon date of hire

• Sick Leave Time available

As a part of the Food Bank's pre-employment screening process, all potential employees are subject to a Criminal Background Check.

In instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is typically considered an essential service and emergency responder; all of its employees may be called in to perform regular or emergent duties.

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is proud to be an "Equal Opportunity Employer." Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. The Food Bank fosters an organizational culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, and serve in a rapidly changing world. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply.