Vancouver Farmers Market Association
Development Coordinator
Priority deadline: November 20, 2026
Reports To: Director of Programs & Development
Job Status: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt
Schedule: Tuesday through Friday (32 hours per week), plus two Saturdays per month (40 hours those weeks)
Compensation: $23 - $25 per hour (Depending on Experience) and robust benefits package
Start Date: January 12, 2027
Job Summary:
The Development Coordinator supports VFM’s fundraising work by managing the administrative side of development, including grant writing and reporting support, sponsorship coordination, donor database management, prospect research, and fundraising events. This is a new position at the start of a fundraising initiative for VFM, and the Development Coordinator will help build its systems from the ground up and turn a loyal base of market shoppers and community partners into lasting supporters. By owning reliable fundraising administration, systems, and follow-through, the Development Coordinator creates capacity for the Director to focus on fundraising strategy, donor relationships, and revenue growth. This position is a great fit for someone who is extremely organized and enjoys building something new. In the first year, the Development Coordinator will spend time with each of our markets and programs to learn how VFM’s work comes together and how to share its story with funders and donors.
Benefits:
VFM’s benefits package includes the following: employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; annual paid time off that includes sick time, 10 vacation days, 11 holidays, and annual year-end office closure; monthly parking and cell phone stipends; annual clothing reimbursement.
Work environment:
The regular schedule is Tuesday through Friday, plus two Saturdays per month at the Downtown Market. Occasional evening or weekend work is also required for events and fundraisers. Because VFM is a community-driven organization, the majority of our work is conducted in person, though some hybrid work options are available. This position participates in markets and programs to develop firsthand knowledge of VFM's work and support donor engagement. Routine program and market staffing coverage is not a primary responsibility but occasional organization-wide support may be needed.
About Vancouver Farmers Market Association
Vancouver Farmers Market Association’s mission is to build healthy communities through placemaking, increased access to healthy food, youth education, and supporting a thriving small business community. Since its founding in 1990, VFM has become a hallmark of Vancouver, operating a year-round flagship market in downtown Vancouver, as well as a seasonal market in East Vancouver and an annual holiday market. VFM supports more than 290 small businesses, welcoming more than 500,000 shoppers annually, and generating a local economic impact exceeding $28 million. VFM currently has 8 full-time and 9 part-time employees.
We operate from our core values of collaboration, dedication, growth, leadership, and service to the community. Joining our team means becoming part of a small, collaborative group of professionals dedicated to making a positive impact, supporting small businesses, and uplifting each other while fostering a vibrant and healthy community.
Link to our 2025 Impact Report
Link to our Strategic Plan Overview
Job Duties and Responsibilities
The following is a summary of the typical functions, not a list of all responsibilities, tasks, and duties. This role may take on additional duties that support and further the mission, vision, and goals of the Vancouver Farmers Market Association.
Grants and Research
- Support grant applications and reports by gathering program/market information, data, and budgets
- Maintain a calendar of grant deadlines, reports, and renewals, and track grant agreements and reporting requirements
- Research prospective funders, sponsors, and donors, and gather stories, photos, and program data that help share VFM’s impact
Donors and Sponsors
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date donor, sponsor, and funder records in VFM’s donor database
- Coordinate fundraising appeals and donor communications, including preparing segmented lists, drafting materials, scheduling outreach, and tracking responses and follow-up
- Support timely donor acknowledgments and stewardship, including VFM’s monthly donor program
- Coordinate sponsorships, including scheduling, sponsor communications, and invoicing
Events and Board Support
- Support planning and logistics for annual fundraising dinner and other fundraising events
- Help plan quarterly donor events, and lead donor tours of our markets and programs that share VFM’s work and impact
- Assist with VFM Foundation Board activities, including board packets and communications
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
Mission, Vision, and Values Alignment with VFM: Commitment to and passion for building healthy communities through placemaking, increased access to healthy food, youth education, and supporting a thriving small business community. Rooted in values of collaboration, dedication, growth, leadership, and community.
Experience: At least 2 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Organization and Systems: Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines. Interest in building processes that make work easier for a small team.
Communication Skills: Strong writing and interpersonal communication skills.
Donor Relations: Comfortable talking with donors, sponsors, and community members about VFM’s work, and confident inviting them to give, whether in conversation, by email, or on a tour of the market.
Proficiency with technology: Comfort with standard office software and databases, and willingness to learn new tools, including donor management software.
Additional desirable qualities, skills, and experience
- Experience with grant writing, donor databases, or fundraising events
- Understanding of local food systems, community needs, and small business development
- Working relationships in Clark County and the surrounding areas
- Able to speak a language other than English
Physical Requirements and Accessibility
- Ability to work occasional long days and outdoors year-round in all weather, including walking, standing, and lifting up to 40 lbs
- Ability to work in sensory-rich environments with large crowds, food messes/spills, varying temperatures, and loud noises
- Frequent sitting, typing, and computer work
The Vancouver Farmers Market is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified individuals in accordance with the law without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, political opinion, sex, national origin, familial status, mental and physical disability, gender identity, source of income, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law in all personnel actions including recruitment, evaluation, selection, promotion, compensation, training, and termination. Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. VFM is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications as described or if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for or perform job duties. If you need an accommodation at any point in the hiring process, please reach out to us.