Job Description

Job Title: Development Director

Location:

Wessels Living History Farm

Pay:

$20/hour

Schedule:

Average 30 hours/week (April-October), 10-20 hours/week (November-March); includes some weekends.

Position Summary

The Development Director serves as a key leader at Wessels Living History Farm, sharing daily operational responsibility with the Education Coordinator and other leadership staff. This position is responsible for ensuring an exceptional guest experience, overseeing daily operations, managing finances, coordinating events, leading marketing and outreach, and driving community engagement. The Development Director plays a vital role in advancing the farm's mission through strategic planning, donor and sponsor relations, and partnership building.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

Share responsibility for opening and closing the farm with other leadership staff. Lead daily operations in collaboration with the Education Coordinator. Schedule staff in alignment with events, open hours, and group visits. Oversee weekend operations on a rotating basis. Maintain inventory, place orders, and manage supply needs.

Guest Services

Ensure guests receive top-tier hospitality and personal attention. Provide engaging tours and facilitate visitor experiences. Meet with guests to schedule and manage private events.

Financial & Administrative

Manage bookkeeping functions, including check writing, deposits, and transfers. Track guest counts, event statistics, and membership data; prepare annual reports and donor communications. Maintain memberships with relevant professional organizations (NAM, BBB, Blue Star Museums, GuideStar, etc.).

Events & Programming

Plan and execute Wessels events, delegating tasks as needed. Work with the Education Coordinator to assess and fulfill volunteer needs. Collaborate with other organizations to create joint programming opportunities.

Marketing, Public Relations & Fundraising

Lead marketing, advertising, and rebranding initiatives. Represent Wessels at community events, service clubs, and tourism groups. Manage donor relations, cultivate sponsorships, and oversee the Partners in Ag Support program. Identify and apply for grant opportunities. Work with York County Visitors Bureau to promote tourism and increase bus tour traffic.

Strategic & Community Engagement

Ensure alignment with the organization's Strategic Plan and track progress. Strengthen partnerships with Scouts, FFA, 4-H, service clubs, and other community groups. Engage with the Ag Committee to evaluate potential agricultural donations.

Qualifications

Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Experience in event planning, fundraising, and marketing. Financial management skills, including basic bookkeeping. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Willingness to work weekends and adjust schedule based on seasonal needs. Passion for agricultural history, education, and community engagement preferred.

Reports To:

Board of Directors / Executive Oversight

Pay: $20,000.00 - $30,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person