VP of Development (Chicago)

Context

The Common Market is a nationally recognized nonprofit social enterprise working to build a more resilient and equitable food system one that nourishes communities, strengthens local economies, and uplifts small and mid-scale family farms. Through regional hubs in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Houston, Chicago, and beyond, The Common Market connects values-driven farmers with schools, hospitals, and community institutions, creating supply chains that serve both people and planet. Backed by visionary partners, including The Rockefeller Foundation, major healthcare systems, and schools and universities, The Common Market has demonstrated that values-based procurement can transform regional economies and improve community health at scale.

Now, as the organization enters its next phase of growth, The Common Market is making a bold investment in philanthropy. The Vice President for Development will serve as the organizations first dedicated executive leader for fundraising, tasked with defining how philanthropy and earned revenue work together to accelerate systems change. This is not a maintenance role; it is a rare opportunity to shape a national funding strategy for one of the most innovative food systems enterprises in the country.

Reporting to the co-founders and partnering closely with regional executive directors, the Vice President will help unify national and local fundraising efforts, refine systems and routines, and elevate The Common Markets voice among funders and peers. The ideal candidate will bring both strategic acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. This leader sees philanthropy as catalytic capital and fundraising as a powerful act of partnership. This is an extraordinary opportunity to join a high-impact, mission-driven team at a moment when the demand for resilient, values-based food systems has never been greater.

Role Description

As a core member of The Common Markets leadership team, the Vice President for Development inspires and mobilizes the organization and its funders to invest in a resilient, equitable food system that builds the health and wealth of all people.

This leader champions philanthropy as catalytic capital that bridges innovation, government investment, and market sustainability. They ensure philanthropy works in concert with earned revenue to accelerate systems change, serving as a strategic lever rather than a parallel stream. They translate The Common Markets thought leadership into compelling invitations for investment and partnership, and they build coherence across national and regional fundraising through shared standards, disciplined routines, and accountability for results.

In doing so, the Vice President for Development ensures that philanthropy becomes a driving force for a resilient food future : one where local farmers thrive, communities are nourished, and systems are transformed.

Candidate Profile

The ideal Vice President for Development is a strategist, coach, and connector who brings both vision and structure to the work. They see the big picture how philanthropy, food systems, and community impact intersect and turn that understanding into clear priorities and action. They balance strategy with execution, moving easily between high-level thinking and hands-on problem solving.

They lead through partnership, not ego, believing that great fundraising happens through collaboration and shared success. They build rhythm and structure for the team : routines, accountability, and focus that keep everyone moving forward. They listen deeply, communicate with empathy, and know when to step forward or step back to help others shine.

Curious and entrepreneurial, this person thrives in an evolving, mission-driven environment. They bring a whatever-it-takes energy grounded in discipline and focus. A skilled and persistent fundraiser, they close major commitments with integrity, manage complex portfolios, and use data and systems as tools for insight. As a trusted advisor to the co-founders and leadership team, they amplify The Common Markets thought leadership and help position it as a sector leader in values-based procurement and food-systems innovation.

Snapshot of the Ideal Candidate

• Strategic Integrator : Connects philanthropy, food systems, and community impact; balances big-picture vision with practical execution.
• Collaborative Coach : Leads through partnership, builds confidence across regional teams, and celebrates collective success.
• Relationship Builder : Engages with empathy and curiosity, building authentic trust with funders and partners.
• Entrepreneurial Operator : Adapts quickly, balances creativity with accountability, and turns ideas into results.
• Results-Driven Fundraiser : Closes major gifts, manages high-value portfolios, and uses data for learning and accountability.
• Trusted Partner : Advises co-founders and leadership, amplifying The Common Markets influence and voice.
• Professional Foundation : 5 - 10+ years in philanthropy, social-enterprise fundraising, or related sales-based work; experience leading distributed teams and securing seven-figure commitments; background in food systems or health equity a plus.

POSITION DESCPRITION

Fundraising Leadership

Fundraising Management

Fundraising Execution

Education & Experience

Location & Travel

Other Requirements

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