Mission, Vision, and Values
The Nashville Food Project brings people together to grow, cook and share nourishing food, with the goals of cultivating community and alleviating hunger in our city. At The Nashville Food Project, we embrace a vision of vibrant community food security in which everyone in Nashville has access to the food they want and need through a just and sustainable food system. This mission and vision are guided by core organizational values, including hospitality, stewardship, interdependence, learning, justice, and transformation.
Organizational Background
The Nashville Food Project (TNFP) was born from the idea that good food is a matter of basic dignity. Since its start in 2007, TNFP has served thousands of Nashvillians facing food insecurity. In 2011, TNFP was incorporated as an independent nonprofit, shifting the focus of its meals program toward a collaborative partnership model and launching an urban agriculture program. Today, TNFP continues to connect people to nourishing food and to each other through vibrant urban agriculture projects, made-from-scratch meals, and food shared with local partners working to disrupt cycles of poverty.
Position Summary
The Strategic Partnerships and Events Manager (SPEM) is a key member of the Development Team, responsible for developing and managing strategic partnerships and leading the successful design, delivery, and growth of TNFP’s events portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Development (DD), the SPEM leads all event related activities, and supports TNFP’s revenue development by managing a donor portfolio in support of a diversified funding strategy.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Event Management
- Lead the planning and execution of Nourish, TNFP’s signature annual fundraising event, including event design, logistics, sponsorships, program elements, and guest experience
- Cultivate and manage strong partnerships with hospitality and restaurant industry stakeholders to enhance fundraising events and in-kind contributions
- Manage all fundraising event logistics including timelines, budgets, vendor/supplier contracts, licensing, permitting, and staffing plans
- Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Manager to develop and implement promotional strategies for all events to maximize reach and engagement
- Meet and exceed ticket sales and fundraising goals for events, with strategic focus on donor cultivation and retention
- Support board members and event committees in auction coordination, restaurant and product donations, and sponsor cultivation
- Identify and pursue new event-based fundraising opportunities, including third-party events, pop-ups, chef collaborations, and community-hosted initiatives that align with TNFP’s mission
- Develop and implement cause marketing partnerships that drive revenue and brand visibility through cross-promotional collaborations with local businesses, particularly in the food and beverage sector
- Coordinate closely with program staff on community-facing engagement events, ensuring alignment with mission and values
- Collaborate with Facilities and Fleet Coordinator on on-site and off -site events
Fundraising
- Work with the DD to support overall fundraising goals through mid-level donor campaigns and relationship management
- Lead donor appreciation eff orts including recognition strategies and stewardship events
- Represent TNFP externally, building visibility and trust in the community through networking, public speaking, and targeted relationship-building with potential supporters, especially within the hospitality industry
