Organizational Overview
Currently in Massachusetts, two thirds of children from low-income families enter kindergarten without the literacy skills they need to succeed. Raising A Reader MA (RAR-MA) directly addresses this need by providing the books and family education to ensure all children enter kindergarten with a foundation for success. Since its founding in 2006, RAR-MA annually serves approximately 7,500 children. Over the next few years, RAR-MA plans to deepen its impact in Massachusetts. We are seeking an experienced, well-connected development professional to refine our development strategy and lead fundraising, with a particular focus on increasing individual and corporate giving.
Position Summary
The Director of Development (DOD) will report to the Executive Director and participate as a member of a three-person Executive Leadership Team, which includes the Director of Programs. The Director of Development is responsible for working with the Executive Director and Board of Directors and is the primary staff liaison to the Development Committee and Marketing and Communications Committee, to strategically target development efforts to grow revenues and relationships over time and increase the community of funders. The Director of Development will lead and be supported by the Development Team which includes a part-time remote contract Grant Manager, a full-time Development and Communications Manager, and a part-time remote Executive Admin and Data Analytics Manager.
The DOD provides high level strategic leadership, execution, and operational management of the organization’s current and future development activities, while also focusing on increasing the organization's ability to attract and retain donors. The DOD is responsible for creating annual and multi-year strategic development plans and for providing leadership and oversight for all fundraising activities including major gifts, annual funds, special events, corporate, foundation, and government support, and new opportunities. Currently the organization raises approximately $750,000-$900,000 per year through philanthropic support from foundations, corporations, and individuals.
The successful candidate will be drawn to the RAR-MA team culture that values a close, congenial spirit of family and is laser focused on the mission and the beneficiary communities, partners, and families, while creating a donor centric relationship with funders. Our team works co-creatively, cooperatively, and collaboratively. Since RAR-MA operates in Boston and Gateway cities across the Commonwealth, RAR-MA staff is adept at working collaboratively and remotely using electronic shared resources. Work time for the Director of Development can be flexible with in-office time and remote work, while recognizing that donor meetings, board meetings, networking and industry events, and other needs may require flexibility throughout the day and evening.
Key Responsibilities
Development Strategy
Development Execution
Qualifications
RAR-MA encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position. Raising A Reader MA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating a multicultural organization. We celebrate the diversity of our world and our community, and we seek to build a team that reflects that strength.
This position is full-time, based in Boston, MA and with some remote work flexibility. The annual salary of $100K is commensurate with experience. RAR-MA offers a competitive benefits package and a flexible, collaborative environment as part of the overall compensation considerations.
Note: Vaccination is a condition of employment. RAR-MA has a vaccination policy that was created based on the information available from the CDC and local authorities as of 09/01/2021. We understand that information is evolving daily, and we reserve the right to amend and/or update the policy based on updated guidance from the CDC, local authorities, and/or business needs.
To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, as well as a writing sample, to careers@raisingareaderma.org. Please state where you learned of this opportunity.
Please note that we will be reviewing application submissions on a rolling basis and expect to begin the interview process after January 1, 2023, in order to meet year-end priorities and dedicate our full attention to the hiring process. We hope to have the Director of Development in place by the end of the first quarter of 2023.
https://raisingareaderma.org/
Raising A Reader Massachusetts is an early literacy family engagement organization. Our mission is to close the literacy opportunity gap among children ages birth to age six in under-resourced communities by helping families develop and practice shared home reading habits.