Posted on November 14, 2012

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Development Director

BACKGROUND: Reach Out and Read of Greater New York’s (ROR GNY) is a nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud. The program builds on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers to develop critical early reading skills in children, beginning at 6 months of age. As a 501(c)(3) regional affiliate of a national, early literacy program, ROR GNY serves over a quarter of a million children living in poverty at 180 ROR program locations. Our geographic reach includes all five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION: The Development Director, working closely with the Executive Director, will both identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a robust portfolio of strategic relationships with private and corporate foundations, corporate sponsors, individual donors, and government entities to help build ongoing and sustainable support for Reach Out and Read’s activities in the New York City region. Core responsibilities include: prospect research, lead development, grant writing, and fostering institutional relationships that result in long-term support and commitments. ROR GNY seeks a Director who can be a strategic, savvy and effective champion for the organization and its initiatives identifying opportunities, building relationships, and establishing strong partnerships where possible. Experience with major gifts solicitations is a plus, as this individual will be joining a team that is about to embark on a major gifts campaign.

RESPONSIBILITIES, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: The Development Director will effectively leverage his/her own professional network, relationships with members of ROR GNY’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board, and his/her personal knowledge of the landscape of early literacy, education and health care to manage a solicitation strategy that encompasses a range of funders, including private and family foundations, corporate philanthropies, government agencies and individual donors. The Director will draft innovative, compelling, well-written and technically sophisticated grant proposals, letters of solicitation and appeals that will support an increase and diversification of funding for ROR GNY. She/he will also be responsible for overseeing the annual appeal and other special solicitations throughout the year and have experience with major gift solicitations. Additionally, s/he will oversee the effective management of funder relati onships, ensuring quality in service, reporting, and communication. Candidates must be able to work effectively both in person and via a telecommuting relationship with ROR GNY’s Board where appropriate. The candidate will report to the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: The successful candidate will have an exceptional talent for strategically conceptualizing and framing program ideas to a range of internal and external constituencies, and quickly mastering the concepts and language surrounding a particular issue or challenge. S/he will have a proven record of successfully stewarding relationships and cultivating long-term investments from public and private sources, including individuals, foundations, government and corporate donors. Superior oral and written communications skills and the ability to convey complex information in a clear and culturally appropriate way are essential. The ideal candidate will be a high energy, team-oriented individual; someone who possesses flexibility to work in a small, fast-paced office, coupled with a warm, engaging, and sophisticated personal style.

Knowledge of computer systems including Microsoft Office, as well as a command of development office systems (particularly GiftWorks or Raiser’s Edge), web design software (either Dreamweaver or WordPress), and online databases is required. A minimum of five years of direct fundraising and grant writing experience is required, along with a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred). A strong personal commitment to Reach Out and Read’s mission is a plus.

Application Instructions

Due to the pace of this search, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Position open until filled. Applications including a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word format), salary history and where you learned of the position should be sent to: info@reachoutandreadnyc.org . In order to expedite the internal sorting and reviewing process, please type your name (Last, First) as the only content in the subject line of your e-mail.