OVERVIEW:
Rural Education and Development (READ) Global is a social entrepreneurial organization that has been implementing educational, economic and social development in rural communities for 17 years. Its unique, proven model involves the building of a library community-center in conjunction with a new local business. The business generates funds to support the library operations, creating a sustainable project instead of a needy open palm. READ Global has built 45 libraries across Nepal and is currently working on its first libraries in India.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
During this exciting time of growth and expansion, it is critical we find an experienced Director of Development who can confidently develop and implement an aggressive strategic development plan. This may include, but will not be limited to, obtaining funds through individual & corporate donors, corporate & private foundations, board relations, online fundraising, direct mail, special events, etc. Other specific responsibilities include:

• Assists with setting realizable goals in support of READ Global’s mission and financial priorities; reviews and approves overall development emphasis and direction through identification of organizational needs and application of strategic goals
• In conjunction with a public relations consultant, oversees the development of collateral materials used in support of achieving the financial goals for the sustainability of the organization
• Oversees the development and implementation of marketing plans for READ Global in support of achieving READ Global’s revenue projection
• Oversees donor recognition and acknowledgement
• Constructs and implements initiatives to significantly increase giving by individuals, focusing on major gifts
• Develops and implements systems, strategies and tactics to significantly increase giving by corporations through marketing, event sponsorship, direct donations and matching donations
• Identifies foundation prospects, and/or supplies leads and contacts to develop winning strategies for improving success rates for all submitted grants
• Researches and develops foundation proposals
• Leads biannual direct mail appeal efforts by working with staff, board members, and READ Global contacts.
• Engages Board Members in fundraising; involves them in READ Global development efforts through the building of major gifts strategies and tactics; and, by encouraging them to contact their friends and colleagues
• Obtains qualified referrals from board members to improve individual, foundation and corporate giving and to obtain board candidates
• Oversees and creates e-mails (HTML and text) and Web pages, database/e-mail list maintenance, and coordinates with staff to ensure proper setup, testing, deployment and tracking of e-mail/online campaigns.
• Builds relationships and earns revenue through READ Global events; seeks corporate and individual sponsors to underwrite costs of events; leverages major donor, corporate and celebrity relationships to maximize revenue; earns revenue through auctions.

  QUALIFICATIONS:
  Our ideal candidate will have at least five years proven leadership experience in international fundraising and development. S/he will posses exceptional business sensibilities, a demonstrated track record of success, and be comfortable with building and guiding a development program to achieve significant fundraising goals. S/he will be highly creative, focused, organized and self-motivated. The ideal candidate will have a proven pro-active attitude and flexibility – as well as a willingness to do what it takes to get the job done.

  Most importantly, our ideal candidate will possess a fervent passion for changing the world through the creation of educational and economic resources that help rural villagers lift themselves out of poverty.

  LOCATION:
  The READ Global Headquarters is currently based in Lake Tahoe, NV but will be permanently relocating to Washington DC at the end of 2008. The Director of Development will need to be comfortable working from home the first few months until our DC office is ready. Ultimately, the Director of Development needs to be available to work daily in our DC office.

  HOW TO APPLY:
  Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter, and salary requirements by May 4, 2008 to: jobs@readglobal.org (no hard copies required). No phone calls please.

  READ Global is an equal opportunity employer that supports a work style yielding pride, ownership, and open communication among staff. We believe that working hard while laughing simultaneously creates both balance and results.

  READ Global: http://www.readglobal.org