Development Associate

Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Working in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments, we develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children, and support girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond.

Job Summary

The Development Associate, North America is an integral part of Room to Read’s North America Development team and is based in our San Francisco office reporting directly to the Associate Development Director, North America. S/he plays a key role in the implementation of Room to Read’s fundraising throughout the Western U.S. and Canada, focused on the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors and prospects. The Development Associate is expected to travel approximately 20% annually and is highly focused on developing relationships, renewing and upgrading annual gifts, and providing strong customer service to our donors.

Room to Read is looking for a dynamic, personable, results-oriented person to continue to grow our success in the North American market. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated team player who is committed to our cause and has a track record of delivering fundraising results.

Responsibilities

• Raise a minimum of $750,000 per year by managing a portfolio of 150-200 major donor prospects. This includes identifying new donors, renewing existing donors, and upgrading current donors at the $5,000-$100,000+ levels.
• Using sound fundraising principles, develop donor engagement and cultivation strategies that utilize the expertise of key Room to Read staff and leadership in deepening donors’ commitment to the organization. Build long-term relationships with donors and prospects, identifying, cultivating, and stewarding their interests.
• Support the work of the Associate Development Director as required, including: managing high level events and senior leadership engagements in the region, regional business planning, income tracking and forecasting, proposal development, and reporting.
• Collaborate with other Development team members and Room to Read’s volunteer chapter network to maximize opportunities for corporate, community, student, and other giving channels.
• Represent Room to Read at fundraising and awareness-building events, through external presentations, and in donor cultivation meetings. Stay current with organizational strategies and program details and plans in order to recommend potential funding opportunities to donors.
• Conduct initial exploratory meetings with prospects to determine capacity and interest in supporting Room to Read at the major gift level. As appropriate, take the lead on new fundraising opportunities in the North America market.
• Work closely with the Development Associate, Chapters & Events to plan major donor cultivation and stewardship events, identify new major donors, steward existing donors, and identify additional fundraising opportunities.
• Play an active role in the department’s High Net Worth resource group.
• With support from the Development Analyst, maintain accurate donor records and track contact in moves management system.
• Manage temporary administrative staff, interns, and volunteers as necessary.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3-5 years professional fundraising experience in a fast-paced, growth-oriented organization with proven experience in cultivating donors and securing five-figure and higher donations
• Ability to design, implement, and direct fundraising initiatives, including individualized cultivation, solicitation, and recognition strategies
• History of dedicated volunteer activity and/or commitment to non-profit organizations
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office applications
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, particularly presentation skills
• Ability to work thoughtfully and collaboratively with diverse groups of people
• Highly organized, detail oriented, and self-motivated
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously and take initiative
• Strong work ethic and sense of humor
• Willingness to travel 20% of the time, primarily within the western U.S. and Canada
• Legally eligible to work in the United States; no sponsorship provided

PREFERRED

• Experience working with databases, specifically Raiser's Edge and Salesforce
• Experience living or working internationally
• Track record of fundraising for international programs

TO BE SUCCESSFUL AS A MEMBER OF THE ROOM TO READ TEAM, YOU WILL ALSO:

• Have a passion for our mission and a strong desire to impact an up-and-coming non-profit organization
• Be an innovative and creative thinker - you are not afraid to try something new and inspire others to do so
• Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness
• Have a strong work ethic, take initiative, and require minimal direction
• Work well independently as well as part of a team
• Thrive in a fast-paced and fun environment