About this role
About the Role Reading Partners is seeking a strategic and highly collaborative VP of Development to serve as the chief architect of the organization's national fundraising strategy. This role reports to the CEO and leads a national-and-regional fundraising effort, guiding a small team and positioning the organization for sustainable growth and a trajectory toward the C-suite.
What You'll Do
- Design and execute a 3-to-5-year development plan and lead capital campaign style initiatives to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
- Manage the CEO's fundraising portfolio by setting strategy, preparing pitches, and serving as a thought partner to successfully steward and close 7- and 8-figure gifts.
- Directly manage a team of up to five FTEs, including a Managing Director of Development (once hired), Marketing and Communications lead, and Development Operations lead.
- Provide oversight and support to the regional development teams, providing the coaching and systems necessary for regions to meet their individual fundraising targets.
- Maintain a personal portfolio of $2M–$4M, effectively cultivating, closing, and stewarding donors.
- Provide real-time, data-driven reporting to the executive team and board regarding pipeline health and progress toward goals.
- Actively participate in senior leadership activities, demonstrating the readiness to elevate the role from VP to Chief Development Officer within 12-18 months.
- Partner closely with other revenue-generating departments and regional leaders to ensure development strategies are integrated and collaborative across the broader organization.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with the National Board of Directors, stewarding key members and leveraging their networks for organizational growth.
What We're Looking For
- A minimum of ten years of work experience, including at least five years of experience in senior external leadership/fundraising roles.
- Proven track record of fundraising success, raising upwards of $7M annually in a nonprofit setting.