Director of Development

Literacy Inc. (LINC) is an award-winning organization that mobilizes resources in high-need communities to surround children with a literacy-rich environment at home, school, and in their neighborhood. Our 2-Gen community-based approach fosters early literacy development to nurture generations of lifelong learners and empowers  parents to become literacy advocates.  LINC’s vision is to harness the power that exists in every community to make literacy a value and a right of all children.

A pioneer in the field of early literacy, LINC leads several collective impact initiatives in addition to its community-based programming, and was recently awarded the 2018 and 2019 Nonprofit Excellence Awards.  For more information, visit www.lincnyc.org.

Position Summary: 

We are looking for a creative and strategic leader to join us as the Director of Development - at this time of rapid growth and exciting opportunities. Reporting to the Executive Director and supported by a strong development team consisting of 4 staff members (grants, individual, corporate, development coordinator), the Director will lead and manage the annual fundraising to raise $5+ million annually in order to support LINC’s year-round programming. In most years, LINC has over 80% of the budget committed in categories of foundations, corporations and government funding, with the vast majority from renewed supporters. LINC has an engaged and generous Board and a dynamic Executive Director committed to our fundraising efforts. 

Responsibilities: 

Provides leadership in LINC's fundraising and development process: 

● Understand and advocate for LINC's mission 

● Develop a long-term strategy for major gifts, foundations, corporations and government agencies, driving execution with the Executive Director, Board and staff. 

● Steward high potential individual donors, foundations and corporations in partnership with the Executive Director, and engage the Board, and staff to build strong relationships 

● Manage major gifts solicitation and reporting process, including drafting and editing materials, to ensure timely submissions of proposals and reports 

● Work with the development team to coordinate special events, including the annual gala and other cultivation, and fundraising events 

● Organize site visits for potential and current supporters 

● Prepare, update and conduct presentations 

Oversees and analyzes development and fundraising data: 

● Work with staff to ensure our database is comprehensive, and donor records are up-to-date 

● Ensure donor base is segmented accurately 

● Research and identify potential corporate, foundation and individual prospects for cultivation 

● Develop and run reports to monitor and analyze giving at LINC 

● Use data to create strategies for increased giving and improvement to LINC's development process 

Participates in the management of the Board of Directors and ancillary boards: 

● Develop Board support materials in conjunction with LINC staff 

● Work closely with the Executive Director to structure and implement the Board development strategy 

● Manage Board members towards higher levels of engagement 

● Debrief Executive Director pursuant to meetings with Board members, prospects and donors and create a tracking system that reflects these activities 

Partners with communication staff and Deputy Director to develop and implement the LINC Communications Plan

• Ensures that LINC communications plan is integrated with the fundraising annual plan to support the fundraising and cultivation efforts 
• Drive strategy for the fundraising communications plan
• Work in collaboration with the communications team to produce compelling content

Performs other related tasks as assigned. 

Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree required 
• Minimum of 8 years' experience in fundraising and development 
• Solid track record of closing high-level individual solicitations, overseeing large-scale and small cultivation events, managing a team, and leading a comprehensive fundraising program.
• Proficiency with donor management systems required, working knowledge of Salesforce a plus
• Excellent writing, computer, and interpersonal communication skills 
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and move projects forward 
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a diverse team

Additional Skills/Qualifications: 

Belief in the power of reading to change lives 

Highly organized, with an eye for detail 

Strong analytical ability 

Works independently and as a strong member of a diverse team 

Salary range: $90,000 - $125,000 depending on experience

We offer a generous compensation package, commensurate with the experience level. Work schedule, flexibility, and other details are negotiable for the right candidate. 

To submit an application, please email your cover letter, resume, and work samples to Eliana Godoy, Deputy Director, egodoy@lincnyc.org, with the subject line: Director of Development