About the Organization

Libraries Without Borders (LWB US) is an education nonprofit committed to providing equal access to information and knowledge to communities in need. We partner with libraries, schools, tutoring programs, and local nonprofits to transform laundromats, housing lobbies, parks, and a variety of public spaces into places of lifelong learning—from basic reading, writing, and computer skills to health, legal, and financial literacy. By equipping local organizations and leaders with the tools and training they need to provide relevant and reliable information to their communities, we meet people where they are, bridge the digital divide, fight poverty, promote civic engagement and strengthen communities. Our US programs have won numerous awards, including the Google Impact Challenge and the Library of Congress International Literacy Award.

Our Values in Action

LWB US believes that equal access to information and knowledge is critical for achieving economic and racial equity. By partnering with libraries, nonprofit organizations, civic associations, and other stakeholders, we reimagine and reinvent public spaces to deliver programs in places where people live, work, and connect with other members of their community. From public parks in Detroit to laundromats in Oakland and San Antonio, from manufactured housing communities in Minnesota to houses of worship in Baltimore, we meet people where they are and connect them to relevant resources and reliable information.

Through a focus on human-centered design and community-based participatory research, we create programs that respond to immediate needs, adapt to ever-changing circumstances, and promote local capacity building to enable long-term, sustainable progress.

About the Role

The Director of Development will be responsible for spearheading the development efforts of LWB US as the organization goes through a period of rapid growth. A new position in the organization, the Director of Development will have the opportunity to shape fundraising and development functions in line with both the short- and long-term needs of the organization. They will work closely with the Executive Director, Development Manager, and Board of Directors to define fundraising goals for LWB US, as well as develop a clear and actionable strategy that positions the organization to achieve its strategic and operational goals.

The Director will be expected to manage relationships with high net worth individual donors, family foundations, as well as the bidding process for federal, state, and local funds. In addition, the Director will be responsible for understanding and communicating the scope of LWB US’ work through oral and written communication with individuals and funding organizations nationally. The Director will join a leadership team with the Executive Director and Deputy Director in shaping the strategic focus, priorities, and impact of LWB US.

Who We’re Looking For

LWB US seeks a highly organized, strategic, adaptable, detail-oriented, and people-centered leader with a demonstrated commitment to racial and economic justice. We would prefer candidates with 6+ years of experience with demonstrated success identifying potential donors and supporters, managing donor relationships, developing corporate partnerships, and earning public dollars. The Director’s experience should be relevant to projects in education, literacy, social enterprise, or social justice.

While LWB US operates programs in specific cities, the Director of Development position is currently remote.
 

Please note:

• The Director of Development may travel up to 10 business days per month, as needed, domestically and internationally.
• This is a Full Time Exempt position requiring flexibility to work evening and weekend hours as needed for meetings and projects.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates strongly preferred. French Fluency is preferred but not required.
   

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Libraries Without Borders is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to be a workplace where people thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work every day. We would like to see our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion reflected in the candidate pool for this vital position.

 

Core Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Development Manager to oversee grants from application to reporting.
• Collaborate with the Development Manager to maintain, develop, and deepen relationships with relevant family foundations and national donor organizations.
• Collaborate with the Development Manager to grow individual donor giving campaigns.
• Collaborate with the Development Manager, Executive Director, and Board of Directors to create a development strategy that increases LWB US revenue streams and brand awareness
• Develop, maintain, and deepen relationships with existing and prospective high net worth individual donors.
• Liaise with the Board of Directors and keep members apprised of the organization’s development efforts through periodic reports and updates
• Manage quarterly fundraising goals, as determined in concert with the Executive Director and relevant parties
• Re-establish and oversee LWB US advisory council, planning a minimum of two meetings per year and ensuring council members stay up to date with LWB US activities and needs, in tandem with the Executive Director
• Identify federal, state, and local funding opportunities.
• Create and implement corporate partnership strategy.
• Plan special events, online and in person, and other opportunities to grow support for LWB US.

What We Offer

• Salary: $80,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits: Health insurance (including dental, mental health, vision)
• Vacation: 20 days of PTO, including sick days
• Professional development: generous annual stipend

Timeline

• We are looking to hire immediately!
• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled
• Anticipated start date December 2021 or January 2022

Interested?

Please send an email titled, “Director of Development” to jobs@librarieswithoutborders.us with the following information:

• Resume (1 page)
• Cover letter (1 page)
• Three references
• Writing samples
  • 1 grant application with corresponding report
  • 1 successful written or recorded pitch to individuals donors or corporate partners
• Development experience
  • Please include examples of prior professional development and fundraising success (e.g., grants awarded, new donor acquisition, a multi-year strategic development plan)

Apply online here

Submit specified application materials to jobs@librarieswithoutborders.us.