Director of Development

Mission

Books Between Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and distributing books to children in need, ensuring that every child has access to books in their home. Our mission is to build home libraries for children who may not otherwise have books of their own, fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning.

Hiring Goal

We seek a detail-oriented, passionate, and experienced Director of Development to spearhead our fundraising, marketing, and event planning initiatives. This individual will play a crucial role in cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors, organizing impactful fundraising events, and overseeing book collection efforts. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative team player who can excel both in an office environment and actively participate in warehouse activities. Books Between Kids aims to double its book distributions by 2028 under a new strategic plan. 

Position Summary

The Director of Development will advance the mission of Books Between Kids by managing all fundraising activities, donor relations, event planning, and marketing strategies. This role involves overseeing donation processes, planning and executing major fundraising events, preparing grant applications and reports, and nurturing strong relationships with donors. Additionally, the Director of Development will supervise the Book Collection Manager and support book collection efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Create and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan in alignment with the new strategic plan. 
• Oversee portfolio of foundations, corporations, and individuals.
• Identify opportunities to expand and diversify donor base.

Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Develop and implement stewardship initiatives to recognize and appreciate donors at all giving levels, ensuring ongoing donor satisfaction and loyalty. 
• Provide personalized acknowledgements, including preparing letters and making thank you calls. 
• Build and nurture relationships with current and prospective donors. 
• Host donor tours and meetings to engage and inform supporters. 
• Research new donor opportunities to expand the donor base. 
• Work in collaboration with the Volunteer Manager to upgrade volunteers to donors. 

Grant Writing and Management

• Prepare and submit all grants and required reports, including compelling needs statements, narratives, budgets, and required supplemental documents. 
• Ensure all proposals are tailored to meet specific guidelines and interests of each funder. 
• Conduct research to identify potential grant opportunities that align with BBK’s mission. 
• Maintain a detailed calendar of grant deadlines, submission dates, and reporting deadlines. 

Event Planning and Coordination

• Plan and execute all aspects of the two annual fundraising events - Book Bash and Breakfast & Bingo, each with 250-350 attendees. 
• Identify and secure event sponsors and ensure fulfillment of sponsorship benefits. 
• Develop speeches, videos, presentations, talking points, and similar vehicles for management, staff, and board members. 

Marketing and Communications

• Help guide marketing strategies that effectively cross platforms, ensuring cohesive messaging and maximizing outreach across various media channels. 
• Craft and distribute engaging emails using Mailchimp, with a heavy focus on fundraising and events. 
• Serve as a key liaison and community representative for the organization.

Data Management and Reporting

• Process all donations using Little Green Light. 
• Provide regular fundraising updates to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Management 

• Directly manage the Book Collection Manager.
• Oversee book collection efforts to ensure effective operations. 
• Participate in book sorting, moving inventory, and assisting with unloading carloads of books alongside staff, volunteers, and book donors. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of relevant experience in professional fundraising
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and grant writing
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organization skills
• Detail-oriented
• Proven ability to work with diverse groups of individuals
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Able to perform physical tasks in the warehouse, considered medium by federal standards
• Passion for the mission of Books Between Kids and a commitment to fostering a love for reading in children.

 Skills and Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, cloud-based storage, and social media platforms
• Prior experience with constituent relationship management systems
• Good reasoning, conflict-management, and analytical and problem-solving skills
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel within the Houston area, as needed
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends, as required

Location

9947 Harwin Drive, Suite B&C

Houston, TX 77036

Full-time position, in-person, in-office

We are committed to employing a diverse workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.