Description
The Opportunity
Chatham Literacy was created in 1988 as a “friends helping neighbors” group and was reorganized in 2008 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Working in partnership with local businesses and other non-profits, the organization enlists and trains volunteer tutors and provides services to adults who live or work in Chatham County. With an annual operating budget of $525,000, Chatham Literacy provides a critical service that helps adults develop the educational and literacy skills they need to reach their goals.
Chatham Literacy is seeking a Development Director to report to the Executive Director and work in partnership with her and members of the Board to secure philanthropic support.
The Organization
Chatham Literacy, formally known as the Chatham County Literacy Council, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Siler City and Pittsboro and serves adults who live or work in Chatham County, North Carolina. Founded in 1988 by community volunteers, it expanded its services and organized as a formal nonprofit in 2008.
Our mission is to help adults develop the literacy and educational skills they need to function successfully in society and achieve personal and professional goals. The organization is community based and driven largely by volunteers. We partner with local organizations to recruit and train volunteer tutors and to provide free, confidential adult education. With an annual operating budget of $525,000, Chatham Literacy provides a critical service that helps adults develop the educational, literacy, and life skills they need to reach their goals.
Chatham Literacy transforms lives in the following three areas:
1) Traditional Literacy - we help adults improve their basic education such as reading, writing, and math; to prepare for the GED or high school diploma; to enroll in a vocational degree; or to ready themselves for training opportunities to advance their work.
2) Civics and Language Literacy - we teach English language learners how to speak, read, write, and understand English, and we prepare adults for the US citizenship exam.
3) Life Skills Literacy - we prepare adults for expectations and norms in today’s workplace by offering digital literacy, financial literacy, and other literacy-related services tailored to meet an individual’s needs. In Chatham County, 9.10% of the population over 25 years old do not have a high school degree and 11% of adults live below the poverty line.
Through personalized tutoring, Chatham Literacy helps adult learners build confidence and a sense of pride—empowering them to improve their own lives and contribute more fully to the community.
Chatham Literacy is looking for a Development Director who will partner with our Executive Director and Board members to build relationships, grow community support, and secure the funding that fuels our mission.
The Position
As a key member of a dedicated team of five full-time and three part-time program coordinators and operating staff, the Development Director is responsible for strategizing, developing, and implementing fundraising plans to support the work, growth, and sustainability of Chatham Literacy.
The Development Director will work in partnership with the Executive Director and members of the Board to build upon the current fundraising effort, which is rooted in a strong strategic plan. The annual revenue goal is $525,000, which supports programs and partnerships that serve adults. Based on previous years, this revenue goal is expected to increase by 15% every year as we increase the number of programs and people served.
Requirements
Qualifications/Experience:
Development experience: At least three years of experience as a frontline fundraising professional with a nonprofit organization, focusing on fund development, including annual giving, grants, special events, online giving, and capital campaigns.
Knowledge of the nonprofit sector: Understanding of development related regulations, best practices, and current trends.
Passion for literacy: Deep commitment to the mission of promoting literacy and improving the goals of Chatham Literacy.
Experience building development plans focused on corporate, foundation and individual donors with strategies around annual and multi-year gifts.
Proven ability to analyze, evaluate, and prepare reports regarding development results, which track towards annual goals.
Candidate Competencies:
Strong interpersonal skills: Ability to build rapport with diverse individuals and cultivate long-term donor relationships.
Excellent written and verbal communication: Crafting compelling development materials, proposals, and presentations.
Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task.
Computer proficiency, including prior experience with using a donor database. Available to work some evenings and weekends.
A bachelor's degree is required; a master’s degree is a plus.
Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
Dependable and demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups and in a team oriented environment.
Special Note or Consideration: Spanish fluency (written and verbal) is a plus.
