Part-Time Development Manager

First Literacy

Job Description

Can you imagine not being able to read an email? Or not knowing how to sign your name legibly? That is the reality for 32,000,000 adults in the United States. In Massachusetts alone, 17% of adults are considered at risk for difficulties using and comprehending print material.
At First Literacy, we are committed to helping adults in Massachusetts improve their literacy skills so they can succeed in every aspect of their lives. This means helping adult learners continue their education and championing the incredible teachers that are on the front lines of the fight for adult literacy. Through our free professional development workshops for teachers, grants for innovative new programs, and scholarships for adults continuing to higher education or vocational training, we support the continuum of Adult Basic Education and help adult learners achieve their full potential.
First Literacy is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to providing opportunities that promote diversity, growth, and a professional work environment.

Part-Time Development Manager (.5FTE) Hybrid
Specific Responsibilities
Manage and implement First Literacy’s overall fundraising strategy including individual donors, major donors, corporations and foundations, appeals, and special events; supporting the Executive Director and the Board of Directors. 
  • Individual and major donors: Identify prospects, outreach, cultivation, and stewardship. Provide ED with opportunities to engage donors/prospects and create a follow-up plan for any/all contacts. Work with Marketing Director on the annual fund and major donor campaigns, including drafting appeal letters and corresponding thank you notes and overseeing prospect research. 
  • Corporations and Foundations: Responsible for coordinating all grant writing and reporting. Research fundraising opportunities and write grant applications, reports, and related communication. Work with program staff to determine specific financial needs and develop appropriate language for specific asks. Create and update matching gift protocol.
  • Gift processing and database management: Create and manage gift entry protocol in First Literacy’s database management system (CIVI). Process gifts and acknowledgement letters for donations. Create queries and reports for targeted mailings and other data analysis purposes. Maintain gift recognition/stewardship protocol. Encourage Board involvement in gift acknowledgment. Reconcile gifts each month.
  • Events: Responsible for managing all aspects of the annual Spelling Bee, in coordination with the Executive Director and the Board; including actively communicating with Board members on the status of sponsors, maintaining relationships with existing sponsors, prospects and committee members, managing outside vendors, etc. Manage and coordinate small development events including, but not limited to, house parties, peer to peer fundraisers, and Young Professionals’ events. Investigate venues, oversee logistics including contracts and deposits, liaise with event staff. Attend First Literacy events and serve as an ambassador for First Literacy’s work.
  • Board of Directors: Work with Marketing and Communications Director to coordinate monthly meetings of the Development and Communications Committee. Manage Individual Solicitation lists and keep Board members apprised of significant gifts. Communicate needs re: contacts, introductions, etc. Attend bi-monthly Board of Director meetings.
  • Other duties as assigned. 
 Qualifications:
  • A bachelor’s degree preferred.  
  • A minimum of two years related experience.
  • Excellent communication, writing, organization, and administrative skills. 
  • Experience working with a CRM System (ours is CIVI). 
 Position Details: 
This is a .5 FTE Exempt position, with salary range between $31,000 – $34,000, depending on experience. First Literacy contributes 5% of salary to a 403B plan after 3 months of employment. Health benefits are not available for this part-time position. Generous vacation and holidays, as well as flexible work options available. This hybrid position allows for both in-office and home office work; however, the Development Manager is expected to work at the First Literacy office half of their time.   
Application Instructions:
Please submit resume. In lieu of a cover letter, please answer each of the following questions, each in 200 words or less:
  • Why are you interested in this position? 
  • How does a role such as this contribute to the mission of First Literacy? 
  • What does Adult Literacy mean to you? 
 Please send resume and responses to Terry Witherell, Executive Director, at twitherell@firstliteracy.org.