Director of Development

Spread the Word Nevada was formed in February 2001 by Co-Founders, Laurie Hartig and Lisa Habighorst.

Spread the Word Nevada is dedicated to advancing early childhood literacy by placing books into the homes of children within Nevada's at-risk, low-income communities. Through community collaboration, mentorship and family partnership programs, Spread the Word Nevada fosters reading and language development opportunities leading to brighter academic and economic futures for these children. We are dedicated to changing the lives of at-risk children, one book at a time.

Spread the Word Nevada has various programs that support, coordinate, and facilitate to advance childhood literacy. Programs include the Kids-to-Kids program, the Breakfast/Snack Time with Books program, the Books & Buddies program, and the Readers in Training program. Currently, the Organization's programs are being implemented, supported, and utilized in a continuously growing number of elementary schools throughout the Greater Las Vegas Valley, Washoe, and Elko Counties in Nevada.

Spread the Word Nevada strives to recruit a diverse team of leaders. We believe there is a transformative academic and social benefit for children when their Program Directors, Managers, Facilitators, Coordinators and Volunteers reflect a diversity of backgrounds. Spread the Word Nevada is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment for all, which is confirmed through a regular employee satisfaction survey.

The Director of Development plans, organizes, directs, and helps implement all Spread the Word Nevada's fundraising efforts, and serves as a member of the organization's executive leadership team.

• Drive major fundraising initiatives for STWN to meet an annual budget of $3.5M, including (but not limited to):
  • Procure program and event sponsorships
  • Working in collaboration with other team members, secure revenue through the following:
    • Corporate/Foundation Giving (in conjunction with Grant Writer)
    • Major Gifts (in conjunction with CEO)
    • Legacy Giving (in conjunction with CEO and STWN Brokerage Firm)
    • Capital Campaign Giving (in conjunction with CEO & Grant Writer)
  • Oversee smaller fundraising initiatives, managed by the Development Manager:
    • Annual Giving
    • Monthly Giving
    • Virtual Book Drives
    • "Gift of Reading" (tribute) Gifts
    • Third Party Fundraisers
  • Research new potential donors and strategize engagement opportunities.
  • Cultivate all donors by engaging them in school openings, program events, book distributions, fundraising events, etc.
  • Prepare fundraising proposals for donors and meet with them to discuss the funding opportunities.
  • Steward all donors through thank you notes, tours of the STWN headquarters, annual report distributions, etc.
  • Work with Marketing Manager to produce impact reports for supporters as needed.
  • Attend networking events, chamber meetings, or other public appearances within the community to keep current on philanthropic giving.
  • Serve as a representative for STWN at select events.

• Direct the strategy and oversee execution of all marketing and public communication efforts for STWN, including social media, newsletters, TV appearances, print publications, online publications, promotional collateral, etc.
• Secure in-kind media coverage of events, fundraisers, and promotions.
• Monitor progress and institute strategies based on success and the organization's short/long-term needs.

• Plan and execute the Annual Storybook Gala. Duties include (but are not limited to):

  • Sell 60+ table sponsorships and manage the back-end financial needs for these gifts.
  • Secure an in-kind "Library of Dreams" sponsor.
  • Oversee and assist in the procurement of 90 silent auction items and 10 live auction items.
  • Oversee and assist in the production of all marketing collateral (print and digital) related to the event, including night of show assets.
  • Write all speeches and public communications for the event (including CEO & Board Chair speeches, and detailed show script).
  • Orchestrate all logistics for the night of, including set up, décor, F&B, vendor management, entertainment, host property needs, software needs, financial processing, run of show, staffing, etc. (in conjunction with Event Contractor)
  • Steward all event donors afterward.

• Plan and execute any other miscellaneous events for the organization (examples include ribbon cuttings, the "Speaker Series" event, celebrations, etc.)

• Build and maintain relationships with key government agencies and officials.
• Serve as a liaison to STWN's contracted federal lobbyist.
• Assist grant writer and CEO in securing local, state, and federal grant funding.
• Travel, as needed, to meetings with state and federal representatives (particularly when the NV legislature is in session each biennium).

• Forecast, create and oversee day-to-day management of department budget.
• Participate in strategic planning with the executive team.
• Represent Development department at executive staff meetings and relay information to the team when appropriate.
• Supervise the Marketing Manager (with downline supervision of Marketing Coordinator) and the Development Manager. Duties include monthly one-on-one meetings, annual evaluations, scheduling, and managing day-t-day needs.

• Minimum of 5 years' development experience with at least 3 years of management experience
• College Degree required; master's degree preferred
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred

• Demonstrated success in fund development
• Superior public speaking skills and writing skills
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and sector trends
• Knowledge of federal and state legislation affecting charities
• History of successfully managing and planning events
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Must be able to work weekends and evenings, when necessary

• Valid Nevada State Drivers' License
• Current Nevada State Driving Record

Below are some of the qualities a Director of Development will exhibit:

• Passion for the mission
• Strong leadership abilities
• Creative and innovative
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to work under tight deadlines
• Ethical behavior
• Donor-centered with a focus on building long-term relationships
• Commitment to fostering teamwork
• Leading by example through thoughtful planning and decision making
• Strong organizational skills
• Problem solving capabilities

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• The position requires travel within the local area to office and business locations to conduct business transactions. This involves exposure to weather conditions, traveling to and from buildings, and operating a vehicle.
• Must be able to remain stationary when in the office.
• Frequently communicates with co-workers and clients/visitors in person and over the telephone to answer questions and provide support.
• Must articulate concepts and ideas clearly, concisely, and accurately.
• Must assess problems, provide solutions, and use good judgment.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms, lift up to 25 pounds, climb/balance, stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl, and push/pull file cabinet drawers.
• Must be able to identify and assess information on computer screens and written reports and documentation and record accurate written and electronic messages and reports.
• Requires distinguishing letters or symbols and eye/hand coordination.
• Ability to Comply with the Company Drug and Alcohol Policy as a requirement of a position that could adversely affect the safety of others.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to excessive heat and wet and/or humid outside conditions. Due to working in the office, warehouse, and/or school setting, the noise level in the environment is moderate to high.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee incumbent in this position. Scheduled hours may change based on business needs. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by anyone authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to accommodate individuals with disabilities reasonably. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to their health, safety, or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

The Organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer, a drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

• Detailed resume listing relevant qualifications and experience;
• Cover Letter indicating why you are a good fit for the position and Spread the Word Nevada.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Supervises: Marketing Manager & Development Manager

Salary: $80k to $90k per year

Status: Full-Time Exempt

Benefits: 401k, Health, Vision, Dental, Volunteer Life Insurance, 11 paid Holidays, Paid Time Off