Development Director

OPEN BOOKS SEEKS A DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

In spring 2009, Open Books will open Chicago’s first nonprofit literacy bookstore -- a fun, funky, colorful, and comfortable place where the sale of more than 50,000 used books on the first floor will fund a spectrum of adult and family literacy programs upstairs. Also included are a café for book group meetings and special events, a computer lab for computer literacy classes, and an office for YOU: our fabulous fundraiser, gifted grantwriter, enthusiastic extrovert, and all-around brand-new, book-inspired, blue-ribbon Director of Development.

If you love reading and bookstores, fit the following requirements, and want to be part of our story, we can’t wait to hear from you. Please send your resume and a literate, creative cover letter to Stacy Ratner (sratner@open-books.org).

Job Responsibilities:

• Create and lead total development plan for Open Books, including: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and recognition of individual and corporate donors, planning and execution of capital campaigns, researching and managing grant applications, assisting with special fundraising events, and creation of annual fund / endowment
• Oversee and direct all aspects of development department, including hiring and management of staff, development and monitoring of budgets, and planning and evaluation of systems
• Assist in developing the overall budget
• Provide vision and guidance to the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and executive team on increasing and strengthening funding base
• Represent Open Books at relevant meetings, conferences, and events
• Recommend short- and long-term goals and objectives for Open Books
• Participate enthusiastically and energetically in making Open Books the headquarters of creative literacy initiatives across Chicago

Requirements:

• At least 2 years of experience managing nonprofit development
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grantwriting, and donor contributions
• Strong computer skills and comfort with the Internet
• Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to make convincing presentations
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write compelling documents
• Excellent time and resource management skills, including strong organization ability
• Entrepreneurial, friendly, upbeat, and enthusiastic mindset

Compensation and Benefits:

• $60k salary range, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Health insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield)
• Flexible working arrangement and vacation policy
• Free books
• Media opportunities
• Energetic, exciting, and casual work environment in a rocking River North loft

For more information on Open Books, visit us at www.open-books.org.