Chief Development Officer

Ready Readers is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our next phase of growth. Serving more than 20,000 children annually, Ready Readers is at a pivotal moment with a clear goal to significantly expand our reach and impact over the next 5–6 years. The CDO will play a central role in making that vision possible. The Chief Development Officer is a member of the executive leadership team and is an ideal opportunity for a strategic, growth-oriented leader. The CDO is responsible for designing and leading a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy that drives significant and sustainable revenue growth. This role goes beyond managing fundraising activities. The CDO will: Set the long-term direction for philanthropy at Ready Readers Build and strengthen major donor relationships Lead and develop a high-performing team Partner closely with the Executive Director and Board The CDO will balance strategic leadership with direct donor engagement, personally managing a portfolio of key donors while building the systems and structure needed to scale. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and lead a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational growth goals that includes diversified funding streams Assess and refine revenue streams to maximize sustainability and return on investment Establish clear metrics and dashboards to track progress and inform decisions Serve as a visible external leader in the community Major Gifts & Donor Engagement Personally manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects Partner with the Executive Director and Board to expand relationships with transformational donors Lead strategies to deepen engagement and re-engage lapsed supporters Establish and follow a moves management process for themselves, the Executive Director and others responsible for donor relationships Team Leadership Lead and develop a team responsible for grant writing and reporting, donor services, and marketing Ensure alignment between daily work and long-term revenue goals Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement Board & Executive Partnership Serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director in fundraising and external engagement Strengthen Board participation in fundraising through coaching, tools, and systems Revenue Programs & Systems Oversee all fundraising efforts, including individual giving, campaigns, grants, sponsorships, and planned giving Ensure systems, processes, and staffing are aligned to support long-term growth Equity & Donor Experience Ensure fundraising practices reflect Ready Readers’ commitment to equity and relationship‑centered work Lead the development of stewardship strategies that deepen trust and increase donor retention Qualifications Bachelor’s degree (or comparable experience) and 7–10+ years of progressive development experience, including leadership of fundraising strategy Demonstrated success growing revenue, particularly through major gifts and multi-year strategies Demonstrated success in personally cultivating and closing major gifts Experience managing and developing high‑performing teams Strong partnership skills with executive leadership and boards Ability to translate data into strategy and action Exceptional relationship‑building and communication skills Commitment to Ready Readers mission and to advancing equity in literacy access Proficiency with donor databases; advanced Excel and Word skills preferred Use of personal vehicle required to travel to community events Travel on a regular basis within the St. Louis metro area required Ability to work some evenings and weekends for Board and committee meetings, and community events What We’re Looking For We are seeking a leader who: Thinks strategically and makes clear, disciplined choices Builds authentic relationships with donors and partners Can lead both people and systems through growth Is comfortable navigating ambiguity and making decisions with imperfect information Brings both humility and confidence to the work Our Commitment to Equity Ready Readers is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, and others from underrepresented backgrounds. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our work and better serve the communities we exist to support. #J-18808-Ljbffr