Development Director, North America

Director / Senior Director, Development, North America

New York, NY

Position Overview

Room to Read is seeking an experienced fundraising leader to lead and grow its North America market. The Director / Senior Director, Development, North America will set the market's fundraising strategy, lead performance against an annual revenue target of approximately US $35MM+, personally manage and solicit high-value donors, and lead the North America development team. The role will build a strong, sustainable pipeline across major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, annual giving, legacy giving, and events.

The role will work closely with senior leaders, the North America Regional Development Board, volunteer leaders, and colleagues across Development & Communications to expand fundraising opportunities and strengthen Room to Read's presence in the North American philanthropic market. Based in New York, this position is a member of the Development & Communications Department Leadership Team and reports to the Vice President, Global Business Development and Operations.

Leveling

This position may be filled at either the Director or Senior Director level. Both levels are accountable for the responsibilities outlined below. Final level will be determined based on the selected candidate’s demonstrated fundraising results, leadership scope, and experience operating at the scale and complexity required for the role. Candidates hired at the Senior Director level will bring a sustained record of leading complex, multi-channel fundraising efforts and operating as a strategic partner to senior executives and boards.

Key Responsibilities

Market Strategy & Revenue Leadership

• Own and execute the North America fundraising strategy, translating organizational priorities into clear market goals, donor priorities, and revenue plans.
• Lead achievement of the market's annual revenue target of approximately US $35MM+ across major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, annual giving, legacy giving, and events.
• Assess market performance, donor trends, portfolio health, and growth opportunities to determine where the team should focus time and resources.
• Maintain disciplined pipeline management and forecasting, identifying risks, opportunities, and actions needed to deliver revenue goals.

Major Gifts & Portfolio Leadership

• Personally manage a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, including HNW and UHNW individuals, with an expectation of raising approximately US $7-10MM+ annually through direct relationship management, collaboration on priority accounts, and major solicitations.
• Build and advance a healthy pipeline through prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Guide portfolio strategy across the market to strengthen donor relationships, increase giving, and develop long-term fundraising opportunities.

Team Leadership & Performance

• Lead, coach, and develop a North America development team of approximately 3-5 staff, with clear goals and accountability for results.
• Set priorities and ways of working that keep the team focused on the highest-value fundraising opportunities.
• Strengthen team members’ fundraising skills, strategic judgment, donor management, and external relationship-building capabilities.

Board, Executive & External Engagement

• Partner with Room to Read senior leaders and the North America Regional Development Board to strengthen fundraising strategy, generate pipeline, activate networks, and support board recruitment.
• Equip executives, board members, and volunteer leaders to cultivate…