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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director in fundraising and external engagement
• Strengthen Board participation in fundraising through coaching, tools, and systems

• Oversee all fundraising efforts, including individual giving, campaigns, grants, sponsor ships, and planned giving
• Ensure systems, processes, and staffing are aligned to support long-term growth

• 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

• 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

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

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.