Ready Readers
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
How to Apply
Ready for a role where your fundraising expertise fuels real change in children’s lives? We’d love to hear from you. Please send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to hr@readyreaders.org by May 1, 2026. Use the subject line: CDO (YourLastName).
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.
