Part-Time Development Director

About Us: Established in 2010, and with projects in more than 25 countries, play360 develops the capacity of community leaders to build low-cost, locally-sourced, educational playgrounds. After a decade of direct grass-roots programming, in 2020 we launched a free online course that delivers transferable leadership skills with one-on-one mentorship and cohort support. Anyone in the world with access to the internet is eligible to participate, and those who successfully complete the course to become playmakers receive seed funding to build their first community playground. 

This shift from staff-led projects to local community leader-led projects has resulted in tremendous growth, taking us from an average of 5-8 playgrounds per year, up to 49 built in 2023, with even more projected in 2024. As we leave the beta phase, and with the demand for playgrounds rising, we find ourselves limited only by funding to be able to grow exponentially. 

Position Overview: We are seeking a passionate and dynamic part-time Development Director to join our growing team. As Development Director you will play a crucial role as part of our leadership team, advancing our mission and fundraising efforts for the organization as a whole, as well as supporting our playmakers in their individual fundraising efforts. 

The successful candidate will enjoy working independently as the position is fully remote, however you can expect frequent online interactions to allow you to easily develop relationships with other key staff and stakeholders. Through a deep understanding of the organization, you will be asked to improve upon current fundraising strategies and develop new ones to expand our capacity to reach donors and playmakers around the world. You will be given a great deal of autonomy to make decisions and it is expected that you have proven experience and passion for this work, as well as an excitement about joining a growing organization, and the possibility of growing with it.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising Strategy:
   • Develop and follow a comprehensive 3-year fundraising strategy to meet the financial goals of the organization. 
   • Set personal goals for fundraising efforts to create benchmarks for success. 
   • Maintain current efforts, as well as identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grants, donations, sponsorships, and more.
2. Grant Writing and Management:
   • Research and identify grant opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission and programs, utilizing online grant portal and calendar of deadlines
   • Develop and submit compelling grant proposals and applications – building on existing language about organizational mission, programming, and priorities. Update language as needed, and ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to funder guidelines.
   • Collaborate with staff and playmakers to gather necessary information and supporting documentation for proposals
   • Organize and utilize existing grant portal, including management of log-ins and access, as well as relevant file structuring
   • Manage grant reporting and ensure proper documentation and accountability for funds received, liaising with bookkeeper.
3. Donor Relations:
   • Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and potential donors
   • Maintain a log of individual donations, create donation acknowledgment letters and develop a stewardship program to enhance donor retention and satisfaction.
   • Create and manage fundraising campaigns and events to engage supporters and attract new donors.
   • Prepare and present compelling proposals and reports to donors and funding agencies.
   • Draft fundraising emails, texts, etc. for fundraising campaigns 
   • Submit organization information to development campaign platforms
4. Communications and Marketing:
   • Collaborate with the communications team to create impactful fundraising materials and campaigns.
   • Utilize social media, newsletters, and other platforms to promote fundraising initiatives and playmaker success stories.
5. Leadership and Collaboration:
   • Work closely with the Managing Director and Playmaker advisory committee and provide leadership in all aspects of organizational financial sustainability. 
   • Provide regular updates and reports on fundraising progress and outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in grant writing and management, preferably in the nonprofit and/or education sector, including experience managing government grants and grants with detailed reporting requirements.
• Proven track record of securing grants from foundations, corporations, and/or government agencies.
• Proven track record of creative fundraising beyond grant writing
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently as well collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity
• Passion for education, community development, and play

Benefits:

• Flexible work hours, flexible location
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on communities in the global south.
• Collaborative and truly supportive work environment.

How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter, and a writing sample (preferably a grant proposal or fundraising appeal) by September 1st.

Play360 is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.