Director of Development Read To Succeed Asheville Asheville, NC Job Details Full-time $70,000 a year 3 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Qualifications Bachelor's degree Full Job Description About R2S Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe (R2S) is the only Black-led literacy organization in the region and the only organization holding MOUs with Asheville City Schools, Buncombe County Schools, and the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville. Founded in 2010, R2S delivers three core programs — K-5 tutoring, early childhood literacy support, and community literacy access — reaching more than 5,000 families a year through tutoring, book distribution, trainings, and community events. R2S centers children in Asheville and Buncombe County living in high concentrations of poverty, using evidence-based, culturally responsive methods grounded in the Science of Reading. Position Summary R2S is seeking an experienced, organized, and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead the organization's fundraising strategy and operations.

This is a foundational role:

it holds both the revenue strategy behind R2S's funding — deciding which funders and donors need what and when — and the detailed, ongoing administrative work required to secure, track, report on, and steward that funding. The Director of Development will take primary ownership of grants, donor and sponsor relationships, and fundraising campaigns, building systems and institutional knowledge that outlast any one campaign or grant cycle. The ideal candidate is a confident grant writer and relationship-builder who is comfortable owning a full development portfolio, from prospect research through stewardship, and who wants to help grow the funding base for the region's only Black-led literacy organization. What You Will Do Grants Proactively research and identify new grant opportunities — foundation, corporate, and government — that align with R2S's mission, programs, and strategic priorities, building a pipeline that extends beyond the organization's current funder base. Own and maintain the organization's grants calendar, tracking upcoming deadlines, letters of inquiry, full proposals, and reporting due dates so nothing is missed and staff have advance visibility into what's coming. Write all grant applications, translating R2S's program model, outcomes, and community impact into clear, compelling proposals tailored to each funder's priorities and guidelines. Prepare all grant reports, working with program staff to gather accurate data and outcomes and presenting them in a way that builds funder confidence and supports renewal. Track grant requirements, restrictions, and expenditures throughout the life of each award, ensuring funds are used and reported in compliance with funder terms and internal budgets. Funder & Donor Relations Cultivate and deepen relationships with current and prospective funders, individual donors, and sponsors, serving as a consistent and trusted point of contact for R2S's funding community. Maintain donor and sponsor records and keep the donor database current, accurate, and organized so that giving history, contact information, and relationship notes are always reliable and accessible. Deposit and log all incoming donations promptly and accurately, ensuring gifts are properly recorded and reconciled. Send timely, personalized donor acknowledgments and thank-you messages that reflect R2S's values and make funders feel genuinely seen for their support. Maintain and document institutional knowledge about funders, donors, and past proposals — history, preferences, prior asks, and relationship context — so that knowledge carries forward and doesn't leave with any one staff member. Fundraising Strategy & Campaigns Oversee the Resource Development Committee, setting agendas, keeping members engaged, and ensuring the committee's work stays connected to R2S's broader fundraising goals. Develop and execute fundraising campaigns from concept through close, setting goals, timelines, and messaging in coordination with organizational leadership. Research and secure sponsorships by identifying prospective business and community partners, building the case for support, and negotiating sponsorship agreements. Conduct proactive donor and sponsor outreach to open new relationships and grow existing ones, rather than waiting for opportunities to come to R2S. What We Are Looking For Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and professional fundraising experience. A proven track record in nonprofit fundraising, including grant writing and grant reporting Direct experience managing a grants calendar and full grant lifecycle (research through reporting) Hands-on experience with a donor CRM/database (Bloomerang preferred) Strong writing skills, with the ability to translate program impact into a compelling case for funders and donors Experience cultivating and securing sponsorships and donor gifts Highly organized, with strong follow-through and comfort managing multiple deadlines and funder requirements at once Familiarity with Asheville/Buncombe County and Western North Carolina philanthropy, or a clear plan for building those relationships quickly Alignment with R2S's values of equity, asset-based framing, and community dignity Position Structure This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary of $70,000 annually, plus benefits. Timeline Applications will be accepted through September 30, 2026. To Apply Please send a resume and cover letter describing your fundraising and grant-writing experience, your demonstrated results, and your interest in R2S's mission to .

Pay:

$70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person