Development Coordinator

The application is live on our website, which is hyperlinked here. If you are unable to access it or have any other questions or concerns, email hiring@booksforkeeps.org. The priority deadline for applications is September 29, 2025. Applications may still be reviewed following the priority deadline, depending on the pool of applicants. We will communicate with all applicants when a decision has been made. 

About Books for Keeps (BFK): Books for Keeps exists to inspire joyful experiences around literacy that can be forever associated with learning. Founded by volunteers in Athens, GA, in 2009, Books for Keeps has since distributed more than 1.5 million books to children, teachers, fellow peer agencies, and other individuals through various book access programs.

The role: As Development Coordinator, you will support the Executive Director in raising over 600k each year for Books for Keeps, with your role focused on development writing and grant research. Other duties may include marketing, direct mail appeals, donor relations and database management. Applicants who are passionate, detail-oriented, and have strong written communication skills will particularly thrive in this role.

Responsibilities in these areas include, but are not limited to:

Development writing and research - 70%

• Create clear, concise, and compelling grant proposals and reports that make the case for literacy as a community priority and the particular need for Books for Keeps’ programs. Work with the Executive Director to decide which proposals to prioritize, completing 10-12 each quarter.
• Lead the preparation of letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and narrative reports for a variety of funders – tailoring your writing to suit major institutional foundations, government agencies, small family foundations, and in some instances individual donors.
• Perform research into prospective donors to support existing and new programs and create or update funder profiles and briefing materials, as necessary.
• Develop a strong working knowledge of the research and literature informing literacy, book access, and mentorship.

Communications and Marketing - 20%

• Support the production of a range of materials for donor and volunteer solicitation and stewardship, including background materials, donor newsletters, and the annual impact report.
• Design flyers, digital & print advertisements and other outreach materials as needed.
• Gather stories, testimonials, and photos from a variety of stakeholders. Assist with the collection of survey information for impact reports, program feedback, etc.
• Assist in the planning and execution of direct mail programs including list segmentation, copywriting, production, and mailing logistics.
• Complete additional tasks and responsibilities as needed to support fundraising and the organization as a whole.

Additional organizational support - 10%

• Assist BFK staff with program execution during implementation phases as needed and within reason.
• This will be particularly needed in April-May during spring book distributions and in October during our community book fair.
• You may also represent Books for Keeps at tabling events, provide extra support at Bookmobile events, and other support.

Required skills:

• Commitment to Books for Keeps’ mission, vision, and values.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, and a high level of organization.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills – both internally (fellow employees, board members and volunteers) and externally (stakeholders, funders, and community supporters).
• Quick learner and skilled problem solver with a track record of working effectively with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity, critical consciousness, and ability to work across lines of difference.
• Ability to utilize evaluation data to interpret and explain impact/outcomes to non-experts.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency making work documents, slides, and spreadsheets (e.g. Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and GSuite equivalents).

Preferred background/experience:

•  A bachelor’s degree in any writing-heavy discipline, social work, education, community development, public administration, or related field.
• Experience in nonprofit development and fundraising, childhood literacy, data evaluation, and/or social service.
• Knowledge of graphic design (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or other programs).

Work demands:

• Must have a personal cell phone available for work use. Books for Keeps provides a monthly, flat reimbursement for this purpose.
• Occasional weekend and/or after-hours work may be required at times to meet deadlines or satisfy the needs of the organization.
• In particular, supporting the Community Book Fair in October requires some 3-5 hour weekend shifts, and supporting April/May spring distributions requires early-morning availability during a seven-week window in the spring.
• Otherwise, working hours and location are flexible and co-authored with the employee.
• In supporting events, you may need to be on your feet for longer periods of time.
• If you are able, we may ask you to lift and move boxes of books up to 35lb (when supporting programs). If you are unable to perform this task, we can provide appropriate accommodation.

Background checks: Books for Keeps is committed to protecting children through its child safeguarding policies. All staff are subjected to criminal background checks and are held to high standards of child protection.

COVID-19: Books for Keeps requires all employees to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. The organization will consider requests for exceptions to this policy when necessary to provide reasonable accommodation for an employee or applicant’s disability or sincerely held
religious belief or practice.

Books for Keeps is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other status prohibited by applicable law.