Employment Opportunities

Job Title:   Library Development & Fundraising Director
Salary:       $45,000-$50,000/year
20 hrs/week, some evenings & weekends
Position Summary:

The Stratford Library Association is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 1896, serving as the public library for the Town of Stratford.  Library operations are primarily funded by an annual grant from the Town of Stratford, along with an annual gift from the Library’s endowment fund which is currently supplemented by annual fundraising initiatives:  ‘Associates’ donor campaign, a spring Gala and Book Sale event in addition to smaller fundraising efforts.  The mission of the Stratford Library is to empower and enrich our diverse community by providing access to innovative services, information and ideas.  The Library completed a strategic planning process in 2022, which codified the importance of investing in the library’s future.  Strengthening our Development capacity is a significant objective in helping us meet this goal.  The complete plan is available at www.stratfordlibrary.org/strategic-plan.  The Library Development and Fundraising Coordinator will create and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to increase financial support of the Stratford Library.  The Development and Fundraising Coordinator will work under the direct supervision of the Library Director.

Responsibilities include:

  • Working with the Library Director and the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees to draft and meet annual fundraising and long term capital program goals
  • Developing and implementing fundraising campaigns and events of various size and reach
  • Researching and identifying potential grant and other funding sources; preparing grant applications and filing requisite reports
  • Building and improving relationships with current and prospective donors
  • Participating in the selection and implementation of donor management software
  • Designing and marketing planned giving/endowment programs

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Proven track record in nonprofit financial development, including grant writing and capital fundraising
  • Current knowledge of development principles and practices
  • Strong networking skills and the ability to interact courteously and professionally with all Stratford Library stakeholders
  • Ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines and produce quality results
  • Proficiency with fundraising software and in a Windows desktop environment (including, but not limited to Microsoft Word and Excel)
  • Self-motivation, initiative, flexibility and independent judgment as well as excellent writing and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to take oral and written directions, organize and prioritize tasks and set goals
  • Experience creating marketing materials and performing community outreach
  • Understanding of public libraries and their role in the community
  • Bachelor’s Degree or combination of education and relative experience

The Stratford Library is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the Stratford Library will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.  Commitment to an equitable and inclusive approach to public service and a demonstrated ability to connect with and relate to people from all walks of life is essential to our success as an organization.  To review the Stratford Library’s adopted anti-racism statement visit  http://stratfordlibrary.org/anti-racism-reading-list-resources/

Email resume, cover letter and three professional references to Sheri Szymanski, Library Director sszymanski@stratfordlibrary.org  Supplemental documents & samples of work welcome.  PDF files only.

Deadline:  February 2, 2024

Hours: Monday - Thursday: 10am - 8pm
Friday & Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 1pm - 5pm