WLS seeks to hire a dynamic external affairs/development professional to join its management team as Director of External Affairs. This is a full-time position. You will work closely with our Executive Director, Events Coordinator, and Public Relations Firm as well as program staff.

Formed in 1958, Westchester Library System (WLS) is the umbrella organization for Westchester County's 38 public libraries, serving over 940,000 community members. WLS supports its member libraries through:

• In-library programs that reach everyone from children to displaced workers to new immigrants to arts-lovers;
• Professional training for library staff on topics as diverse as reaching teens, using technology effectively, and working with people with disabilities; and
• Library services that are provided most efficiently through collective action, such as shared collections and interlibrary loans

WLS seeks to empower Westchester residents and provide education and recreation through access to knowledge and information of all kinds. We are based in Tarrytown and have a staff of 37.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for further developing our fundraising strategy and implementing campaigns to expand greatly our organizational support, including the following:

Grant Proposals -

• You will seek grant opportunities geared to support our Career and Educational Counseling Service (WEBS), Community Connections (outreach) program and Youth Services agenda.

Special Events -

• For our first fundraising Gala, you will supervise our event planner in conceptualizing the gala and developing all aspects of the event.
• You will reach out within the Westchester community to create and manage our gala guest list
• You will work to develop and interact with our gala committee
• For new fundraising and cultivation events, you will be responsible for concept, coordination and all planning.

Corporate and Individual Giving -

• You will reach out to the Westchester community to build a diverse major and small individual donor base by identifying, cultivating and soliciting potential WLS supporters.
• You will organize and coordinate an annual direct marketing campaign and track and evaluate responsiveness.

Fundraising Technologies -

• As a team member, you will coordinate an assessment of our current database software and help to analyze whether upgrades are needed
• You will manage and maintain our donor database
• You will work cooperatively with our technology department to maximize website and e-newsletter fundraising potential.

Other General Duties -

• You will prepare reports on fundraising campaigns and their results, including analyzing data, suggesting actions to improve performance, and implementing those actions.
• You will report on WLS' development activities to board, donors and constituents.
• You will work cooperatively with Finance on record keeping.
• You will engage the board of directors in fundraising.
• You will maintain the development projects' files.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required, graduate degree a plus.
• At least 3 years of progressive development experience.
• Working knowledge of computers and fundraising technologies.
• Strong networking, administrative and organizational skills.
• Superior interpersonal skills and professional demeanor.
• Self directed team leader and player, demonstrating high energy, flexibility and willingness to take initiative.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects.

Additional Qualifications

• Familiarity with Westchester's philanthropic communities and politics a must.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong dedication to WLS' mission.

To apply, send cover letter, résumé, and three references to:

Human Resources Department
Westchester Library System
540 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591-5110
Fax #914-674-4184
Email: dorilynn@wlsmail.org

Deadline: Until filled

WESTCHESTER LIBRARY SYSTEM (WLS) IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND CONSIDERS ALL APPLICATIONS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, CREED, GENDER, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, MARITAL OR VETERAN STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS.

Posted:  1/9/08