PPGJLI - Minneapolis, MN
Fundraising and Development Specialist
Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) is a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote reading and diversity in books. Only 18 percent of Black 4th graders are reading at grade level making them 4 times more likely to not graduate. Children are more likely to read books when they can identify with the characters. Black youth are more likely to see a black dog on a book cover than a Black child. Our nationally recognized “Leaders are Readers” program fosters literacy through multicultural books. As PPGJLI programming expands, it will require additional donors, book distribution channels, and community partnerships. The Fundraising and Development Specialist will help PPGJLI sustain this expansion by building these valuable resources. The Fundraising and Development Specialist will be instrumental in promoting literacy and leadership within the MN African American community. The specialist will expand the organization’s donor base, book distribution channels, and community partnerships. The Fundraising and Development Specialist will work with PPGJLI staff and board members to create new opportunities for community engagement with a focus on an inter-generational approach to promoting reading and diversity in books. The Fundraising and Development Specialist will develop communications and marketing resources that support PPGJLI staff and board members in building and maintaining growth and outreach. The VISTA will work closely with communities of color to understand the social impact of lack of funding in literacy in poor neighborhoods. The VISTA will be someone who has strong knowledge of community outreach and can establish a sense of trust in underserved communities of color. A successful candidate will have a strong initiative of community outreach, skills in problem-solving, and experience with using current technology. The VISTA will receive fundraising and community outreach training from the PPGJLI staff.