Summary
Description
Lead the next chapter of an organization helping Colorado children thrive through the power of reading.
Reach Out and Read Colorado (RORCO) is seeking a strategic, inspiring, and relationship-driven Executive Director/CEO to lead the organization into its next chapter of impact and growth.
RORCO partners with pediatric healthcare providers across Colorado to integrate early literacy into pediatric care. Through these partnerships, families receive literacy guidance and books during well-child visits, helping children build strong foundations for learning, development, and lifelong success.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director/CEO will lead RORCO’s strategy, fundraising, partnerships, programs, financial sustainability, and team. Fundraising and relationship development will be central to this role. We are looking for a leader who can tell RORCO’s story compellingly, build authentic relationships, personally cultivate and solicit donors, and expand philanthropic support for the organization’s mission. The CEO will serve as RORCO’s chief ambassador, building strong relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate and community partners, healthcare organizations, policymakers, and other supporters throughout Colorado.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead RORCO’s strategic direction and translate that vision into measurable priorities and results.
- Serve as the organization’s chief fundraiser, developing and executing strategies for sustainable and diversified philanthropic support.
- Personally cultivate, solicit, secure, and steward key donors and partners.
- Engage the Board in fundraising, donor development, advocacy, and community engagement.
- Build strong partnerships across healthcare, early childhood, government, philanthropy, and the broader community.
- Ensure high-quality programs and fidelity to the Reach Out and Read model.
- Serve as a visible and compelling public spokesperson for RORCO and its mission.
- Provide strong financial stewardship and oversee organizational resources responsibly.
- Build and support a collaborative, inclusive, high-performing staff team.
- Partner closely with the Board to support strong governance and long-term organizational sustainability.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree strongly preferred.
- 7+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, including donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and relationship management.
- Experience leading strategy, people, budgets, and organizational or programmatic results.
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
- Experience working with a nonprofit Board of Directors.
- Experience with government, policymakers, healthcare, early childhood, education, literacy, or related sectors is preferred.
- Colorado relationships and networks are highly desirable.
Most importantly, we are looking for a leader who is mission-driven, strategic, collaborative, comfortable asking others to invest in a cause, and passionate about improving outcomes for children and families.
Benefits: PTO, Health Insurance, Bonus Potential
