Maya Traditions was founded in 1996 as a nonprofit social enterprise and has been working with skilled indigenous artisans for over 20 years. Maya Traditions is dedicated to improving the quality of life for indigenous artisans and preserving the art of backstrap weaving by facilitating access to national and international markets for Maya backstrap weavers in the highlands of Guatemala. Following a Fair Trade model, we continually seek to support our artisan partners, their families, and their communities through social programs that work to build capacity, preserve local cultures, and motivate indigenous women to strengthen their entrepreneurial ecosystems. In 2015, a US 501c3 was founded to support fund development for the work being done in Guatemala.
We are currently seeking to hire a full-time Development Director to lead the organization’s fundraising activities and oversee general marketing and promotion. As the first Development Director, this position is an opportunity for an independent and motivated fundraising professional to implement innovative international fundraising strategies and work with staff and board members to build a fundraising culture within the organization. This position is based in the highlands of Guatemala and we are expecting at minimum a 2-year commitment.
Individual Donor Development
- Build an individual donor program to capitalize on the positive experiences of individuals who have visited, volunteered, or collaborated with Maya Traditions Foundation by:
- Working with board and staff to develop creative international fundraising initiatives such: a Youth Education sponsorship program, building a monthly giving program, among other strategies.
- Outlining and communicating a clear needs statement that shows the impact of MTF’s programs.
- Identifying prospective individual and corporate donors from tourism activities, past organizational relationships, ethical fashion partners, and volunteers.
- Developing strategies to cultivate and track new and existing donor relationships.
- Creating tools and working with board members to leverage their connections.
- Directing annual fund program, including mailings, online campaigns, and other strategies.
- Working with staff to organize Guatemalan and international fundraising events.
- Recruiting and supervising communications volunteers/ interns and working with them to create clear and consistent collateral that serves to maintain donor relationships and increase engagement.
Grant Writing
- Increase organizational capacity, both generally and for Programs, by identifying, applying for, and managing grants.
- Partner with staff, volunteers, and board members to identify grant opportunities and create proposals.
- Manage current grants by supporting staff in gathering metrics and submitting reports.
- Dedicated to Maya Tradition’s mission, vision, and financial sustainability
- 3-5 years of development and fundraising experience focused on creative activities and initiatives
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
- Experience creating remote relationships and building and maintaining donor databases
- Ability to inspire action and support the work of fellow staff, board members, and volunteers
- Results oriented and committed to achieving tangible results and building organizational systems
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- Culturally sensitive and respectful with experience working with and managing diverse populations
- Flexibility and understanding of the demands of working in cross-cultural environments
- Experience working internationally or with an international team required
- Working in Guatemala strongly preferred
Between $700- $800 stipend per month for international volunteers or as a salary for Guatemalan staff.
Send resume with professional references and cover letter to [email protected].