Vacancy Development Coordinator

LIFE School is a non-profit experimental school in Panajachel, Guatemala, on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlán. Our mission is to provide quality education to the children of our community, and to provide educational scholarships to as many low-income families as our means allow. Around 50% of our students, most of whom come from indigenous Mayan backgrounds, receive financial assistance to attend. We are proud to offer education and scholarships that positively impact children’s lives, preparing students to build successful futures and break cycles of poverty.

We are looking for a Development Coordinator who will lead LIFE School’s fundraising efforts. Based in Panajachel, this individual will implement our existing funding practices and efforts while also cultivating new fundraising strategies. The ideal candidate will have nonprofit fundraising experience, demonstrated commitment to equitable education and poverty alleviation, and the creativity and resourcefulness to devise and execute new ideas. This is a 10-month position, from August 2020 to June 2021, with the possibility of renewal. 

Main Responsibilities

• Maintain active and informative communications with our network of donors, sponsors, partners and supporters by writing and designing newsletters, campaign and donation requests, event announcements and donor communications, in both English and Spanish.

• Establish fundraising partnerships with local and international organizations.

• Research and identify potential foundation and corporate funding matches.

• Write and submit letters of inquiry, grant proposals and grant reports.

• Maintain, update and grow our donor database.

• Play a lead role in planning and executing school events.

• Coordinate with teachers and administrative staff to update sponsors and donors on student and schoolwide progress.

Additional Responsibilities

• Substitute teaching: this position also acts as a classroom supporter or substitute when needed. Training will be provided and applicants need not have teaching experience to apply.

• Lead 1 weekly after-school children’s club. This is an opportunity to interact with the students more closely and do something fun. 

Required Qualifications

• Proven track record in securing nonprofit funding.
• Excellent writing skills in English.
• Intermediate to Advanced spoken and written Spanish.
• Experience designing communication and promotional materials such as flyers, newsletters and pamphlets.
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple activities and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Event planning and marketing experience, particularly in the nonprofit sector.
• Experience or familiarity with grant applications and procedures.
• Experience working in a school or in a children’s organization.
• Familiarity with design software such as Canva.
• Experience living and/or working in diverse cultural environments.  

BENEFITS

LIFE School provides a very competitive local salary of $1000USD monthly, basic health coverage and a fun, laid-back work environment. Employees receive free transportation from the Guatemala City airport to Panajachel, and assistance in finding housing when they first arrive. LIFE School provides the opportunity for staff to experience local culture and many of Panajachel’s unique traditions and festivals. You can also easily visit other towns around the lake, each of which has its own culture and traditions. At school, the Development Coordinator will be able to work with and get to know the children, whose enthusiasm is inspiring and infectious. This is truly a beautiful place and community to work in, and we are excited to welcome our new Development Coordinator to the LIFE School family.