Director of Development
Mustard Seed Communities

Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon
Founder, Mustard Seed Communities

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In 1978, responding to the heart-wrenching reality of children with disabilities abandoned on the streets of Jamaica, Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon founded Mustard Seed Communities (MSC). Witnessing the marginalized families’ struggle to provide for these children, Monsignor Gregory took decisive action. Identifying unused land, he gathered support from friends and secured funding to establish the first Mustard Seed home in Kingston, offering refuge to those in desperate need.

Born in Trinidad, West Indies, as the fifth of 13 children, Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon holds degrees in Urban Planning, Philosophy, and Theology from Boston College. Ordained as a Catholic priest in 1984, he felt a calling to address poverty in developing countries. What began as a small home for a handful of children has evolved into a network of homes, schools, and small businesses across Jamaica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Mustard Seed Communities, guided by Monsignor Gregory’s vision, remains dedicated to nurturing faith among the impoverished through diverse social initiatives.

Recognizing his impactful contributions, on July 22, 2009, the Most Rev. Donald Reece recommended to the Pope that Father Gregory Ramkissoon be elevated to the status of Monsignor. In July 2009, he was named Rev. Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon O.J., C.D., Papal Chaplain. On August 6, 2010, he received the Order of Jamaica, the country’s fourth-highest award. In 2011, Msgr. Ramkissoon was appointed Vicar General within the Archdiocese of Kingston, Jamaica. His tireless dedication continues to shape Mustard Seed Communities’ mission and inspire positive change globally.

Betsy Fountain
Executive Director, MSC USA

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Betsy Fountain has served as the Executive Director of Mustard Seed Communities USA since 2022. In her role, Betsy oversees all operations in the United States, including fundraising, communications, and the mission program. Betsy was first introduced to Mustard Seed Communities as an undergraduate, when she attended her first mission trip to Kingston, Jamaica. Betsy went on to lead nine mission trips to Sophie’s Place, growing her commitment to Mustard Seed by introducing the organization to a new group of students every year.

Prior to joining Mustard Seed Communities, Betsy worked for over a decade at Boston College as a philanthropic advisor to alumni, parents, and friends of the university. Betsy brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and volunteer engagement to her role at Mustard Seed. She earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Theological Studies from Boston College, and a Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame in conjunction with the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE), a two-year service teaching program.

• Serve as a member of the organization’s senior management team to help guide the overall direction and implementation of the organization’s strategic goals.
   
• Work with the Executive Director to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies and plans to include corporate, foundation, organizational, and individual giving.
   
• Manage the cultivation, solicitation, and stewarding process for a portfolio of major gift donors and support the Executive Director in their individual donor work.
   
• Initiate, develop, and advance proposals to prospective donors.
   
• Research potential grant opportunities and develop an efficient, effective process for managing the grant application and reporting lifecycle.
   
• Compile and/or develop materials to create grant proposals.
   
• Develop and manage budgets for the department, campaigns, and other initiatives.
   
• Represent MSC in meetings, organizational functions, and community events.
   
• Partner with the Director of Communications and Digital Engagement to develop and assess multichannel fundraising campaigns and appeals.
   
• Establish and meet fundraising and/or participation goals for all fundraising programs.
   
• Create, analyze, and respond to performance reports and other MSC fundraising and engagement data.
   
• Manage an associate director of development, with the potential of growing the team over time.
   
• Selected candidate will be on the road approximately 25% of the time. Travel is within the United States and international.

Mission and Values:

• Dedication to MSC’s mission.
   
• Ability to work and connect with diverse communities, people and partners, and a commitment to promoting inclusion in all practices and efforts.

Fundraising Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in fundraising, with a focus on major giving. Experience with planned giving and grants preferred.
   
• Proven track record of managing a donor portfolio, cultivating relationships, and securing five- and six-figure gifts.
   
• Proven experience in designing and successfully managing a comprehensive fundraising strategy.

Leadership and Management:

• Experience developing and maintaining productive working relationships across departments, as well as with executive leadership and board members.
   
• Experience forming and leading a team of direct reports preferred.

Other Skills:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
   
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail, demonstrated by the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
   
• Self-directed, able to work independently and also collaboratively as part of a small team.
   
• Experience and expertise utilizing technology for fundraising and communication.
   
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends.
   
• Experience with Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge NXT, Luminate Online, and TeamRaiser.

Full-time Exempt Position based in Needham, MA (10 miles outside of Boston).

Hybrid work schedule is available after completion of initial training period.

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $130,000.