Vice President of Development

Vice President of Development

VIA Visually Impaired Advancement is seeking a full time Vice President of Development to work 37.5 hours per week. This position is primarily responsible for the creation, oversight and execution of agency resource development and the VIA brand inclusive but not limited to fundraising, donor development, grants, marketing and communications.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and Execute Plans: Lead the creation and implementation of the annual agency resource development plan and the annual marketing and communications plan, aligning them with the agency's strategic direction.
• Financial Objectives: Ensure the resource development plan includes detailed financial objectives, such as revenue targets, gross profit, expenses, and an overall budget.
• Analyze and Adapt: Continuously analyze and refine the resource development plan to adapt to emerging trends and agency priorities, maximizing revenue growth.
• Donor Relations: Engage with prospective donors and supporters regularly to build and sustain strong relationships.
• Major Gifts Program: Establish and manage a major gifts program, including the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors.
• Grant Management: Oversee the grant-seeking process, including researching opportunities, writing proposals, tracking progress, and meeting reporting requirements.
• Planned Giving Program: Develop and promote a planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequests.
• Annual Appeal: Lead the annual appeal program, managing mailings and fundraising drives.
• Campaigns and Events: Direct and coordinate capital campaigns and other fundraising events.
• Research and Development: Conduct and oversee research efforts to identify new donors and secure new grant opportunities from charitable foundations.
• Team Coordination: Oversee and coordinate the work of the team members of the Community Development department.
• Public Engagement: Organize and participate in public appearances or speaking engagements to raise awareness about VIA within the community.
• Board Support: Assist the Board of Directors' Development and Marketing/Outreach Committees by attending meetings, supporting the Committee Chair, and preparing necessary documents.
• Database Management: Manage the fundraising database and tracking systems, ensuring accuracy in reporting and meticulous record-keeping.
• Event Collaboration: Ensure staff, board members, and volunteers are effectively supported during fundraising events.
• Publications Oversight: Oversee the creation of publications that support fundraising activities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with internal and external customers of VIA.
• Departmental Marketing Support: Oversee and support the Leadership and management teams in developing department-specific marketing and outreach plans that drive business growth in key program areas, such as vision rehabilitation, low vision clinic, contact center, and manufacturing.

Competencies:

• Cold Calling Proficiency: Confidently initiate cold calls to potential funders, aiming to build relationships that result in funding and agency support.
• Fundraising Expertise: Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of and experience with successful fundraising techniques, particularly in major gift fundraising.
• Motivational Leadership: Inspire, motivate, and support staff, board members, and volunteers to achieve fundraising goals.
• Self-Starter and Goal-Oriented: Proactively initiate donor visits, fundraising calls, and cultivate relationships with external community partners, driven by clear goals.
• Organizational Skills: Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to efficiently manage multiple tasks while staying focused on goals.
• Positive Attributes: Exhibit a positive attitude, empathy, compassion, self-confidence, common sense, and strong listening skills.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Bachelor's Degree in public relations, marketing, or a related field required. Masters degree in the related disciplines preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a role responsible for fundraising, donor development, grants, marketing and communications or similar, preferably in a not for profit environment.
• Proven Fundraising Success: Demonstrated fundraising track record, including a history of securing grant awards over $25,000, organizing successful fundraising events, and obtaining multi-year awards or donations.
• Grant Management Proficiency: Experience with a comprehensive grant management system, such as Network for Good.

VIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at (716)882-1025.