RestoringVision
Director of Development
​
THE ORGANIZATION
​
RestoringVision (RV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that addresses the growing global health and socio-economic problem of near vision impairment. Today, roughly 2.5 billion people worldwide suffer from uncorrected vision impairment; one billion of those need only reading glasses to correct their vision. A simple pair of reading glasses gives people the ability to carry out their daily tasks, work and lead productive lives. Unfortunately, many of those in need live in impoverished communities lacking access to the basic eyewear that can transform their lives.
​
Since 2003, RestoringVision has distributed new glasses to US based nonprofits, global health institutions and international NGOs serving people in developing countries by providing access to available, affordable reading glasses, creating an easy and cost-effective solution to a significant problem facing many people around the world. Since its inception, RestoringVision has partnered with over 1,400 organizations and helped over 15 million people in 130 countries. Last year, with support from corporate partners, foundations and individual donors, RV was able to help over three million people. After 15 years of giving the gift of sight, RestoringVision is committed more than ever to its mission of empowering lives by restoring vision for millions in need. It has set an ambitious goal of helping 20 million people see clearly by the end of 2020.
​
THE POSITION
The Director of Development role is a wonderful opportunity for a fundraiser who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment, is a self-starter and can build a development program for an organization with a growing demand for its services. S/he will work closely with the Executive Director (ED) and board on fundraising strategies that increase support from diverse sources. The DOD will be responsible for developing and strengthening key functional components of RV’s fundraising program, including individual giving, institutional giving, donor engagement/recognition and development operations. The successful candidate will be asked to develop and implement an agency-wide fundraising plan and support and improve the fundraising capabilities of RV’s leadership and board. The DOD will work collaboratively to build a culture of philanthropy at the organization, educating colleagues and volunteers about the art of fundraising and best practices and working with leadership to develop strategies to make the case for support for the organization.
RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Build a diversified development program to grow RV’s revenues and donor base
-
Create and implement a strategic development plan that includes metrics and deliverables. Work with the ED and board to set fundraising goals
-
Assess and develop RV’s individual giving program, particularly annual and major gifts
-
Strengthen and build relationships with institutional funders, particularly diversifying and increasing support from foundations and increasing outreach to corporations
-
Develop an effective donor relations and stewardship program; create new opportunities for donor and volunteer engagement
-
As appropriate and working with communications and marketing colleagues, manage the production of fundraising collateral, including case statements, proposals, and annual appeals
-
Work in close partnership with the ED and board to build the organization’s philanthropic capabilities. Provide counsel, training and direction regarding fundraising. Leverage board and staff relationships to maximize development opportunities
-
Serve as an ambassador of RV to prospects and funders throughout the U.S., involving colleagues as appropriate in outreach, cultivation and solicitation activities
-
Create the infrastructure and appropriate systems to support RV’s development program and operations, including the gift receipt and recognition process, Salesforce CRM database and online giving programs, gift management systems and reporting
-
Working with communications and marketing colleagues, explore and utilize social media and crowdsourcing methods for fundraising and donor acquisition
​
​
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
​
Experience:
-
A minimum of five to seven years of development experience with proven success in individual and institutional giving
-
Experience building and/or strengthening a development program or area
-
Experience creating new funding opportunities and making a compelling case for support
-
Experience implementing and managing a multi-level donor identification, engagement, solicitation and stewardship plan
-
Experience serving in the role of resource/coach to board members and colleagues; and, in partnership with the ED, to build the board’s capabilities in fundraising and advocacy
-
Experience in events management and securing corporate sponsorships
​
Education:
Bachelor’s degree is required. CFRE certification a plus.
​
COMPETENCIES/ATTRIBUTES
​
The successful professional will have or be:
-
An entrepreneurial spirit with experience building new relationships and working autonomously
-
Ability to develop strategies and tactics to cultivate and attract new donors and increase giving
-
Ability to work remotely, take initiative and maintain a level of productivity to be successful in the role
-
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop actionable work plans
-
Effective communicator; persuasive written and verbal communication skills
-
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to demonstrate and communicate passion for the mission of RestoringVision to diverse constituencies
-
Strong financial skills, including the ability to develop and budgets and management reports that present a clear financial picture of fundraising activities
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
​
This is a full-time, exempt position. A competitive salary and generous employee benefits package will be offered. To be considered for this position or for additional information on the opportunity, please contact or send resume to:
​
David N. Randall
Principal
Randall Search Associates
415 767 3814