Resource Development Director

Description

Help build the philanthropic future of an organization that has restored sight and advanced vision science for more than 50 years.

VisionGift is a non-profit organization founded in 1975. We are dedicated to providing ocular tissue for transplants, research, and medical education. Since our inception, we've enabled over 65,000 people to receive the altruistic gift of sight through the tissues we recover, screen, and distribute. Our work not only supports transplant surgeons but also advances vital research projects and surgical training.

Discover more about our mission and impact at www.visiongift.org

Until recently, most funding was through a non-profit fee for service model. The past three years has established internal Resource Development capabilities and it is time to build upon this foundation. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is a strategic and relationship-driven fundraising leader with a proven ability to build and grow philanthropic revenue through major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, campaigns, and special events, while advancing a mission-driven organization.

Summary: The Resource Development Director (RDD) leads VisionGift’s fundraising programs and is accountable for building sustainable philanthropic revenue in support of the mission to honor donors by advancing sight for all humankind. This is a hands-on role that combines strategy with direct donor engagement across individual giving, major and planned gifts, corporate partnerships, foundations, campaigns, and special events. The Director partners closely with the CEO, Board, Resource Development Committee, staff, and outside specialists. Additionally, the the RDD may provide day-to-day direction to volunteers, support staff, or project-dedicated staff on an as needed basis.

Job Duties

Fundraising Strategy and Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute annual and multi-year fundraising plans, goals, budgets, performance measures, and revenue forecasts aligned with organizational priorities.
• Build and diversify contributed revenue through individual giving, major and planned gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, campaigns, and events.
• Monitor pipeline activity, donor retention, revenue performance, and return on investment; report progress and recommend course corrections to leadership and the Board.

Donor and Prospect Engagement

• Build and actively manage a qualified portfolio of donors and prospects; conduct cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities that move relationships toward increased or renewed support.
• Engage and guide the CEO, Board, Resource Development Committee, and other organizational leaders in introductions, stewardship, hosting, and appropriate solicitations.
• Create consistent and clear communications and storytelling, including newsletters, that align with VisionGift's work and goals, and motivates and engages donors.

Campaigns, Grants, Events, and Partnerships

• Lead strategy for annual giving, sponsorships, special campaigns, grants, and fundraising events.
• Oversee foundation and corporate prospecting, proposal development, grant reporting, and funder relationships.

Systems, Stewardship, and Team Leadership

• Ensure accurate and timely gift processing, acknowledgment, donor records, reporting, and stewardship; maintain disciplined use of the donor CRM and protect confidential information.
• Direct and develop resource development support staff and contractors; set priorities, clarify ownership, and maintain accountability for results.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications to strengthen donor-centered messaging and expand awareness of VisionGift’s impact.

Requirements

Requirements and skills

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• 5+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including leadership of fundraising initiatives and revenue-generating programs.
• Proven track record securing support from individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations, including direct solicitation and major gift fundraising.
• Experience managing donor portfolios, fundraising campaigns, and donor CRM systems.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and translate fundraising strategy into measurable revenue growth.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience engaging donors, executives, board members, and community stakeholders.
• Strong project management, organizational, and financial management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and donor management software.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Passion for VisionGift's mission and commitment to ethical, financial donor-centered fundraising.

VisionGift offers a generous benefit package including, but not limited to:

• Employer paid medical and vision plan with a buy up option
• Dental benefits
• 401k with employer match
• Sabbatical leave
• $20,000 employer-paid life insurance policy
• Employer-paid short-term disability
• 7 paid holidays, 1 DEI holiday and 1 floating holiday
• 3 weeks PTO to in the first year which increases with tenure
• Voluntary benefits such as Dependent Care and FSA
• Paid parental leave and more!

Notice to applicants: Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet 100% of the qualifications listed in the job post. We are more interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed. If you are unsure if you meet the qualifications of this role please email hr@visiongift.org to discuss your application.

Please read this job description carefully and ask for clarification if you have difficulty understanding the functions of this job.

Please describe any accommodations that you need in order to perform this job.

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