Director of Development-Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey

ORGANIZATION
Based in Denville, NJ, Vision Loss Association of New Jersey (VLANJ) is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization which provides the emotional support and practical training to help adults who become blind or visually impaired return to a full and meaningful life: adjust to vision loss, acquire independent living skills and regain their physical and mental health. VLANJ is New Jersey’s only non-residential, comprehensive vision rehabilitation center enabling Individuals to access essential and advanced classes in home management, assistive technologies and orientation and mobility. Wellness programs include art, yoga, fitness, African drumming and horticultural therapy, among others. Small group classes using adult learning strategies make the program an innovative, effective and friendly learning environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE OF POSITION
Working in partnership with the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees’ Development Committee, the Director of Development will assume responsibility for the following tasks as VLANJ continues to grow.

1. Manage VLANJ’s development activities to support VLANJ’s mission and direction.
   • Create a development plan that includes, but is not limited to, goals, strategies, activities, and benchmarks necessary to reach the organization’s immediate fundraising objective, as well as to strengthen VLANJ’s funding diversity by attracting, retaining, and motivating donors and other funding sources for long-term financial stability.
   • Implement the most effective and appropriate fundraising strategies, including but not limited to, expanding VLANJ’s individual donor base through donor campaigns, pursuing relevant grant opportunities, developing an annual giving campaign, coordinating successful events and/or crowdsourcing programs, and cultivating major gifts and planned giving prospects.
   • Conduct periodic market assessments to reduce risk and assure success of VLANJ strategies, and inform the Executive Director about relevant philanthropy and fund development trends and issues.
   • Establish performance measures, monitor results, report progress, and provide recommendations to help the Executive Director and Board evaluate the effectiveness of VLANJ’s fund development program.
   • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws and maintain security and accountability standards related to VLANJ and its donors.
2. Design and assure implementation of cost-effective fund development programs, while maintaining an acceptable level of quality and solid return on investment.
   • Perform appropriate prospect research, manage donor portfolios, cultivate donor- centered relationships, and advance prospective donors to giving, as well as develop major donor and foundation support.
   • Assure development, writing, and tracking of foundation, corporate, and/or government proposals, as well as any other solicitation materials to gain restricted and unrestricted funding sources.
   • Oversee email marketing by assisting with preparation of development communications, incorporating relevant VLANJ facts and messaging for a range of outreach opportunities, including annual reports, newsletters, website content and development, social media, email marketing campaigns, direct letter mailings, and presentations.
   • Engage people from a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints, and communicate essential VLANJ program work in a way that successfully connects with diverse philosophies and perspectives.
   • Develop an annual calendar of scheduled development activities and update VLANJ’s Executive Director and Board to ensure objectives are achieved in a timely fashion.
   • In collaboration with the Executive Director, propose development campaign budgets, assure sound fiscal operation of development function, and provide regular reports on activities, progress, and outcomes.
3. Work with the Executive Director and Board to ensure fulfillment of fund development roles and facilitate the optimum interaction between VLANJ staff and Board.
   • Identify and address organizational development issues to increase VLANJ’s financial health and effectiveness and provide recommendations to VLANJ’s Executive Director to shape and improve VLANJ’s development policies and practices.
   • Provide training and support in development practices to facilitate VLANJ’s Executive Director and Board in their efforts to identify potential donors/funders, cultivate relationships, and solicit charitable donations and gifts.
   • As instructed by the Executive Director, participate in Board meetings and provide development activity reports and updates regularly, as well as work with Board members to ensure fulfillment of their commitments.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in related field and at least 5 years fundraising experience in a professional position is required; an advanced degree would be ideal.
• The ideal finalist will be able to communicate his/her passion for the mission and have demonstrated experience, confidence, and enthusiasm in asking people to contribute time and money, as well as a discernible track record of successful fund development.
• This position requires basic management skills and experience, including but not limited to short and long-term planning, program evaluation, effective oral and written communications, ability to motivate Board and staff, marketing and financial management, and best practices related to governance.
• The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience in the nature and dimensions of philanthropy, ethics, and motivations for giving, as well as skills in research and cultivation of prospects.
• Experience with organizations providing services to the visually impaired is a plus.
• Membership in a professional fundraising association and/or baseline certification in fundraising is preferred.
• Familiarity with computer systems and social media is required, including Constant Contact and e-Tapestry or similar development software; skilled use of Microsoft Office products is required.
• Must be a self-starter, able to maintain a heavy workload and flexible schedule to meet deadlines, travel as needed, and carry out other tasks requested by the Executive Director.

HOW TO APPLY
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested persons should send a cover letter and résumé by email to msalkin@amsolutions.net; be sure to put “VLANJ Development” in the subject line and tell us how you learned of this opportunity. Applicants will be expected to review the website at www.vlanj.org before submitting an application.

VLANJ is committed to the principals of equal employment opportunity. All employment decisions are based on individual qualifications, without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. Because VLANJ is committed to having a diverse workplace, we endeavor to seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the state and the people we serve.