Director, Development and Alumni Relations

Company: New England College of Optometry
Location: Boston
Posted on: February 1, 2025

Job Description:

Description:New England College of Optometry (NECO) was founded in 1894, and is the oldest, continuously operating College of Optometry in the United States. We invite applications for the position of Director of Development and Alumni Relations.NECO is one of three remaining private, nonprofit, tuition-dependent schools of optometry. We prepare the next generation of eye care providers, educators, and innovators through a rigorous curriculum, extensive clinical experiences, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong support network. As an independent optometry school, we focus solely on optometry. The College has approximately 520 students. The operating budget for FY25 is $32M and the current endowment is $66M. For additional information about NECO, please visit www.NECO.eduThe Opportunity:The Director of Development and Alumni Relations is a full time, front-line fundraising position with eligibility for a hybrid schedule after training completion. The Director manages a team of professionals that includes an Assistant Director, Development and Alumni Relations, a Development and Alumni Relations Coordinator, and a part time Alumni Relations Liaison.The Director is responsible for setting and executing ambitious fundraising goals (outlining one; three; and five-year goals for their team), aligning fundraising objectives with NECO's strategic plan, growing the pipeline of relationships, and maintaining a comprehensive list of potential financial donors including alumni, corporations, foundations, and individuals. This Director will build and cultivate lasting relationships with donors and NECO alumni. and keep them informed about the impact of their financial contributions. We are about to embark on a 5-year $10million capital campaign and expect the next Director to review, refine and spearhead this initiative.The Director will collaborate with the Alumni Board of Directors and the Development and Alumni Relations committee of the Board of Trustees to support engagement and inspire a culture of philanthropy among all constituents. This individual reports to the Executive VP, COO/CFO and works closely with the President, the VP of Professional Affairs. the VP of Academic Affairs, and the Director of Marketing and Communications.Key ResponsibilitiesCollaborate with the Board of Trustees, President and President's Leadership Team to create and implement a fundraising plan for NECO.Develop and support clearly defined and strategic fundraising priorities and articulate compelling cases to secure financial support from individuals (including alumni), the board of trustees, corporate partners, and foundations.Over the first three years, progressively increase annual funds raised from $1.25M to $2M through solicitations and face to face meetings.Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with major donors.Identify and manage a portfolio of prospects.Identify major gift prospects and developing plans to secure significant funding opportunities.Collaborate closely with donors, volunteers, and NECO leaders to identify new prospects. Perform administrative duties related to advancement work including documenting activity, writing proposals, inputting engagement plans in relationship management database, and adhering to Foundation policies.Contribute to the overall productivity and efficiency of the development staff by meeting or exceeding goals in a metrics-driven environment.Provide visible leadership across the entire organization by engaging in organization-wide activities such as development management meetings and events.Set priorities for leadership travel associated with fundraising opportunities.Oversee the planning and management of key fundraising events.Develop and track proposals and reports for all foundation and corporate fundraising activities.Furnish the board and president's leadership team with regular progress reports on fundraising activities and achievementsGenerate development materials such as grant proposals, fundraising appeals and case statementsWork with the Alumni board to support a network of former graduates who will, in turn provide philanthropic support to NECO and help to raise the profile of the collegeIn coordination with the Alumni Board Executive Committee and the Alumni Relations Liaison, identify and lead the planning of alumni engagement events, such as alumni receptions at conferences, reunions, and regional gatherings, ensuring both short- and long-term goals align with overall strategic goals.Ensure alumni and industry student events activities are coordinated with the Center for Academic and Professional Achievement.Develop policies for fundraising and alumni with the consultation and approval of the Board Development and Alumni Relations Committee and the Presidents Leadership Team.Collaborate with Marketing and Alumni Relations Liaison to produce a quarterly alumni newsletter, sharing alumni events, updates, news and fundraising opportunities at NECO.Collaborate with the marketing/communications team to develop a digital fundraising strategy.Oversee the use of development software (Little Green Light)Manage staff responsible for data entry and gift processing, fundraising and alumni relations.Collaborate with the business office to ensure accuracy in gift recording and account reconciliation.Successful Candidates will offer:Successful experience writing proposals for gifts from foundationsHigh level of motivation, as well as an ability to work both independently and collaboratively and to exercise independent judgmentStrong interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacyThe ability to build productive, beneficial relationships with a broad range of constituentsStrong written and verbal communications skills, including ability to effectively communicate NECO's priorities to donors and prospects, and to positively represent NECOAbility to handle multiple tasks, to assess and order priorities, and to track details in a fast-paced environmentAbility to engender trust and confidence of donors and prospective donors and to maintain confidentiality of donor informationDemonstrated experience managing development staffHands-on experience and success in stewardship and fundraisingThe New England College of Optometry is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled: As an Equal Opportunity Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.New England College of Optometry offers a robust benefits program including:3 plan options for BCBS medical coverageMental Health and Wellness benefitsBCBS DentalDiscounted vision services13 paid holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks of sick time, and 4 personal daysEmployer-paid life insurance, and short-term and long-term disabilityVoluntary Insurance: life, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident,Voluntary Benefits: employee discounts, ID theft protection, and pet insurance9% employer contribution to a 403(b)-retirement plan after 1 year of service with no vesting schedule or match requirementQualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness EmployerPM23Requirements:Bachelor's degree required3 plus years demonstrated success in fundraising and leadership required5 plus years of recent experience as a full-time professional fundraiser preferredExperience closing 5-figure gifts requiredFundraising experience at the highest level of an organization preferredExperience with Little Green Light or similar fundraising software requiredExperience within an academic, research, hospital/health care environment is preferred but not requiredCompensation details: 120000-140000 Yearly SalaryPI55a212556a7f-25660-36477875

Keywords: New England College of Optometry, Newton , Director, Development and Alumni Relations, Executive , Boston, Massachusetts