Director of Development

Business Title: Director of Development

Location: Remote, located within US

Reporting to: CEO

Job Type: Full-time Position (Exempt)

Salary: TBD

Did you know that corneal blindness is the third leading cause of international blindness, yet it doesn’t get the global recognition it deserves? We see the problem, and we’re committed to bringing awareness to the issue. We are KeraLink International (KLI), and we believe every eye matters. In the company’s 62 years, we have successfully completed our initial mission of eliminating corneal blindness in the U.S., and we're taking our mission international for those suffering corneal blindness in low- and middle-income countries. Our first stop outside the U.S. is India.

Though we have a rich legacy, we are in the process of rebranding and expanding our services, so the ideal candidate should be accustomed to and excited to work in a start-up environment.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to play an instrumental role in discovering, developing, and deploying revolutionary yet sustainable and affordable technologies and procedures for the prevention, early detection, and novel treatment of corneal injury, disease, and blindness. Continue reading to learn more about the role and responsibilities and how you can help an often forgotten condition at KeraLink International.

Purpose:

This position is responsible for creating, managing, and delivering KeraLink’s fundraising strategy to grow income that will support the innovative programs, products, and services that KeraLink will provide. Expected to achieve the fundraising goals and engage donors and sponsors in ongoing service activities.

Develop and execute all aspects of an ongoing, effective, and compelling fundraising communications strategy to not only ensure that KeraLink’s potential supporters, collaborators, stakeholders, and constituents are continually aware of KeraLink’s mission and activities but to also foster financial support through donations from grants, corporations, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.

Experience working at a 501(c)(3) organization is imperative for this role, as the incumbent must possess a deep understanding of the charitable landscape.

Demonstrated experience in startup environments is a plus. An individual capable of not only devising and implementing strategies but also building a fundraising department.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Fundraising Strategy and Implementation:

• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan to meet revenue targets of $1.5 million in year one with a plan for significant growth and sustainability in future years.

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of fundraising strategies and programs.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:

• Cultivate and nurture relationships with current and potential corporate sponsors, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.

• Develop and lead strategies to research, identify, prioritize, solicit, and steward donors and prospects.

• Develop grant proposals and reports to secure large grants from diverse funding sources (corporations, foundations, high-net-worth individuals, the government, etc.).

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Train and lead staff to support fundraising and marketing initiatives.

• Provide guidance to contractors and team members.

• Assist the CEO and board in enhancing fundraising efforts and strategies.

Marketing and Outreach:

• Coordinate marketing efforts for outreach initiatives, including traditional and social media.

Reporting and Communication:

• Report regularly to the CEO on fundraising progress.

• Assist in the development and delivery of presentations to stakeholders, including partners, benefactors, clinicians, and patients.

Key Qualifications, Requirements, and Attributes:

At least 10 years of experience in soliciting Major Gifts within a non-profit organization. Bachelor’s degree in related field is preferred.

• Proven track record of managing 100+ donors and prospects, consistently securing gifts in the five- and six-figure range.

• Demonstrated success in developing and executing comprehensive fundraising plans.

• Experience working in a start-up environment.

• Experience with CRM systems and fundraising technologies, MSFT Dynamics, and OneCause is a plus.

• Background in donor cultivation, grant writing, and relationship management.

• Ability to articulate a compelling case for support and create impactful content.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of explaining scientific content to laypersons.

• Strong collaboration and team-building abilities.

• High level of organization, capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Committed to delivering outstanding results aligned with KeraLink’s mission and vision.

• Flexible to accommodate teams abroad and willing to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Expectations/Outcomes:

• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan to meet revenue targets of $1.5 million in year one.

• Plan for significant growth and sustainability in future years.

• Reflect KeraLink’s organizational core values in all you do.

• Provide excellent service to both internal and external constituents.

• Be a key player in helping KeraLink achieve its organizational goals.

• Maintain and operate within approved budget constraints.

• Effectively communicate and give presentations with the ability to be persuasive while developing a positive rapport.

• Interact with internal and external colleagues of KeraLink in a way that builds mutual trust, respect, and cooperation.

• Develop and communicate specific plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your goals in an accurate and timely manner.

• Effectively communicate work status and proactively identify issues for course correction.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance

• Health Savings Account with Company Match

• Dental and Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Short-term and Long-term Disability

• Paid Time Off

• 403b Retirement Plan with Company Match