Vice President of Development

VIA VISUALLY IMPAIRED ADVANCEMENT•Buffalo, NY

4d•$115,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

VIA Visually Impaired Advancement is seeking a full time Vice President of Development to work 37.5 hours per week. This position is primarily responsible for the creation, oversight and execution of agency resource development and the VIA brand inclusive but not limited to fundraising, donor development, grants, marketing and communications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in public relations, marketing, or a related field required.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in a role responsible for fundraising, donor development, grants, marketing and communications or similar, preferably in a not for profit environment.
Demonstrated fundraising track record, including a history of securing grant awards over $25,000, organizing successful fundraising events, and obtaining multi-year awards or donations.
Experience with a comprehensive grant management system, such as Network for Good.
Confidently initiate cold calls to potential funders, aiming to build relationships that result in funding and agency support.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of and experience with successful fundraising techniques, particularly in major gift fundraising.
Inspire, motivate, and support staff, board members, and volunteers to achieve fundraising goals.
Proactively initiate donor visits, fundraising calls, and cultivate relationships with external community partners, driven by clear goals.
Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to efficiently manage multiple tasks while staying focused on goals.
Exhibit a positive attitude, empathy, compassion, self-confidence, common sense, and strong listening skills.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree in the related disciplines preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the creation and implementation of the annual agency resource development plan and the annual marketing and communications plan, aligning them with the agency’s strategic direction.
Ensure the resource development plan includes detailed financial objectives, such as revenue targets, gross profit, expenses, and an overall budget.
Continuously analyze and refine the resource development plan to adapt to emerging trends and agency priorities, maximizing revenue growth.
Engage with prospective donors and supporters regularly to build and sustain strong relationships.
Establish and manage a major gifts program, including the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors.
Oversee the grant-seeking process, including researching opportunities, writing proposals, tracking progress, and meeting reporting requirements.
Develop and promote a planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequests.
Lead the annual appeal program, managing mailings and fundraising drives.
Direct and coordinate capital campaigns and other fundraising events.
Conduct and oversee research efforts to identify new donors and secure new grant opportunities from charitable foundations.
Oversee and coordinate the work of the team members of the Community Development department.
Organize and participate in public appearances or speaking engagements to raise awareness about VIA within the community.
Assist the Board of Directors’ Development and Marketing/Outreach Committees by attending meetings, supporting the Committee Chair, and preparing necessary documents.
Manage the fundraising database and tracking systems, ensuring accuracy in reporting and meticulous record-keeping.
Ensure staff, board members, and volunteers are effectively supported during fundraising events.
Oversee the creation of publications that support fundraising activities.
Collaborate with internal and external customers of VIA.
Oversee and support the Leadership and management teams in developing department-specific marketing and outreach plans that drive business growth in key program areas, such as vision rehabilitation, low vision clinic, contact center, and manufacturing.