Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind | Chief Development ...
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind - smithtown, NY
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GUIDE DOG FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND/AMERICA'S VETDOGS Chief Development Officer Smithtown, New York BACKGROUND The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind is a national leader in training and placing guide and service dogs that provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to people who are blind, have low vision, or who have other special needs. The organization serves clients from across the United States and Canada. For over 75 years, the Guide Dog Foundation (GDF) has successfully worked with individuals who are deaf-blind and those with disabilities other than blindness or hearing impairment in its trademarked small classes and personalized instruction. In addition to its guide and service dog programs, the Foundation offers extensive education and outreach programs to broaden the public's understanding of visual impairment, as well as access and disability rights. Guide Dog Foundation created its sister organization America's VetDogs in 2003 to help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence. Veterans are supported whether they are visually impaired or have other special needs, through the use of assistance dogs. Both guide and service dogs enable veterans to reclaim their independence and maximize the connections to their families, communities and country. Today, America's VetDogs represents the fastest growing segment of the organization's operations. Unique to Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and America's VetDogs is their role as one of the country's largest entity to jointly develop and train both guide dogs and multiple types of service dogs. GDF/AVD trains and places service dogs for those with physical disabilities; guide dogs for individuals who are blind or have low vision; service dogs to help mitigate the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder; hearing dogs for those who have lost their hearing, and facility dogs as part of the rehabilitation process in military and VA hospitals. While each organization is a separate 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International, the two organizations share staff and other resources to ensure people with disabilities receive the best services possible. Over the past few years, the organizations have experienced tremendous growth in revenue, brand recognition and demand for its services, having leveraged high-profile partnerships with the national media and professional sports teams. Further, America's VetDogs was selected to work with former President George H.W. Bush by providing him with his service dog, Sully. Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind and America's VetDogs (the Organization) have a combined operating budget in excess of $19M and is supported by a staff of 160 and over 1,200 volunteers. For more information about GDF/AVD, visit their websites at: and POSITION Working from the organization's 10-acre campus in Smithtown (Long Island, NY) the Chief Development Officer (CDO) reports to the President and CEO. The Chief Development Officer will lead a high performing national development program of 10 fundraisers. The team raises in excess of $20M annually with support coming from individuals, corporate sponsors and government grants. Individuals comprise a majority of the organization's donors. The CDO will serve as a member of the Leadership team for the Organization, overseeing all aspects of fundraising initiatives. The CDO will be responsible for managing the development team and, due to the organizations' unique model, be responsible for raising major donor revenue for both Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs. In partnership with the President and CEO, Chief of Staff, and board of directors, the CDO will design, lead and implement a sustainable development strategy encompassing multiple channels to increase philanthropic revenue from a diverse portfolio of national supporters in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner. The CDO will be responsible for overseeing and executing a Major Capital Campaign. The ideal candidate will possess a high degree of initiative, strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, the willingness to evaluate and take calculated risks, the ability to measure performance and demonstrate an overall drive to build lasting sustainable success for the Organizations and the ability to thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced and entrepreneurial organization. In addition to its annual fundraising goals, the Organization has recently completed a feasibility study and will soon embark upon a capital campaign. The bricks and mortar campaign will support further development of its facilities on campus that will better serve its clients. The CDO will work closely with the President and CEO and the campaign consultants on ensuring the success of the campaign. The Organization's strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned both entities a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator. RESPONSIBILITIES Develop, manage and deliver a clearly defined fundraising strategy. Determine short and long-term key performance indicators. Manage and grow a diversified portfolio of major individual and foundation funders while establishing a balanced mix of donor sources and fundraising programs. Develop new, cohesive and integrated annual revenue streams in strategic markets. Develop and implement strategies to engage and mobilize supporters to advocate for the organization's mission and impact on the community. Prepare the organization for a capital/major gifts campaign and onboard and train staff in alignment and preparation for a capital campaign. Guide the vision, planning and execution of annual fundraising events. Grow existing events and spearhead new opportunities. Oversee the development and implementation of new fundraising initiatives based on sound business intelligence and data, including predictive analytics. Design and oversee the standardization of metrics used to measure individual performance against goals. Develop systems and structures that increase retention and advancement of donors acquired as well as strategies to increase acquisition of new donors, including identifying and partnering with corporations to expand the corporate puppy with a purpose program. Evaluate and implement improvements to increase the return on investment or donor experience associated with various sponsorship opportunities in order to increase renewal rates and giving. Partner with the CEO and other key staff members to leverage fundraising activities, with a special focus on major donor cultivation and solicitation. Motivate, coach and manage the Development team to support team members' goal attainment and ongoing professional development. Foster a culture of philanthropy and ensure that fund development aligns with the organization's core values and mission. Serve as a member of Leadership Team, participating in setting organizational priorities and organizational culture. Serve as a brand steward, advocating, evangelizing and enhancing the Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs awareness and reputation. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in technology, social media and content, and research methods to stay aligned with evolving marketing and donor metrics. SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS A desire to help people with disabilities and support the mission and vision of the Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs. At least 10 years of professional fundraising experience demonstrating the progression of fundraising performance in nonprofit development and supervisory roles. Demonstrated success in raising $10M+ annually. Experience building, managing and mentoring a development team inclusive of regionally based fundraisers and staff toward increased measurable levels of success. Proven track record of creating and executing effective fundraising strategies for diverse revenue streams, with success in soliciting and closing 6 and 7-figure gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations. Track record of building long-term, productive relationships with donors and philanthropic institutions. Demonstrated ability for handling multiple, complex fundraising initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. The ability to drive innovation, change and growth, and be a detail-oriented implementer who can mobilize small teams to translate strategy into results. Superb relationship management, interpersonal, and communication (written and oral) skills. Strong understanding of technology and information systems, managing a large database. Bachelor's degree required, CFRE or Master's degree in a relevant field of study preferred. The ability to participate in evening and weekend events. The ability to travel as needed (domestically). Guide Dog Foundation/America's VetDogs is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to ensuring equal opportunity to all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, or expression. For more information, to refer a candidate, or to apply in confidence, please contact: David Hinsley Cheng, Managing Partner Jennifer Thorne, Search Consultant DHC Search (203) Job Type: Full-time Pay: $145,000.00 - $185,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) Health insurance Relocation assistance Schedule: Monday to Friday Work Location: In person #J-18808-Ljbffr
Created: 2024-12-03