Founded in 1962, the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization now known as KeraLink International (f/k/a Tissue Banks International) set the standard for addressing corneal blindness. In the U.S., due to the work of KeraLink and similar organizations, untreated corneal blindness has essentially been eliminated, with about 50,000 needed transplants being performed each year. Outside the U.S. the situation is drastically different.
There are currently an estimated 10+ million people living with corneal blindness, most of whom could be successfully treated it treatment were available in the places they live. 98% of those affected live in low and middle income countries (“LMICs”). KeraLink is now exclusively focused on addressing corneal disease and blindness in LMICs, where the need is most acute. While human tissue use will remain the standard of treatment for some years to come, KeraLink will use its resources to explore new techniques, technologies and financing innovations to tackle corneal blindness and disease in new and scalable ways.
Over the next five years, KeraLink International will execute a strategic plan to restore sight to 50,000 people suffering from corneal blindness who do not currently have access to corneal transplantation. This is just the first step in taking the big leap to restore sight to more than 10 million people suffering from corneal blindness worldwide. KeraLink seeks to eliminate corneal blindness globally by exploring all means including present prevention and treatment methodologies as well as new technologies and programs.
Job Brief
We are seeking to hire a seasoned Chief Development Officer to help us set and implement our fundraising efforts to help ensure the success of our organization. The Chief Development Officer will report to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will work with the senior management team, board of directors, and staff to define the organization's vision, communications and direction for resource acquisition in the form of grants, restricted and unrestricted donations in all forms, public campaigns and program related investments (PRI). You will be responsible for planning and implementing strategies to secure donors, contributions and PRI investors in support of the organization, provide oversight of all fund raising activities, monitor development activities, interact with partnering organizations who we may raise funds with collaboratively, and address issues that may hamper fundraising growth and success.
You will oversee staff in three key areas of development that you will manage and where you will have demonstrated successful strategies in your past work:
- Grant raising: primarily from public and private foundations, but also governments, Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) grants and high net worth individuals based both in the United States and in the LMICs in which KeraLink is active
- Raising funds from the public: public fundraising campaigns via social media and traditional methods
- Program related investment: using the financial resources of KeraLink to leverage other program related investors who invest in the form of below-market return equity and debt in support of KeraLink supported social enterprises which will include new technologies for addressing corneal disease.
Responsibilities
- Work with the CEO, staff, and board of directors to develop and implement short and long-term strategic fundraising plans
- Identify and address development issues that affect the well-being and efficacy of the organization.
- Foster a culture of philanthropy and ensure that fund raising is executed in keeping with the organization's values, vision, and mission.
- Participate with the CEO and senior management to plan the organization's fundraising programs and related communications
- Manage the operations development function efficiently and oversee development activities in coordination with staff
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Engage sources of grant funding and oversee grant writing and submission process
- Maintain long-term relationships with existing donors
- Identify, evaluate and build relationships with new and prospective donors
- Manage systems and software to track and cultivate donors and prospects, including appropriate donor database and wealth screening tools
- Develop and implement program related investment raising activities
- Work with staff to plan and implement creative outreach to the public
- Work with industry and their cause-related marketing departments to raise funds for addressing corneal disease
- Establish a balanced mix of donor sources and fundraising programs to attract and retain donors and fundraising volunteers
- Establish performance measures, monitor results, and regularly evaluate the efficacy of the fund development program and report progress toward monthly, quarterly and annual objectives
- Communicate fundraising goals throughout the organization and equip team members to reach them
- Maintain accountability and ensure compliance with all regulations and laws, as well as the code of ethics for fundraising professionals
- Keep abreast of developments in philanthropy and fund development
- Managing the organization's budget for fundraising income programs
- Recruiting and training fundraising staff and volunteer leaders.
Requirements
- Passionate about KeraLink’s mission and able to promote and communicate the philosophy, mission and values of KeraLink to external and internal stakeholders.
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management, Public Administration or closely related field
- Master's Degree preferred
- CRFE or ACFRE preferred
- Minimum of 7-10 years professional experience in managing fundraising projects and teams and building long-term fundraising relationships in a professional, nonprofit setting
- Proven track record of success in fundraising, both high dollar donors ($100k+) and from the public
- Experience with raising program related investments preferred
- Strong interpersonal, decision-making, and leadership skills
- Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
- Analytical thinking and ability to research and analyze pertinent data, with demonstrated proficiency with donor management databases and Microsoft Office Suite
- Successful experience in making cold calls as well as developing cultivation and solicitation strategies
- Ability to self-direct and achieve fundraising goals required
- Willingness and ability to travel
- Must live in the Baltimore, MD area, as daily presence in the home office is required
This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a dynamic nonprofit’s fundraising program and partner with the CEO and senior management team. KeraLink offers a competitive compensation package including base salary, bonus, health, 401k and vacation benefits.
Apply with Cover letter and salary requirements
KeraLink is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.
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