CHIEF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Extraordinary people.  Meaningful work.  Making a world of difference.
 
About Us:

Since 1936, the renowned Carroll Center for the Blind has been a leader in serving those with vision impairment.  For over 85 years, the expertise of Carroll Center staff has provided help for thousands of blind and visually impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success in education, employment, independent living and much more. We are known nationally as a premier Vision Rehabilitation Center. We are especially proud that the Center provides comprehensive services for people of ALL ages and ALL stages of vision loss.  With the ongoing promise of improving the lives of people with vision-related problems, The Carroll Center for the Blind has pioneered many innovative services allowing people who are blind or have low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in classroom settings, and in their workplaces. Our services include vision rehabilitation, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, providing recreation opportunities, and preparing students for college or advanced training. We offer specialized summer youth programs for blind and visually impaired students.   Programs for students aged 8 to 13 focus on developing independence socially, academically, and personally.  Ages 14 to 21, the emphasis is on transitioning into young adulthood, fostering independence while preparing them for future academic and life success.  

 

As a member of The Carroll Center’s Senior Leadership team, the successful CDCO reports to the President and CEO presiding over the Center’s development and communications functions. The CDCO has the primary responsibility to effectively develop, lead, and strategically manage the operations of the Development and Communications Office. The CDCO leads the Carroll Center team in planning and executing the vision and strategy for the Center’s philanthropic program, community engagement and communications. The CDCO maintains a portfolio of approximately 75 high-capacity prospects with the ability to support the institution with lead and major gifts in support of the Generations Campaign.  Along with the President and Board, the CDCO will play a pivotal role in driving the success of the Generations $13 million campaign.

 

The CDCO will be mission-focused, strategic, collaborative, results-driven, and a creative leader and manager with a proven track record of growing a diverse and sustainable revenue portfolio, building and amplifying a positive brand position, and leading a team of diverse, talented individuals. Working closely with the President and CEO, dedicated Board of Directors, and key staff, the CDCO designs and implements comprehensive and dynamic strategies and initiatives that will ensure the success of individual major and planned giving, corporate, and foundation giving programs. The CDCO is responsible for accurately forecasting, cultivating, and closing revenue opportunities that meet or exceed the organization’s financial and impact goals. The efforts of the CDCO and their team will generate contributed revenue by increasing gifts, sponsorships, and grants through maintaining and building successful relationships, solicitation, stewardship, and marketing communications. In addition to successfully leading all fundraising activities, the CDCO will oversee marketing, communications, events, and brand strategy for The Carroll Center, positioning the agency as the leading resource of information and services concerning the blind and visually impaired both nationally and internationally.

 

In addition to the President, the CDCO will closely collaborate with a dedicated Board of Directors and key staff to identify, cultivate, and solicit new major donors and grow a robust revenue portfolio.

 

·         Partnering with the President and CEO and Board leadership, lead and manage CCB’s strategic Board engagement and stewardship.

·         Build a best practices development and communications team that collaborate to engage constituents, raise funds, and advance the organization’s mission.

·         Mentor and coach, the development team, implement and delegate work streams effectively, supports professional growth, and motivates and holds team members to a high standard of excellence.

·         Provide strategic direction and management support for the creation and execution of effective marketing and communication plans to advance fund development priorities and other organizational goals and objectives.

·         Oversee and execute an inspiring, dynamic, and vigorous $13 million comprehensive campaign.  Take the lead in designing, planning, and implementing this historic Carroll Center fundraising initiative. To that end, will also manage a portfolio of 75 prospects. Cultivate and solicit gifts from lead donors. 

·         Utilize best practices in development and communications performance and activity metrics and donor data mining and analytics to track, and report metrics that illustrate the effectiveness of development communications and marketing efforts. Utilize best practice metrics and analytics to drive strategic decisions that increase individual giving revenue.

·         Oversee the creation and implementation of a multi-channel marketing and communications strategy using social media, website, and digital presence to increase engagement with CCB to include event promotion, fundraising appeals, volunteer recruitment and awareness for CCB programs.

·         Proactively create and amplify a positive public image, brand, and reputation for the organization.

·         Collaborate with institutional leaders and staff in identifying, articulating, and marketing philanthropic opportunities.

 

·         An innovative leader with 10 plus years of experience in development as a senior director effectively leading, inspiring, and mentoring teams/staff/volunteers with measurable success attracting and closing major gifts of $100,000 or more.

·         10 to 15 plus year’s of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, proposal, and grant writing, annual and planned giving, major gifts, foundation and corporate giving, marketing, communications, and brand management in a related field within a nonprofit organization.

·         Experience with Raiser’s Edge and related products is preferred.

·         Bachelor’s and preferably advanced degree in nonprofit leadership, communications, or related field.

·         Adhere to the highest ethical standards, best practices, and unquestionable integrity.

·         Proven ability to identify, cultivate, secure, and steward major donor relationships.

·         Proven ability to lead strategic planning, manage team execution against measurable goals and objectives as well as develop and effectively manage department budgets.

·         Ability to build and foster collaborative relationships with cross-organizational colleagues to stay informed of new and current work.

·         Demonstrate a genuine concern for people which goes beyond caring about the donors and the clients but extends as well into concern for the staff. Taking time to listen to the concerns of other staff, your colleagues in the development office and others in the organization.

·         Exceptional interpersonal, oral/written communication, organization, prioritizing and articulate presentation skills.

·         Thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial, results-driven, and fast-paced environment and foster growth, learning, improvement and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion.

·         Excellent working knowledge with Microsoft Office products, and database tools (Raisers Edge Blackbaud preferred).

·         Demonstrated ability in development and communications analytics for performance measurement, learning, improvement and wealth screening, and web content management systems.

·         Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel to meet with potential donors.

·         Must be willing to work long hours and some weekends to reach fundraising deadlines or attend fundraising events.

We offer a generous benefits package to include health and dental coverage vision, Flexible Spending Account, 4 weeks accrued vacation, personal day, 12 accrued sick days, 11 holidays and a retirement program (403b) with up to a 3% employer match.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Carroll Center for the Blind (CCB) is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and always fosters acceptance for everyone. We offer fair opportunities to all qualified persons in recruitment and selection, employment, compensation and benefits, professional development and training, transfers, promotions, social activities, and the use of CCB’s facilities. CCB welcomes all qualified applicants and ensures that everyone will receive equal consideration for employment and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, military, or veteran status, political or union affiliation, or any other categories protected by Federal or State law.

The CCB culture embraces both the law and a work environment that is safe, positive, diverse, inclusive, and equitable for all. Our mission and impact shines bright on all.

Qualified candidates kindly forward a cover letter and resume to hr@carroll.org.

Should you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please email hr@carroll.org and we will be happy to assist you.