Chief Philanthropy and Marketing Officer

Contact at organisation: Erica Bearden, Leader Dogs for the Blind

Phone: 2482186415

Email: Erica.bearden@leaderdog.org

Leader Dogs for the Blind, based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, has been making people unstoppable for 80 years, empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. To learn more about our mission and campus follow the link to our website here.

Why work at Leader Dogs for the Blind?

• Remote or hybrid work option
• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance after 30 days of employment
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid disability insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off front loaded on first day of employment
• Annual merit pay increases
• Workout room access
• Dog friendly office

SUMMARY
The Chief Philanthropy and Marketing Officer serves as a key member of the Leader Dogs for the Blind leadership structure and is responsible for national philanthropic efforts of the organization. This position leads all marketing, communications, media relations, and public relations efforts to consistently articulate Leader Dog’s mission. This position provides innovative, strategic vision and leadership in planning, managing, and directing the organization’s fundraising efforts and stewardship programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement an integrated philanthropy plan which supports the achievement of the overall organization’s business objectives, mission, vision and values.
• Design and assure implementation of cost-effective fund development programs, employing economy while maintaining an acceptable level of quality and solid return on investment.
• Establish short-term and long-term philanthropy goals, including strategy identification, benchmarking and evaluation tools, and manage the development operation to achieve set goals.
• Direct national Lions fund raising strategy, mobilize and educate Lions volunteers from the more than 4,900 clubs that give to the organization to ensure achievement of annual fundraising goals from this constituency.
• Develop and maintain appropriate fund development systems including donor management, research and cultivation, gift processing, acknowledgement and recognition. Maintain accountability and compliance standards for donors and funding sources.
• Ensure articulate and consistent communication of the organization’s desired image and position to all constituents. Successfully deliver information and key messages to the public. Coordinate the appearance of all print and electronic materials to ensure consistent graphic identity.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of an integrated marketing and communications program that advances the organization’s position with relevant constituents, as well as to drive broader awareness of its programs and priorities, donor support for the organization; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
• Ensure the development and execution of marketing and public relations strategies and tactics which will generate media interest in the organization and cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences including the media and key influencers. Assure regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests.
• Oversee Leader Dog’s web presence and ensure the site is effective, current, relevant, easily accessible, and fully meets the strategic goals for online fundraising.
• Recruit, mentor, develop and successfully manage a team of development professionals to achieve the department’s strategic objectives and the present and future needs of the organization.
• Serve as a key organizational spokesperson and public advocate for the mission, travelling nationwide to present to various audiences.
• Maintain a personal portfolio of top donors and prospects.
• Develop a balanced funding mix of donor sources and solicitation programs tailored to the needs of the organization that will enable it to effectively attract, retain and motivate donors and fundraising volunteers, both regionally and nationally.
• Assure writing of foundation and corporate proposals and solicitation materials, appropriate prospect research, and maintenance of donor and prospect records, gift management systems, and informational reports.
• Collaborate with the CEO and work closely with the Philanthropy Committee Chair and committee members to communicate, lead, and energize all Trustees to fulfill a leadership role in successfully accomplishing the Philanthropy Department’s annual goals, programs, budgets, and targets.
• Identify, steward, solicit and receive major, annual and planned gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and trustees, and help members of the Board, the CEO, other fundraising volunteers and staff identify, cultivate and solicit charitable gifts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in related field required, advanced degree preferred. Seven to ten years progressively responsible experience in philanthropy, plus demonstrated success in managing and implementing a comprehensive fund development program required. Minimum of five years managing a team required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Successful and demonstrated experience envisioning, strategizing, coordinating, leading, communicating, managing, and achieving raising $13-15 million annually in general donations, planned gifts, grants, corporate giving, and special events.
• Sound knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of philanthropy and fund development, and demonstrated success in asking people to contribute time and money.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong organizational skills, and acuity with detail.
• Sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the demands of executive management, including frequent travel both regionally and nationally.
• Proficient in use of latest version of Microsoft Office products. Must also be proficient in use of fundraising software.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills along with strong interpersonal and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven, changing environment, manage multiple demands, work well under pressure, and work independently.
• Strong leadership and management skills, ability to create and execute strategic goals and objectives, set individual and team priorities and effectively monitor progress towards achievement.
• Must be comfortable with and willing to work around large dogs.
• Willing to perform general public relations duties on behalf of Leader Dog (perform tours, answer general questions, be a professional and courteous representative of Leader Dog, etc.).
• Ability to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, students and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone and email. This position requires independent local, regional, and national travel.

Leader Dogs for the Blind reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.

Leader Dogs for the Blind is an at-will employer. This means that the employment relationship may be ended at any time without notice by the employer or employee for any reason. Neither this document, nor any manual issued by Leader Dogs for the Blind, is a contract of employment.