Executive Director of Development

Executive Director of Development

Envision Dallas

Dallas, Texas

General Background

Envision Dallas is a 501(c)(3) affiliate of Envision, whose headquarters is in Wichita, Kansas. In 2018, Envision acquired Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, which is now Envision Dallas. With nearly 200 employees, Envision Dallas serves 150,000 blind and visually impaired people in 11 North Texas counties. Currently a $37 million operation, this is a rapidly growing organization.

Envision assists the blind and visually impaired population by providing employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research. It was founded in 1933 as the Wichita Workshop and Training School for the Adult Blind. The facility taught blind people how to make and sell products. Today, Envision Dallas employs the blind and visually impaired in manufacturing such products as safety vests for highway construction workers, military pouches, sunglass holders and in manning a call center for various outreach projects. In addition, Envision Dallas provides education, training and support for the young visually impaired, as well as for all newly impaired individuals seeking to adjust to a life without sight. 

It’s estimated that 4.2 million adult Americans ages 40+ are blind or visually impaired. There are approximately 63,657 youth (0-21 years of age) who are legally blind. Envision’s multi-faceted manufacturing and service lines all revolve around its core mission of improving the quality of life and providing inspiration for blind and visually impaired (BVI) people.

Position Overview

The Executive Director of Development will serve as the lead fundraiser in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate needs to be a high energy and entrepreneurial doer functioning within a complex social enterprise environment that uses a business model to generate revenue. He or she will have 6-10 years of high-level relational sales or professional fundraising experience.

He or she must be able to think creatively, with the ability to accept a reasonable level of risk, and be open to change. The Executive Director serves as a key member of the Envision Dallas leadership team and will report to the Managing Director of Envision Dallas, David Stupay.

Responsibilities

• Identify potential contributors including individuals, corporations, and foundations; develop strategies to secure major philanthropic support.
• Actively participate in the solicitation of gifts to Envision Dallas.
• Implement a comprehensive capital campaign with a goal of $15
• Actively manage a portfolio of prospects capable of making gifts of $100,000+, working closely with the Managing Director to create compelling strategies for transformational gifts.
• Execute an annual fundraising plan. Meet weekly and monthly metrics to achieve goals.
  • Develop relationships and solicit individuals capable of major gifts
  • Actively seek to build partnerships with corporations and foundations who have an interest in Envision’s mission.
  • Execute an annual direct mail plan
  • Execute special events as needed to build philanthropic relationships
  • Lead employee giving program
• Actively participate in the annual strategic planning process to include budgeting, business reviews and other financial metrics as required.
• Oversee one position, the Outreach Manager in communications and activities that support the fundraising efforts. (Additional positions may be added as the program grows.)
• Team with Marketing in the development of a marketing and media plan as it relates to and supports fundraising.
• Develop metrics for fundraising success.
• Maintain professional contact with associations, and organizations where collaboration and networking are of benefit to both parties.
• Develop stewardship plans and activities for donors.
• Perform other duties as required.

Professional and Personal Qualifications

• 6-10 years of high-level relational sales or professional fundraising experience.
• Energized by the mission of employment and independence for people who are blind or visually impaired to help them succeed and thrive in the workplace, have productive and meaningful lives and contribute to their communities.
• Interest in a business and social enterprise model to achieve and underwrite this mission.
• Be relational and outward focused.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong capabilities in planning and organizing.
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, including excellent interpersonal skills to establish relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.
• Be goal driven and possess a high degree of creativity, entrepreneurship and energy.

Location and Compensation

This position will be onsite at the Envision Dallas office. Salary is competitive and benefits include medical, dental, LTD, vision, and a 401K retirement plan.

Non-Discrimination

Envision Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Application Process

This search is being conducted by The Moran Company.

To apply for this position, submit a cover letter and resume to Jane Lampo, The Moran Company. Resume should be chronological and include all professional education and experience, dates of employment (month and year), position/title, and organization names. APPLY NOW