Development Director, Major Gifts job with Optica

Organization: Optica Foundation

optics (äp-tiks) noun. The branch of
physics that studies the behavior and property of light, including
its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments
that use or detect it.

photonics (fō-tä-niks) noun. The
science and technology of generating and controlling light.
Photonics underpins the technologies of daily life, from
smartphones to laptops, medical instruments, light technology and
even the Internet. The 21st century will depend as much on
photonics as the 20th century depended on electronics.

Are you passionate about shaping the future of science and
technology? Join us at the Optica Foundation, where we are on a
mission to make optics and photonics the career choice for
undergraduate (bachelor’s), graduate (master’s), and postgraduate
(Ph.D.) programs while supporting early-career professionals and
postdoctoral researchers in this exciting field.

 At the Optica Foundation, we believe that
by attracting, supporting and retaining the most capable young
scientists and engineers in optics, we can drive breakthroughs that
shape our future. We celebrate innovation, discovery and the
profound impact that photonics has on our world.

Key Responsibilities:

As the Major Gifts Director, you will be pivotal in securing
major gifts from individuals,  companies, and private
foundations who share our vision for advancing optics and
photonics. Your strategic approach to fundraising will be critical
in ensuring that we have the resources needed to support talented
students and early-career professionals in the field.

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive major gift fundraising
   strategy that aligns with our mission and objectives.
2. Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with potential
   major donors, including companies, private foundations, and
   individuals.
3. Collaborate with the key collaborators to create compelling
   funding proposals that showcase the impact of optics and photonics
   on our world.
4. Lead fundraising initiatives, including donor cultivation
   events, campaigns, and targeted outreach efforts.
5. Manage a portfolio of 100-150 major gift prospects, maintaining
   regular communication and building lasting relationships.
6. Provide strategic guidance to the board and staff on major
   gifts fundraising, helping to shape our funding priorities and
   strategies.
7. Proactively contribute to the robustness and accuracy of donor
   information and relationship history by tracking meeting notes and
   prospect strategies and by updating donor contact information
   regularly.

Qualifications:

1. Proven experience in major gift fundraising, with a track
   record of securing significant donations from high-net-worth
   Individuals, companies, and foundations.
2. Passion for science, technology, and the role of optics and
   photonics in shaping our future.  Demonstrated experience
   translating science for a non-science audience.
3. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and
   maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated
   experience engaging scientists, engineers, and innovators in
   conversations about philanthropy. 
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the
   ability to craft compelling funding proposals and
   presentations.  Strong organizational skills with a track
   record of success with cultivation events, campaigns, and targeted
   outreach efforts.
5. Demonstrated commitment to maintaining accurate and complete
   donor information including meeting and strategy notes, and contact
   information.  Basic prospect research skills to support major
   gift work.
6. Strategic thinker who can develop and execute fundraising
   strategies that drive results.
7. Collaborative team player who can work effectively with
   colleagues, donors, and partners.

Join us in making a difference:

By joining the Optica Foundation as our Major Gifts Director,
you’ll be at the forefront of advancing optics and photonics, and
you’ll be instrumental in attracting and retaining the brightest
minds in the field. Your work will have a direct impact on the
future of science, technology, and innovation, and together, we can
shape a world where optics and photonics drive meaningful
change.

Apply now and help transform the future through optics
and photonics.

Located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC,
Optica, formerly OSA, offers a competitive salary and excellent
benefits. Send resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to
resumes@optica.org.