Working with the Executive Director, Development, the Director will manage the Foundation’s communications and donor relations program with a goal of increasing the optics and photonics  community’s understanding of the impact of the Foundation and of giving. This position also oversees the administrative aspects of the Foundation including budgets, vendor contracts, data management and reporting.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: (not necessarily in priority order)

A. Foundation Communications

1. 1. Builds and implements a strategy to increase awareness of the Optica Foundation and the impact of giving. This includes managing the Foundation’s website, email, social media, and print communications.
   2. Creates the Foundation’s newsletters and other communications, ensuring that all materials align with the Optica Foundation brand guidelines.
   3. Manages collateral material for corporate, foundation, and major donor engagement. Supports communications related to the planned giving program.
   4. Partners with Foundation colleagues to manage Foundation events, with a goal of driving deeper donor engagement through meaningful experiences.

B. Donor Relations

1. Administers gift processing to ensure donors receive acknowledgement of their gift in a timely and meaningful manner.
2. Develops the annual report and other reports/materials for donors to keep them informed about the impact of giving, with a goal of continuously improving donor retention.
3. Implements the Foundation’s naming and recognition policy to ensure that donors receive appropriate recognition for their gifts. This includes managing corporate benefits approved by the Optica Foundation Board of Directors in addition to any giving societies.

C. Foundation Administration

1. 1. Partners with the Executive Director of Development to develop and maintain the Foundation’s annual budget as well as vendor relationships.
   2. Supports the logistical and administrative aspects of the Foundation’s Board of Directors meetings.
   3. Manages the Development Coordinator and assigned deliverables.
   4. Supports and develops the Foundation’s reporting and data management to ensure leadership has timely and accurate reports to support decision making.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develops and maintains excellent relationships with staff partners across Optica.
2. Explores and institutes efficient methods for donor tracking.
3. Keeps informed of developments in philanthropy and fundraising and the general fields of management and the not-for-profit sector.
4. Establishes and maintains positive relationships with volunteers, vendors/suppliers, external organizations and the greater optics and photonics community.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Possesses a Bachelor's degree and has at least 7+ years of expertise in a position focused on member/community relations, donor/volunteer cultivation, sponsorship/fundraising, and related activities.  Experience working in a scientific society a plus but not required.
2. Is detail-oriented, organized, deadline-driven, and self-directed.
3. Thinks strategically and is able to adapt thinking and actions to achieve broad organizational goals. Can balance and derive gratification from both administrative/operational activities and strategic ones.
4. Has strong relationship building skills and the ability to easily relate to a number of different key stakeholders including students, early-career professionals, mid to late career volunteers/members, as well as both individual and corporate donors.
5. Possesses strong and effective interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) and has the ability to effectively synthesize the input of many voices into a single compelling story.
6. Has a strong customer service orientation, problem-solving demeanor, and a positive attitude.
7. Can learn and adapt quickly to new directives and opportunities to drive revenue growth and impact.
8. Proficient in Microsoft office/Windows and non-profit database applications (Experience with netFORUM preferred).
9. Enjoys working both as part of a team and independently to deliver desired results.

About Optica

Optica (formerly OSA) is dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving, and dissemination of knowledge in optics and photonics worldwide. Founded in 1916, it is the leading organization for scientists, engineers, business professionals, students, and others interested in the science of light. Optica’s renowned publications, meetings, online resources, and in-person activities fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate scientific, technical, and educational achievement.

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