The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is the academic leadership organization committed to advancing optometric education and research to enhance the health and well-being of the public. Since 1941, ASCO has pursued this mission by representing the interests of institutions of optometric education and by enhancing the efforts of these institutions as they prepare highly qualified graduates for entrance into the profession of optometry in order to best serve the public’s eye and vision needs. ASCO proudly represents all accredited schools and colleges of optometry in the United States. ASCO also has Associate and Affiliate members and organizations. Currently, there are two Provisional Member Schools.
The Opportunity:
The Director of Development is a senior leadership opportunity for a fundraiser eager to partner with an engaged CEO who truly enjoys fundraising and actively supports donor and sponsor relationships. This role leads ASCO’s development strategy with a strong emphasis on expanding and deepening partnerships with leading companies to drive larger, more strategic sponsorships. At a moment of organizational momentum, the Director will leverage strengthened branding and refreshed collateral, the implementation of a new CRM system to streamline operations, and a rapidly evolving industry landscape shaped by new technologies and emerging companies to modernize and scale fundraising efforts. Working closely with senior leadership and volunteers, the Director will help secure significant support for advocacy, applicant pipeline development, leadership and career development, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.
Please refer to Position Details linked above for an overview of the Director of Development position responsibilities.
Ideal Candidate:
- Minimum of five years of experience in fund development and management, industry relations, relationship building, or a related field with a professional or trade association, not-for-profit foundation, higher education institution, other not-for-profit organization, or similar entity.
- Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.
- An advanced degree in philanthropy or non-profit management is a plus.
- CFRE, ACFRE, or FAHP certification preferred.
- Director-level experience and demonstrated track record of success in fundraising, especially corporate giving and grant writing, program management, budgeting, and volunteer management.
- Experience working in a fundraising capacity with volunteers in a membership association preferred. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team composed of other staff members and/or volunteers.
- Ethical approach to fundraising activities and well-developed knowledge of ethical issues surrounding fundraising. High level of credibility and integrity.
- Knowledge of IRS regulations relative to fundraising, gift acceptance and acknowledgement, fundraising accounting principles and grants.
- Strong, demonstrated skills in verbal and written communications, interpersonal relationship building, public speaking, and negotiation.
- Please refer to Position Details linked above for additional requirements.
Location: Remote – Washington, D.C. area preferred.
DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry.
