Career/Volunteer

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Career Opportunities

Position Title: Manager, Institutional Funding & Partnerships (Europe)

Reports to Position Title: Director, Development

Location: UK

Position Summary

Our Fund Development department has an immediate opening for a full time Manager, Institutional Funding & Partnerships (Europe). Reporting to the Director of Development, you will coordinate and manage the implementation of the institutional fundraising strategy of Operation Eyesight with the objective to diversify and increase the portfolio of major grants. You will build new partnerships and nurture existing relationships. You will take the lead responsibility to identify new opportunities with government, statutory and professional foundation sources to secure significant restricted and semi-restricted funding. You will support the development of strong relationships alongside International and Country Programme colleagues and members of the Donor Relations and Marketing & Communication teams to secure new funding.

Key Accountabilities

In this role, some of your key responsibilities will include:

  • Participate in formulation of and take ownership of the institutional fundraising strategy within the UK and Europe for OE’s countries of intervention in South Asia and Africa
  • Lead the identification, development and management of strategic relationships with Institutional Donors
  • Develop, implement and monitor annual plans based on the fundraising strategy
  • Establish long term partnerships, strengthen existing relationships, and initiate new institutional contacts in the international development sector
  • Contribute to maintaining a healthy institutional funding pipeline by leading on the research and identification of potential new funding opportunities and streams, with particular focus on:
    • Bilateral donors based in the UK and Europe (e.g. UK Aid, NORAD, DANIDA)
    • Multilateral donors (e.g. UNICEF, UNDP, WB)
    • MNCs with significant CSR programmes and large Foundations (e.g. Standard Chartered Bank, Gates Foundation, Essilor Foundation)
    • INGOs (Save the Children, Plan International, CBM DRC)
  • Lead on the grant proposal development of reactive institutional bids or in response to calls for proposals in collaboration with relevant teams, leading to successful submission and signing of contracts
  • Work closely with finance and programmes teams to meet the donor requirements

Job-Related Skills

  • Significant experience in fundraising, partnerships and/or business development in the institutional sector (preference for USAID, FCDO, WB, Norad, Danida, Sida)
  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of at least 3 institutional donors (bilateral and multilateral) and demonstrable knowledge of the institutional funding landscape
  • Experience and track record in bid development and proposal writing including management and coordination of different stakeholders as part of creating successful partnerships
  • In-depth understanding of the international humanitarian and development sector
  • The ability to think strategically and the knowledge to develop a competitive advantage with OE programs through innovative partnerships
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills, with exceptional proposal writing and presentation capabilities
  • Knowledge of fundraising information sources and familiarity with research techniques for prospect research (Devex, Business forecast, etc)
  • Experience with CRM systems
  • Experience of working directly with the most senior levels in an organization, and the ability to effectively strategize and engage various groups and constituents
  • Highly developed skills in organizational efficiency and project leadership, including demonstrated accomplishments while working with cross-functional teams
  • Confident extracting and analysing data in order to make effective, efficient decisions about prospect strategy and process
  • Ability to work independently, yet communicate and coordinate clearly and regularly with the wider team when proposal development requires
  • Great attention to detail
  • Calm under pressure, and can manage competing priorities and deadlines
  • Highly self-motivated, with a proactive nature to seek out new opportunities

Operation Eyesight’s Values

Equity | Excellence | Citizenship | Innovation | Compassion

Training & Experience

  • Experience in raising funds from major donors like USAID, GAC and UK Aid
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, strategic planning, people management, portfolio management, and proposal development
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across and outside of the organization
  • Experience in working collaboratively across multiple departments and high-level stakeholders
  • Exceptional diplomacy skills and superior attention to detail
  • Discretion and ability to manage confidential information appropriately
  • Ability to represent the organization in external forums
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

As a Partnership Manager, you will play a crucial role in developing and maintaining partnerships that support our organization’s goals. You will be responsible for identifying new partnership opportunities, negotiating agreements, and monitoring their performance. Your strong fundraising knowledge, excellent communication skills, and ability to build relationships will contribute to the success of our partnerships. If you are a motivated individual with a passion for building connections, we would love to hear from you.

Does this opportunity sound right for you? Please submit your resume and cover letter to HR@operationeyesight.com

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Kindly note that only applicants who showcase their relevant experience will be contacted.

Reposted on December 18, 2023.

This is a hybrid position based in Calgary, Canada.

Our Fund Development department has an immediate opening for a full time Major Gifts Officer. Reporting to the Director of Fund Development, you will focus on revenue-generation of gift Commitments in $25,000 to $1M range., connecting with existing and prospective donors to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward current and future gifts. The ideal candidate will have fundraising experience and proven success in closing major gifts at the $100K+ level.

The MGO will be part of a high performing and successful Fund Development team that works collaboratively with International and Country Programme colleagues, members of the Fund Development team and Marketing & Communication team to secure new funding. The MGO will be equally capable of qualifying, cultivating, and closing gifts autonomously, with a team member or in concert with a volunteer. They will have the ability to connect the dots between the need and the donor’s interests and objectives. Supportive and respectful, the successful candidate will be a solutions-oriented team player collaboratively working towards a common objective.

Key Accountabilities

In this role, some of your key responsibilities will include:

  • Personally develop and manage a portfolio of major gift donors ($25,000+) through all stages of the donor cycle
  • Actively seek out new major donor prospects and assess interest
  • Secure discovery meetings to establish or strengthen donor relationships
  • Complete donor calls and visits to identify, cultivate, solicit, steward and provide ongoing relationship management to a portfolio of donors
  • Where appropriate, liaise with Senior Leadership to effectively cultivate, solicit and steward relationships
  • Prepare related briefing notes and call reports, individualized solicitation proposals, presentations and other correspondence
  • Provide ongoing stewardship and high touch experiences to our major donors, with a focus on reporting and donor retention
  • Maintain donor and prospect records including: entering and maintaining solicitation and donor information, call reports, proposals and referral tracking
  • Work collaboratively with other departments and model behaviour that encourages a mutually supportive team environment
  • Lead by example to build excitement and accountability with team members to emulate similar behaviour

Job-Related Skills

  • Relevant fundraising experience at the $100,000+ gift levels
  • Previous experience in international development fundraising an asset
  • Demonstrated ability to set and achieve ambitious fundraising goals
  • Exhibits a high level of maturity and aptitude for working in a fast-paced environment; demonstrates ability to work autonomously, competently handles multiple tasks, sets priorities and meets deadlines
  • Ability to understand the needs and interests of individual donors, corporations and other funding organizations in order to develop mutually beneficial relationships with Operation Eyesight
  • Interest in all aspects of preventing avoidable blindness and a dedication to promoting Operation Eyesight fundraising priorities by helping to create excellent working relationships with our International Programmes teams
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal and networking skills with donors, volunteers and the OE team
  • Personal presentation and approach to ensure the highest level of professional representation of OE at all times.
  • Donor database experience – Salesforce
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office – PowerPoint, Excel and Word

Operation Eyesight’s Values:

Equity | Excellence | Citizenship | Innovation | Compassion

Operation Eyesight’s Offer includes:

  • 37.5 hour work week
  • The ability to work flexible hours (hybrid work from home and in office)
  • Four (4) weeks paid vacation per year, plus paid office closure between Christmas and New Year winter break
  • Five (5) paid personal days, plus two (2) paid wellness days per year
  • Eight (8) paid sick days
  • Extensive heath, dental and HSA/WSA coverage for you and your dependents
  • 5% Employer RSP contribution
  • Learning & Development opportunities
  • Working with caring and compassionate staff

Education/Training/Experience

  • 3-5 years experience of raising funds from major donors ($100,000+)
  • University or college degree in a related discipline
  • Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation or willingness to work toward is considered an asset
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, strategic planning, people management, portfolio management, and proposal development
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across and outside of the organization
  • Experience in working collaboratively across multiple departments and high-level stakeholders
  • Exceptional diplomacy skills and superior attention to detail
  • Discretion and ability to manage confidential information appropriately
  • Ability to represent the organization in external forums
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Does this opportunity sound right for you? Please submit your resume and cover letter to HR@operationeyesight.com

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Kindly note that only applicants who showcase their relevant experience will be contacted. Thank you.

This is a hybrid position based in Calgary, Canada.

Our Fund Development department has an immediate opening for a full time Mid-Level Gifts Officer. As Reporting to the Director of Fund Development, this position will focus on revenue-generation of gift commitments ($1,000 to 25,000) by connecting with existing and prospective donors to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward current and future gifts. The ideal candidate will have fundraising experience and proven success in closing gifts in this range.

Working in collaboration with members of the Fund Development team, International and Country Programme colleagues and Marketing & Communication team, this position will help grow our mid-level giving program, including cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a portfolio of donors, deepening connections and securing funds for our organization’s mission to prevent avoidable blindness. You will focus on providing the very best moves management system to retain and upgrade these important donors.

Key Accountabilities

In this role, some of your key responsibilities will include:

  • Develop and execute strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward mid-level gifts ($1,000 – $25,000) from individuals, foundations and corporations
  • Actively manage a portfolio of 100-150 donors/prospects and develop effective fundraising tactics to secure ongoing annual support, cultivate for major gifts and legacy giving potential
  • Evaluate, recommend and implement innovative, mid-level giving strategies to engage and inspire support from like-minded prospects and donors
  • Develop and monitor KPI’s and prepare activity and financial reports on a regular basis
  • Develop a moves management system for mid-level donors and maintain timely and accurate notes in Salesforce to reflect activity
  • Work with the Fund Development team to identify and qualify donors based on capacity, interest, linkages and readiness for mid-level gifts, major gifts or legacy gifts
  • Collaborate with Event & Stewardship Officer to ensure appropriate recognition and stewardship of assigned donors
  • Work closely with Annual Giving and the Marketing & Communications team in developing a data-driven strategy for mid-level donors in direct marketing campaigns, helps with mid-level donor segmentation strategies and carry out personal follow-up for maximum fundraising impact
  • Maintain donor and prospect records including: entering and maintaining solicitation and donor information, call reports, proposals and referral tracking

Job-Related Skills

  • Progressive fundraising experience preferred, with demonstrated success in developing strategies for personalized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
  • Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations, demonstrate poise, tact and diplomacy and maintains confidentiality
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain successful relationships with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to influence, inspire and engage key stakeholders internally and externally
  • Attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy
    • Ability to understand donor needs and think strategically about donor engagement
  • A strong understanding of donor stewardship and its importance in strengthening and deepening donor relationships
  • Highly organized and flexible with the ability to work independently and as part of a team, manage multiple priorities, tasks and relationships in a fast-paced and collaborative environment
  • Strong critical thinking and decision making skills, demonstrate a positive attitude, willingness to search out answers, troubleshoot and problem solve independently using sound judgement and ability to recognize where others need to be involved in activities or decisions
  • Strong project management skills and ability to set priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
  • Experience managing fundraising targets and donor relationships
  • Donor database experience – Salesforce
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office – PowerPoint, Excel and Word

Values

Operation Eyesight’s values:

  • Equity
  • Excellence
  • Citizenship
  • Innovation
  • Compassion

Operation Eyesight’s Offer includes:

  • 37.5 hour work week
  • The ability to work flexible hours (hybrid work from home and in office)
  • Four (4) weeks paid vacation per year, plus paid office closure between Christmas and New Year winter break
  • Five (5) paid personal days, plus two (2) paid wellness days per year
  • Eight (8) paid sick days
  • Extensive heath, dental and HSA/WSA coverage for you and your dependents
  • 5% Employer RSP contribution
  • Learning & Development opportunities
  • Working with caring and compassionate staff

Education/Training/Experience

  • 2-3 years of related work experience in a fundraising position or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • University or college degree in a related discipline
  • Knowledge of Salesforce is an asset
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, strategic planning, people management, portfolio management, and proposal development
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across and outside of the organization
  • Exceptional diplomacy skills and superior attention to detail
  • Discretion and ability to manage confidential information appropriately
  • Ability to represent the organization in external forums
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Does this opportunity sound right for you? Please submit your resume and cover letter to HR@operationeyesight.com

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Kindly note that only applicants who showcase their relevant experience will be contacted. Thank you.

This is a position based in Kajiado, Kenya.

This is a hybrid position based in Calgary, Canada.

The Communications Specialist, also functioning as a media relations officer, plays a key role in developing and implementing strategic communications and marketing initiatives to move our organization and mission forward. If you love to write, have a proven track record of driving successful communication strategies, and know what it takes to develop the right content with the right message for the right audience, then this could be your dream job.

You’ll join our Marketing & Communications team in Calgary (hybrid role), and you’ll work closely with various departments across our global organization. Chatting with our partners in Kenya about local media opportunities or collaborating with colleagues in India on a marketing campaign could become your new normal. Best of all, you’d be part of something big, helping to drive our organization forward as we work toward our vision of the elimination of avoidable vision loss.  

Duties and Responsibilities

In this role, some of your key responsibilities will include:

  • Under the direction of the Director of Marketing & Communications, collaborate with colleagues in various countries of work to develop, implement and evaluate global communications plans in line with the organization’s strategic plan and priorities.
  • Develop and execute a global media relations strategy, provide key messages and coaching for spokespeople, monitor media coverage, and identify trends and opportunities to generate awareness and enhance the organization’s reputation.
  • Lead strategic communications initiatives, develop and execute marketing campaigns, and produce various materials such as blogs, FAQs, media advisories and releases, annual reports, speaking notes, advertisements, eye health education materials and journal articles.
  • Position staff and partners as thought leaders, and pursue opportunities to participate in conversations within the eye health and development sectors and share our impact.
  • Collaborate with Operation Eyesight’s partners to deliver joint communication initiatives and represent Operation Eyesight in various communication-related working groups within the sector.
  • Provide accurate, timely copywriting and copy editing for all departments within the organization.
  • Working with internal and external graphic designers, manage creative design projects for all departments within the organization.
  • Write/edit proposals, Cases for Support and other fundraising appeals for work initiated by the Donor Relations and Programmes teams.
  • Liaise with print vendors and advertisers to deliver various publications and awareness tactics.
  • Provide support to the Marketing & Communications team and international teams to fulfill other tasks.

As the organization grows and begins implementation of the 2024-28 strategic plan, the role of the Communications Specialist might also evolve to meet the goals set out in the new strategic plan.

Job-Related Skills

  • Excellent writing skills: strong copywriting abilities, editing skills, and an effective ability to write for various mediums and audiences.
  • Highly effective communicator (written, oral, visual and interpersonal).
  • Demonstrated initiative, creativity, effectiveness and organizational skills.
  • Proven experience working effectively with multiple teams across several departments to accomplish goals.
  • Attention to detail, particularly in writing.
  • Ability to prioritize and oversee multiple projects with tight deadlines simultaneously.
  • Issues management / crisis communications experience is a strong asset.
  • Social media knowledge and application skills are an asset.
  • Experience using WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite and/or Salesforce is an asset.

Education/Training/Experience

  • Degree in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing or related field.
  • Minimum of five years’ experience in public relations, communications or journalism.
  • Experience with developing and executing media relations strategies with proven results. Familiarity with CP Style is a strong asset.
  • Experience in the not-for-profit and/or international development sector is a strong asset.

Operation Eyesight’s Values:

  • Equity
  • Innovation
  • Citizenship
  • Compassion
  • Excellence

If this opportunity sounds like a good fit, please submit your resume and cover letter to hr@operationeyesight.com. In addition, please provide two writing samples (a news release and a work sample of your choice). More information about Operation Eyesight can be found on our website at operationeyesight.com.

Operation Eyesight would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Last updated February 20, 2024

This is a position based in Kajiado, Kenya.

Volunteer Opportunities

Thanks for your interest in volunteering with Operation Eyesight! We do not currently have any opportunities, but please check back in at a later date.

The Operation Eyesight Canada Board of Directors is currently seeking new volunteer board directors. Operation Eyesight is a Calgary-based international development organization working to eliminate avoidable blindness in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Our volunteer board of directors is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of the organization, and for maintaining key relationships with groups and individuals that affect Operation Eyesight’s ability to fulfil our vision and mission.

If you a) have experience in not-for-profit and/or the international development sector OR as a senior executive in the private sector, and b) share Operation Eyesight’s values of equity, innovation, global citizenship, compassion and excellence, please contact us. We would like to discuss this opportunity with you.

Directors are elected for a two-year term. The board meets via Zoom/Teams eight times per year for approximately two hours. In addition, we host two in-person meetings per year in Calgary, typically over a Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Directors also participate on at least one sub-committee each. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusiveness, on the board and throughout the organization.

We are looking to attract two new directors. Priority consideration will be given to those who have one or more of the following:

  • Previous government relations experience working for an NGO or the Government of Canada
  • Experience as a volunteer or as a professional in fund development – major gifts and grants
  • Current or previous experience working as a senior executive in the private sector
  • Experience in the not-for-profit sector as a director or member of the management team

Current residence in Eastern Canada – Ontario, Quebec or the Maritimes – is a strong asset.

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to hr@operationeyesight.com. Your application will be forwarded to the Chair, Governance & Nominations Committee.