Summary
Description
About Anchor Center for Blind Children
Anchor Center for Blind Children is a nationally recognized leader in teaching children with vision, cortical visual, dual sensory (vision and hearing), and co-occurring disabilities during their most formative years of development – birth to age five. Located in Denver since 1982, we are the only privately funded 501(c)(3) pediatric blindness organization in Colorado – and one of just a handful in the U.S. – that offers the full range of center-based, home visitation, and community-partnershipservices specializing in:
• Early intervention, special education, and therapy (physical, occupational, speech-language, horticultural, and music therapies);
• Family coaching and support;
• Vision screening, care, and assessment; and
• Groundbreaking research
Anchor Center’s exceptional programs are tailored to the needs and strengths of the more than 400 children and family members we serve each year. Most children with visual impairments also have serious, co-occurring health conditions and disabilities, which necessitates an adept, individualized, and strengths-based approach to each child’s education and therapy. Our young students receive nearly 1:1 care and instruction by over 30 leading experts in pediatric blindness, childhood development, early intervention, special education, and family support.
Notably, we are also leading the way in programming and innovative research and interventions for children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) – a brain-based neurological condition
affecting the brain’s ability to accurately interpret visual stimuli, and the leading individual cause of blindness among children living in both low-income and developed countries.
Fundraising is critical to our existence, as very little of our revenue comes from earned income or government sources. Anchor Center is over 95% privately funded through donations, grants and special events to support a $3 million operating budget. Learn more at www.anchorcenter.org
Position Overview
As the Development Manager, you will play a key role in driving Anchor Center’s fundraising efforts. This position focuses on leading our grant and foundation prospecting, proposal writing, and managing foundation relationships. You will be responsible for developing and executing an annual grants strategy that aligns with our organizational goals.
In addition to grants and foundation management, you will assist with the planning and execution of major fundraising events, such as the Sunset in the Country Gala and ForeSight Golf Classic, collaborating with event committees to enhance community engagement and secure sponsorships.
The Development Manager will have a unique opportunity to influence the growth of Anchor Center’s mission and funding strategy while supporting life-changing programs for children with visual impairments.
Key Responsibilities
Grants and Proposal Development: Research, write, and manage compelling grant proposals and secure funding from foundations and corporations.
Event Coordination: Plan, manage, and execute major fundraising events, including logistics, sponsorships, and volunteer coordination.
Committee Engagement: Lead and inspire event committees, leveraging their networks and resource to drive event success.
Donor Relations: Cultivate and steward relationships with funders, corporate sponsors, and event partners.
General Development Support: Represent Anchor Center in the community, participate in planning sessions, and support overall development initiatives.
Why Join Us?
At Anchor Center for Blind Children, you will be part of a passionate team that is dedicated to changing lives. We value our employees and offer a collaborative, supportive, and mission-driven work environment. You’ll work alongside a talented team while helping to secure the resources needed to sustain and grow life-changing services for children and families touched by
blindness and visual impairment. With ongoing professional development opportunities, including the potential to grow into leadership roles, Anchor Center is committed to your growth as much as to the children and families we serve.
Benefits
Anchor Center provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health, Dental and Medical Insurance: Anchor Center covers 63% of the employee’s
health insurance premium and 100% of the employee’s dental and vision
insurance premiums. Spouse and dependent coverage is at the employee’s
expense. Please note that health premiums are highly age-dependent. Coverage
begins the first of the month following 30 days of employment. - 403(b) Retirement Plan: Matching contributions after one year, with pre-tax contribution options.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO and paid holiday schedule to support work-life balance.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare an dependent care expenses.
- Long-Term Disability: 50% of monthly earnings, fully paid by Anchor Center.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and wellness services for employees and their dependents.
- Work Environment & Schedule Flexibility: Hybrid work model offering a balance of in-person and remote work. Candidates must reside in-state and be available for in-office work at least one day per week.
- Mileage reimbursement (federal rate) for use of personal vehicle
How to Apply
Please email (subject line: Last name, First name, Development Manager) a cover letter, resume and a writing sample to swippel@anchorcenter.org. The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and include an explanation of your connection to our mission, how your experience meets the minimum qualifications and how you are prepared for the responsibilities outlined in the job description. For the writing sample, please include a development-related sample. Please include the best daytime phone number where you can be reached.
This position will remain open until filled with resume review beginning the week of October 28, 2024.
