Director of Development

Description About NECO

Founded in 1894, the New England College of Optometry (NECO) is the oldest continuously operating school of optometry in the United States and a national leader in the education and preparation of tomorrow’s eye care providers. As one of only three independent, private, nonprofit colleges of optometry, NECO is uniquely positioned to innovate, respond quickly to the evolving needs of the profession, and shape the future of vision health.

With approximately 520 students, a $32M operating budget, a $75M+ endowment, state‑of‑the‑art clinical training facilities, and deep community and industry partnerships, NECO continues to advance its mission through excellence in education, clinical care, and research. To learn more, visit www.neco.edu
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NECO seeks an experienced, hands‑on, collaborative and strategic Director of Development to build, elevate, and lead NECO’s fundraising initiatives. This leader will have broad responsibility for designing the strategic direction, foundational systems, and operational infrastructure needed to build a sustainable, high‑performing fundraising program. Core areas of responsibility include:

• Development (annual, leadership, major, principal, and planned giving)
• Corporate and foundation relations
• Alumni engagement and event management
• Donor relations and stewardship
• Advancement operations and data systems
• Advancement communications and marketing
• Comprehensive campaign planning and execution

NECO is preparing to launch its first comprehensive capital campaign in 2026, a transformative five‑year, $10M initiative to secure institutional priorities, strengthen NECO’s national reputation, and expand its impact. The feasibility study portion has been completed and NECO is beginning its silent phase of the capital campaign, with $1.6M raised/committed to date (as of December 31 2025) for the campaign.

Philanthropic revenue has stabilized to approximately $1M annually over the last two years, with the expectation of increasing this to $1.5M to $2M annually. The next Director of Development will be charged with building on this momentum and laying the durable foundation—strategy, staffing, systems, pipelines, stewardship, and culture—needed to grow philanthropy to $2M+ annually during and after the campaign.

Serving as NECO’s chief fundraising strategist, this leader will architect a long‑term advancement plan aligned with the College’s strategic priorities and will work in close partnership with the President, President’s Leadership Team, Board of Trustees, Alumni Board, Director of Marketing, VP of Professional Affairs, faculty leaders, corporate partners, and external stakeholders. This is a rare opportunity to shape the trajectory of a historic, mission‑driven institution as it enters a new era of transformation, aspiration, and philanthropic growth.

This position reports directly to the Executive Vice President and COO.

• Develop and implement a multi‑year fundraising strategy focused on building a sustainable and scalable fundraising program.
• Lead the creation of a comprehensive campaign plan, including campaign readiness, case development, volunteer recruitment, pipeline development, and long‑term philanthropic strategy.
• Create and lead an internal Campaign Steering Committee and external Campaign Leadership Committee, ensuring clear strategy, management, accountability, and volunteer engagement.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the President and Board of Trustees, providing insights on philanthropic trends, donor behavior, campaign performance, and emerging opportunities.
• Foster a college‑wide culture of philanthropy, educating and partnering with faculty, staff, students, and senior leaders to strengthen engagement and impact.

• Manage a personal portfolio of 75–100 high‑capacity prospects, including alumni, trustees, corporate leaders, and foundation partners. Conduct 80 face‑to‑face or Zoom annual visits with prospects.
• Design and execute individualized strategies for major, principal, and planned gift prospects, securing commitments ranging from $10,000 to $1M+.
• Esta…