Employment
Vision Forward is recognized as the premier agency serving people of all ages with vision loss in Wisconsin. We empower, educate, and enhance the lives of individuals impacted by vision loss through all of life’s transitions. Our vision is that all individuals with vision loss have reached their full potential to lead active and independent lives.
We currently have a career opportunities for part-time positions for a Philanthropy Coordinator, Grant Coordinator, Teacher for the Visually Impaired, and an Orientation & Mobility Specialist.
Philanthropy Coordinator
Vision Forward is seeking a detail-oriented and mission-driven individual to serve as a part-time Philanthropy Coordinator. The ideal candidate will serve as the administrative backbone of the philanthropy team, overseeing donor database management, gift processing, reporting, and donor acknowledgement, while ensuring accurate records and exceptional stewardship.
Responsibilities to fulfilling the Vision Forward Mission:
- Promote the dignity of all people living with vision loss.
- Provide exceptional customer service.
- Maintain a positive, cohesive, transparent, and family-friendly environment.
Core Functions
- Process donations and prepare acknowledgement letters and other donor communications.
- Create, maintain and analyze monthly fundraising and programmatic reports; prepare mailing and contact lists.
- Track contact information, interactions, and action items for prospects, donors, and other key stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate database records and ensure data integrity through ongoing updates and quality control.
- Conduct preliminary research on prospective corporate, foundation, and individual donors.
- Respond to donor inquiries in a timely, professional and courteous manner.
- Coordinate guest lists and provide logistical support for fundraising events, donor meetings, tours, and other philanthropy activities.
- Review financial reports and provide requested information for annual audits and financial reconciliation.
- Gather and maintain agency statistics and impact data to support donor stewardship, grant applications, reports and other agency initiatives.
- Utilize agency databases to compile reports, monthly metrics and constituent lists.
- Support philanthropy team in tracking, cultivating and strengthening relationships with key constituents.
- Help ensure compliance with donor restrictions and organizational guidelines.
- Maintain organized departmental files, processes and procedures.
The perfect candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail
- One to three years of experience in administrative support, fundraising, nonprofit operations, customer service or a related field, desired
- Experience working with a donor database, preferred
- Familiarity with Bloomerang donor management software a plus
- Effective analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to prioritize and respond to immediate requests
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficient with Microsoft Office programs
- Strong time management skills
- Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently and take initiative
- Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
- Respect for donor and client confidentiality
Benefits
- Part-time position, 24-28 hours per week
- Monday-Friday, flexible schedule with opportunity for limited work to be done remotely
- Paid Time Off – 1 week after 1 year (prorate based on yearly hours worked), an additional week on year 5 (prorated based on yearly hours worked)
- Dental & Vision – 50% premium paid by Vision Forward
- Holidays (closed, but not paid) – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial and Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- 401K – after three months of service, Vision Forward matches 100% on the dollar of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2% of every dollar you contribute.
- Strong, experienced, supportive team
Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to: Lorena Pittman at lorena@hrsherpaz.com
Grant Coordinator
The Grant Coordinator is involved in all aspects of the grant process from identifying grant opportunities to writing grants and submitting grant reports after funding is received. Vision Forward has a strong history of grant support from family, community and corporate foundations in impact areas including vision loss, disability, early intervention, adaptive technology, job readiness and more. Vision Forward provides a highly supportive philanthropy team to assist with the stewardship of potential and existing grantors and grant review. The position is designed as a part-time role, 25-28 hours per week ON-SITE in Milwaukee, WI, with opportunity for remote hours; however, exceptional candidates seeking full-time employment are encouraged to apply, as a full-time arrangement may be considered. The Grant Coordinator reports to the Director of Philanthropy. Please note: this is a position in Milwaukee, WI with opportunity for remote hours.
Responsibilities to fulfilling the Vision Forward mission:
- Maintain an in-depth understanding of Vision Forward’s mission and programs to effectively strategize about grant opportunities
Core Functions
- Identify and research potential grant funders
- Collaborate with colleagues across the organization to identify funding opportunities, gather language for grant proposals, collect data and impact stories for reports, and monitor that grant-funded activities are being completed
- Write proposals, letters of intent, reports and communications that are complete, compelling and meet all deadlines and requirements
- In conjunction with other staff, compile accurate budget information for funding applications
- Use the Bloomerang donor database to accurately maintain grant records, including foundation data, deadlines, etc.
- Work cooperatively with the Director Philanthropy and philanthropy team to oversee a grant calendar that ensures the timely submission of grant materials including letters of intent, proposals, and reports
- Serve as liaison with funders
- With the support of the philanthropy team, ensure that all grantors are being stewarded with meaningful interactions
- Use data and reports to analyze past grant activity and effectively plan for the future
- Work with the marketing team to feature stories of donors and grant-funded programs in agency communications
- Submit an appropriate number of quality proposals every year to meet annual grant writing goals
The perfect candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to write clear, structured, articulate and persuasive proposals specific to grantor criteria
- Attention to detail
- Exceptional critical thinking, organizational, and analytical skills
- Ability to interact positively and collaborate with others
Demonstrated skills using data, experience and teamwork to make decisions - Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- High sense of discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
- Proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Knowledge of fundraising and research techniques and strategies
- Experience using Bloomerang or comparable donor CRM software a plus, but not required
- 3 – 5+ years of demonstrated experience and proven track record of successful grant writing and fundraising for a non-profit, desired
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university, desired
Benefits:
- 25-28 hours per/week
- Holidays (off, but not paid) – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial and Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Dental and vision
- 401K
- Strong, experienced, supportive team
Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to: Lorena Pittman at lorena@hrsherpaz.com
Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Vision Forward, a cutting-edge non-profit organization, currently has a career opportunity for a part-time / PRN Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) to work primarily with the birth to six population. The ideal candidate is dedicated to assisting families of children with visual impairments to achieve their goals and has the willingness to grow and develop professionally.
Responsibilities to fulfilling the Vision Forward mission:
- Promote the dignity of all people living with vision loss.
- Provide exceptional customer service.
Core functions:
- Comfortable working with children ages birth to 21. Has knowledge of how specific ocular conditions and/or a cortical visual impairment can impact vision, development and independent functioning.
- Conducts comprehensive evaluations for children with ocular and/or cortical visual impairments in a child’s home/natural environment, school or at Vision Forward. Evaluations will assess the child’s current level of functional vision and the impact of his/her vision on development of skills in other domains. Evaluations for Cortical Visual Impairment will also include The CVI Range Assessment with an explanation of how the 10 characteristics of CVI affect the child’s visual functioning.
- Develops either an Individualized Family Service Plan or an Individualized Education Plan for each child in conjunction with the parents and child’s
- team that includes measurable goals. Monitors and documents child’s progress regarding established vision goals and overall developmental objectives.
- Identifies and establishes a plan for each child’s emerging literacy needs, including pre-braille, braille, or large print and/or the use of adaptive equipment.
- Conducts individualized vision education/braille sessions in the child’s home, school or Vision Forward Association in accordance with center policy and performance standards.
- Works collaboratively with professionals from other agencies, classroom teachers and physical, occupational, speech and music therapists, to meet each child’s individual needs.
- Acts as a resource to parents and other team members regarding each child’s visual function and appropriate interventions and adaptations.
- Supports the use of techniques that enable children to move about the environment independently in consultation with the Orientation and Mobility Instructor.
- Identifies appropriate toys, supplies, equipment and other materials that can be used with the child to ensure the child’s vision needs are met and to aid families in providing appropriate activities and/or materials for their child.
- Completes timely documentation for each child at the point of service that reflects the child’s progress towards his/her individual goals and objectives in the electronic medical records system.
Benefits:
- 20 hours per/week – Monday-Friday
- Holidays (off, but not paid) – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial and Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Dental and vision
- 401K
- Company provided cell phone and laptop
- Strong, experienced, supportive team
The perfect candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Education, from a four-year college or university, with specialization as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired. Specialization in Orientation and Mobility is a plus.
- Maintains a current DPI license and certification.
- A valid Wisconsin Driver’s License, proof of insurance and use of a personal automobile is required.
- Ability to effectively communicate with children, parents, professionals and other employees of Vision Forward. Desire to develop relationships with outside partners and referral sources.
- Experience and comfort serving children and families with diverse backgrounds.
- Good computer skills and competent in Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook and Excel. Ability to use an electronic medical record system.
- Clear understanding of HIPAA, FERPA and privacy regulations.
- Desire to complete continuing education to build skill set.
Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to: Lorena Pittman at lorena@hrsherpaz.com
Orientation & Mobility Specialist
This position will provide assessment and training to a wide range of clients with visual impairment, and will be responsible for appropriate documentation. This person will participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team that includes technology instruction, occupational therapy, support and optometry.
Responsibilities to fulfilling the Vision Forward mission:
- Promote the dignity of all people living with vision loss.
- Provide exceptional customer service.
- Maintain a positive, cohesive, transparent, and family-friendly environment.
Core functions:
- Assesses clients’ orientation and mobility skills. Working with the client establishes specific and appropriate goals and plans for attaining goals. Recommends appropriate equipment and training for meeting those goals.
- Provides orientation and mobility training in various environments focused on assisting the clients in achieving their goals. Monitors client progress toward goals and adjusts training as needed.
- Works with all Vision Forward staff in the development of innovative programs for adults, youth, and children that foster independent travel skills and motivates clients to use them.
- Educates clients and family members about their particular diagnosis, functional implications, potential interventions, benefits of vision rehabilitation, and other resources within and beyond Vision Forward.
- Completes documentation, billing, and other reporting in a timely and accurate manner. Provides appropriate correspondence for referral sources, like eye care professionals and DVR. Maintains up-to-date and accurate records. Completes accurate entries into electronic medical record. Maintains assigned daily, monthly, and annual reports.
- Actively work and participate in collaboration with members of the Adult Rehabilitation Services team. Makes appropriate cross referrals. Actively participates in team meetings and activities.
- Serves as a resource for clients, families, team members, professionals, and the general community in orientation and mobility. Presents information to groups, participates in health fairs, and markets to referral sources.
- Stays current in practices related to orientation and mobility, medical aspects of vision loss, and devices available for people with vision loss.
The perfect candidate will possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Bachelor or master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility, Rehabilitation Teaching / Vision Rehabilitation Therapy, or related field.
- Certification through ACVREP with COMS.
- Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
- An outcome and client focused approach to service delivery.
- Strong self-motivation, an innovative spirit and a desire to exceed expectations of clients, colleagues, and the organization.
- Must always represent Vision Forward in a professional, respectful and courteous manner.
- Experience with assistive technology instruction including screen readers, screen magnification, Braille displays, computer keyboarding, and smart phones/tablets. Certification as a CATIS, or interest in obtaining is preferred.
- Experience with Braille instruction for children or adults. Certification as a TVI preferred.
- Experience and comfort serving children and families with diverse backgrounds.
- Good computer skills and competence in Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook, and Excel. Ability to use an electronic medical record system.
- Clear understanding of HIPAA, FERPA and privacy regulations.
- A valid Wisconsin Driver’s License, proof of insurance and use of a personal automobile is required.
Benefits:
- Paid Time Off – Three weeks and will negotiate additional paid time off based on experience and tenure
- Holidays – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial and Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and the Friday after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Company paid life insurance
- Company paid short and long term disability
- 401K
- Company provided cell phone and laptop
- Strong, experienced, supportive team
Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to: Lorena Pittman at lorena@hrsherpaz.com