Perkins School for the Blind was the first school for the blind chartered in the United States in 1829. For over 181 years the staff at Perkins have been providing quality services to students and clients who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind and multi-impaired. As the programs and services at Perkins have grown, their focus has evolved and extended beyond our campus and into many different communities throughout the United States and around the world. Located near Boston and Cambridge, our programs provide educational training opportunities for students from birth to 22 years of age and services for adults in residential, day and community-based programs. All of our programs and services strive to enable each student and client to develop his or her greatest potential and maximum independence.

Under the direction of Director of International Resources Development (IRD), the International Resource Development Associate is responsible for assisting in the development of proposals, processing donor gifts, maintaining donor relations, conducting research, providing support to the International Resource Development team.

Responsibilities:

• Draft proposals and concept papers to cultivate relationships and solicit funding from new and current international donors.
• Identify potential corporate, foundation, and government sources of funding.
• Assist with the tracking of new procurements and proposal opportunities for the IRD team, including those released by USAID, key foundations, and other international donor agencies.
• Conduct research to support the development of persuasive funding requests to international donors.
• Lead accurate record management in fundraising database (Raiser's Edge) of proposals and gift processing, including maintaining constituent record information and prospect tracking.
• Gather and maintain current files on international programs, awards, and other applicable IRD files.
• Prepare letters of inquiry and draft and edit other business correspondence.
• Draft marketing materials and other information to promote the work of Perkins School for the Blind, Perkins International, and Perkins Products.
• Participate in IRD strategic planning sessions and other internal meetings.
• Help cultivate relationships with other organisations and represent Perkins at key meetings, when requested.
• Assist with international travel arrangements and preparations.
• Perform other related duties and task as assigned by the IRD Director.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from a recognised college or university - preferably in international relations, political science, business, English, journalism, or a degree that emphasises critical writing and thinking skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• At least two (2) years of experience in a professional setting and international experience, preferably in a developing country environment (for example, Peace Corps or Fullbright).
• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Ability to solve problems creatively, multi-task, and work under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualise and write concise and persuasive proposals, reports, and business letters.
• Ability to conduct research quickly and present it for wide distribution.
• Demonstrated knowledge of budgeting processes.

This position will based in Watertown, Massachusetts and will require occasional (estimated 5%) domestic and international travel.

Preference may be given to applicants having:

• Master's Degree in political sciences, international development studies, international relations, business, English, journalism, or a field that emphasizes critical writing.
• International development project management experience.
• Familiarity with requirements of USAID, foundations, or corporate donors and the capacity to work in multi- donor environment.
• Foreign language skills (French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, or Arabic).
• Familiarity and interest in the work of Perkins School for the Blind, Perkins International, and Perkins Products.
• Knowledge of database software, preferably Raiser's Edge.

Benefits:

They provide a complete benefits package, which includes, vacation time, tuition reimbursement, medical and dental insurance, LTD and Life insurance, retirement programs and staff development and training.

How to apply: They are accepting applications on a rolling basis until Friday, June 24th 2011.

To apply for the position, please visit Perkins' website