Rogerson-VP of Advancement Overview

Vice President of Advancement

Rogerson

Introduction

Rogerson, a non-profit provider of senior housing and supportive health services for older adults, seeks an enthusiastic, highly experienced fundraising leader to develop and lead an expanded philanthropy program in support of its strategic growth goals As the principal philanthropy officer, the Vice President of Advancement (VP) will foster a culture of philanthropy, elevating major and planned giving and building a deeper donor pipeline As a thought partner to the President & CEO, the VP also ensures amplification of Rogerson’s brand, reputation and market position through administrative oversight of strategic, integrated marketing and communications.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned advancement professional to join the leadership team of one of Boston’s most venerable and high impact nonprofits as it adopts a new

strategic plan, charts a course for the future and launches a rebranding initiative. The VP will play a pivotal role in advancing Rogerson’s commitment to helping seniors and their families find ways to “ age strong” in their communities, and thrive and live with dignity

About Rogerson

Rogerson is committed to improving the quality of life and well-being of seniors and low- and moderate-income individuals and families, while tackling the Boston-area housing crisis head on Headquartered at One Florence Street in the Roslindale neighborhood of Boston, with sites and programs extending from Boston to Weymouth and Worcester, and a collective workforce of 700, Rogerson unites healthcare and social services with community-based property management and real estate development. Its portfolio includes affordable housing for low-income older adults, moderateincome housing for adults 55+, memory care, continuing care communities, and adult day health programs

Rogerson provides direct services, builds properties to meet the accelerating need for senior housing, and partners with other nonprofits to develop and implement effective local strategies to provide aging-in-community opportunities

aged women but none existed for men A group of community leaders envisioned a home for older, indigent men who lacked adequate resources or family members to care for them. With $21,000 of charitable funding, they retained pre-eminent architect Gridley J.F. Bryant to redesign a South End building for residential use. The Home for Aged Men was born, Rogerson’s first step in adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

his son, setting standards for charitable giving Years later, to better reflect its growing and diverse services, the Home paid tribute to his memory and commitment to volunteer leadership by renaming the organization Rogerson Communities

In the 1950s, Rogerson’s board made a strategic decision to purchase land overlooking Jamaica Pond and hired a prestigious architectural firm to design a new building that would offer the best affordable retirement of its day for low income, elderly men. Today, Rogerson House is the area ’ s premier facility for people with Alzheimer’s disease and memory care needs.

In the decades that followed, Rogerson saw unprecedented growth, from a single entity to a vibrant network of 29 facilities and programs at the forefront of older-adult affordable housing and services “The Rogerson Model” became recognized nationally as a way for older adults to maintain independence and longevity within their communities

From envisioning and implementing new models of care for those with memory loss, to launching the area ’ s first adult day health program within affordable housing, to assisting other nonprofits with property management and development services, Rogerson has remained dedicated to helping seniors live well.

Serving more than 2,200 Boston area families, Rogerson addresses every aspect of senior living, from affordable housing to independent and assisted living, to memory care and continuing care communities, to fitness and adult day health programs

In addition to being a leading advocate for Massachusetts’ aging population, Rogerson works with local communities to develop new housing and mixed-use properties. It has contributed to preservation efforts by successfully re-purposing some of Boston’s historic buildings into affordable housing facilities.

Rogerson’s diverse management portfolio encompasses both its own and other nonprofits’ properties, including income eligible housing, retirement communities and other residential and business properties

New Era of Leadership and Opportunity

In 2018, Walter Ramos took the helm of Rogerson and set out to write its next chapter of excellence in all aspects of senior living. A distinguished healthcare leader with a passion for ensuring access to quality health and human services, Ramos focused on growing the organization through innovative initiatives, while also navigating a global pandemic that hit elders and those living in congregate housing the hardest.

While steering residents and front-line workers through an unprecedented time, providing guidance to staff and fostering a sense of community across the organization, Ramos led efforts that increased Rogerson’s management portfolio by 29 percent; and established partnerships with like-minded nonprofits who could benefit from Rogerson’s expertise in expanding housing and services in their communities.

Emerging from COVID-related challenges, Rogerson has experienced key operational enhancements leading to increased revenue, new IT systems across the organization and a revamped business model for Adult Day Health. Incentives to attract and retain staff, including increased hourly wages for front-line workers and funding for professional development have positively addressed pandemic-related workforce shortages

Walter Ramos President and CEO

Deeply passionate about the health and welfare of people, Walter Ramos began his career in government service, directing the New Bedford Mayor’s Office of Community Development and serving as Commissioner of the New Bedford Housing Authority In 1998, he joined the City of Boston as Director of Administration for the Boston Public Health Commission, where during a nine-year tenure he oversaw management of 1,000+ beds serving the homeless and those with substance use disorder.

Continuing his leadership in healthcare, Ramos’ roles include Chief Administrator for Boston Medical Center’s HealthNet Plan, VP of Operations for Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, President & CEO of DotHouse Health and President of Carney Hospital

Ramos serves on the national board of LeadingAge, which provides support and advocacy to more than 5,000 mission-driven, aging-focused organizations across the country Recently, he was elected Board Chair of LeadingAge Massachusetts A resident of Boston, Ramos holds a BA from Roger Williams University and a JD from Suffolk University School of Law

Moving from Organic to Strategic Growth

In the fall of 2023, Rogerson began an ambitious strategic planning process that will yield a renewed mission, vision and roadmap for the future. In October, Rogerson’s Board of Directors and its Senior Management Team secured Community Action Partners (CAP) to guide them through the process. CAP connects experienced Harvard Business and Kennedy School alum with mission-driven organizations in greater Boston, strengthening their ability to address business challenges and meet community needs

After several months of data collection, the CAP team moved into the planning phase, laying the foundation for the plan This involves three interrelated work streams: assessing Rogerson’s real estate development pipeline, evaluating its portfolio, and defining Rogerson’s core

“At Rogerson we consider the well-being of older adults to be an art. We study it, we innovate within it, we live it.”

- Walter Ramos Rogerson’s President & CEO

identity and critical objectives with clear Mission/Vision/Values statements and five-year strategic priorities. Rogerson’s Board hopes to adopt the results of this work at its May 2024 meeting

ONERogerson

In addition to strategic planning, Rogerson has embarked on a comprehensive rebranding initiative to raise Rogerson’s profile as the goto source and authority on senior living and affordable housing; to amplify its brand and reputation; and to further differentiate it as a provider of choice in an increasingly complex, competitive landscape.

With a “rising tide lifts all boats” philosophy, a new brand platform, “ONERogerson,” reflects the network of services bound together by a commitment to helping seniors live well in their communities, and to alleviating greater Boston’s housing crisis

Anchored by a manifesto, “The Art of WellBeing,” which also serves as a tagline, the rebranding campaign will include a revamped website and a unified marketing, sales and communications program that provides tools, standards, expertise and support to affiliated sites.

Well-Being an Community

Senior and Income Eligible Housing

With rapidly rising numbers of older adult escalating housing costs, Rogerson’s missi more urgent than ever. Its 12 owned or m income eligible properties in neighborhoo across Boston, including Beacon Hill, Chin Roslindale, Roxbury and Jamaica Plain, off innovative, accessible, affordable housing services for elders, persons with disabilitie the working poor.

Rogerson has been consistently at the forefront of spearheading elder housing solutions that help maintain dignity and independence For instance, Rogerson was the first provider of subsidized elder housing to offer on-site social services and allow residents to keep their pets.

A number of properties offer Rogerson's Fitness First, a program using state-of-the-art equipment specially designed for elders to build strength, balance, flexibility and mobility.

In addition to providing critical housing, Boston properties reflect Rogerson’s commitment to preservation and maintaining the character of the City’s neighborhoods. Over the years, Rogerson has received numerous awards for its achievements in design and preservation as well as in urban landscaping.

“As a community, we cannot let our seniors down. We must invest in aging services by providing access to quality, affordable in-home or community-based care for aging relatives and people with disabilities.”

- Walter Ramos Rogerson’s President & CEO

Retirement + Continuing Care and Communities

In addition to its income eligible housing, Rogerson owns or manages retirement and continuing care communities in Boston and beyond, including Hale Bernard in BackBay, The Residences at Snow House/Snow Place in West Roxbury, Daggett-Crandall-Newcomb in Norton, Fairing Way in South Weymouth, Community at Pond Meadow/Pond Home in Wrentham and the Briarwood Community in Worcester, recently named the #1 CCRC in New England by Newsweek

Adult Day Health Programs

As a pioneer in Adult Day Health, Rogerson’s innovative programs keep older adults engaged and healthy, often while their families are at work. For example, at Rogerson Roslindale, these programs give elders access to healthcare, exercise, social and therapeutic activities, outings and nutritious meals Clients benefit from a range of additional supports, from family care planning to on-site medication administration and case management

Memory Care and Housing

Rogerson has led the development of innovative housing and supportive care for those with memory loss Originally opened as the Boston Alzheimer’s Center in 1997, Rogerson House was the area ’ s first assisted living community uniquely designed for people in various stages of memory loss. Located in Jamaica Plain, Rogerson House also offers a Day Program for those needing memory care but wishing to live at home, as does Rogerson Roslindale.

Rogerson Consulting Services

Rogerson is a respected expert in the area of senior housing, from pre-development to day-to-day operations Consulting services are available through management contracts and a la carte offerings. This earned income supports Rogerson’s operating expenses and mission advancement. Management Services provide administration and financial leadership, and offer a range of operational supports, including HR, IT, maintenance, marketing/sales, fundraising and resident services.

Mission Advancement

Mission advancement is a strategic imperative for Rogerson’s Board of Directors and its administrative leadership, as well as for the governing boards and administrators of Rogerson’s affiliated nonprofit organizations. As ONERogerson, these organizations can make a collective impact; and as champions of this initiative, Rogerson’s Advancement team is committed to providing the necessary strategies and services.

As Rogerson’s footprint has grown, the Advancement program has kept pace with the evolving need for services, adding staff or contract services to meet demand The current team works collaboratively and synergistically with a shared sense of purpose and an “allhands-on-deck” approach There is great enthusiasm for where Rogerson is heading and excitement about the potential for growth in both philanthropy and marketing and communications.

A new Vice President of Advancement has the opportunity to build a best-practice philanthropy program that meets Rogerson’s strategic and revenue objectives, while at the same time helping to ensure Rogerson’s value proposition through oversight of client-focused marketing, communications and sales support This seasoned leader will guide and develop a growing team of full-time and contractual positions/services, and a centralized program of offerings

Philanthropy

Philanthropy has long been a foundation on which Rogerson has built a 160+year legacy of caring for elders and changing their lives for the better Throughout the years, the organization has benefitted from generous philanthropists and board members, and a number of foundations, including McArthur, Boston Foundation, Bank of America and Liberty Mutual, who have supported services, programs and capital projects. In addition to foundation work, the fundraising team has maintained an annual giving program with three mail appeals and its signature “Welcome Home” event. Recently, the donor database was upgraded to Bloomerang to strengthen prospect management efforts

Philanthropy Team

VP of Advancement

Director of Donor Programs and Engagement

Director of Foundation Relations Development

Specialist/Grants Support

Annual Giving Coordinator

Contract Event Planner

In 2023, approximately $1 5 million was raised through appeals and foundation grants (with no signature event); and in 2024, with added event revenue, the goal is set at $2 million, with a stretch goal of $3 million. There is great confidence that Rogerson’s strategic plan and rebranding initiative will help amplify its case for philanthropic support. Past fundraising efforts have shown that donors respond enthusiastically to Rogerson’s mission and the exceptional care residents and program participants receive, especially when they view first-hand the critical assistance provided to vulnerable and marginalized citizens

Going forward, with an organizational commitment to investing in fundraising staffing and resources, Rogerson aims to build a more robust individual giving program with major gifts at its core, as well as formalize a planned giving program to provide opportunities for legacy gifts. Pipeline building and prospect management will be essential to building an impactful philanthropy program, as will developing the next generation of donors in tandem with board recruitment and engagement.

Marketing and Communications

Recognizing its expanding need for marketing and communications expertise, Rogerson invested in a full-time Director, recently transitioning a contract-consultant with deep experience in the elder care space to the new role Similar to counterparts in philanthropy, the Director of Marketing and Communications manages a robust and expanding portfolio of assignments that includes content and collateral generation for Rogerson’s services, the bi-annual Inside Rogerson, website updates, various internal/external communications and public relations projects, as well as consultation and service to affiliated properties needing a range of marketing and sales support.

On the front burner of the marketing and communications effort is a comprehensive rebranding initiative. Led by a Boston-based marketing agency, this major undertaking includes redesign and improved functionality of the website, the front door to greater awareness of Rogerson’s multi-faceted work and community impact

Marketing and Communications Team

Director of Marketing and Communications

Creative Agency (brand rollout/website)

Contract PR/Media Content Developer

Other Contract Services as Needed

Vice President of Advancement

Summary

The Vice President of Advancement (VP) serves as a thought partner to the President & CEO, Senior Management Team (SMT) and Board of Directors in support of a broad range of activities, including internal/external relationship management, triage and workflow, resource identification and deployment, measurement/ROI and budget planning Additionally, the VP collaborates with a variety of stakeholders to ensure success, including leadership and staff (at Rogerson Communities and at sites owned or operated by Rogerson), donors and volunteer leaders, civic and community leaders, seniors and their family members, consultants, and others

The VP leads a growing team of philanthropy and marketing/communications professionals in advancing Rogerson’s mission, vision and strategic priorities; and secures financial resources through fundraising, as well as through revenue-generating marketing, communications and fundraising services offered to its affiliated properties.

Reporting directly to Rogerson’s President & CEO and serving as a contributing member of its SMT, the VP is responsible for the following areas:

Philanthropy

The VP fosters a culture of philanthropy and strong working relationships in support of advancing Rogerson’s mission, engaging the leadership in high-level strategic thinking to grow and optimize Rogerson’s fundraising capabilities. The VP assesses opportunities and develops and implements a compelling philanthropic case for support backed by comprehensive annual and long-range fundraising plans and campaigns that further the organization’s strategic objectives.

In addition to serving in a chief philanthropy officer capacity, leading, mentoring and developing the fundraising team in current approaches, the VP builds and manages an individual portfolio of major donors/prospects capable of transformational philanthropic investment. Current components of the philanthropy program include annual giving, campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, grants, special events and other initiatives to attract maximum support from individuals and corporations and foundations.

- Walter Ramos Rogerson’s President & CEO

The VP develops annual and long-range, fundraising plans, goals and timelines toward achievement of the following deliverables and aspirations:

Annual plan for generating philanthropic revenue that supports short-term and long-term financial goals and objectives for operating and capital needs

Collaborative, cohesive team of individual contributors who are aligned with Rogerson’s mission, vision, core values and can achieve success through goal setting, performance feedback, mentoring/professional growth, recognition and a sense of purpose and belonging. Strategic prospect management program (discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship) that builds and nurtures a sustainable pipeline of major giving through assigned donor portfolios (with corresponding goals/targets and success metrics).

Annual giving program with compelling messaging and case for generating unrestricted funds for current use; supported by a creative, thoughtful stewardship program.

Planned giving program that complements major donor work and promotes the financial, tax and estate planning benefits of this type of charitable giving to prospective donors.

Well-attended/celebrated signature event (Welcome Home) with robust volunteer support and engagement, attendance and net revenue

Engaged, participative, diverse volunteer leaders that embrace philanthropy and their role as champions of the mission and lenders of time, treasure and talent; with an active and engaged board and committees (in particular, Governance, Philanthropy Marketing/Communications, and Overseers)

Informative analysis and reporting to the CEO, Board, SMT and others, periodically and annually, on fundraising progress, including key milestones, data points and/or metrics/dashboards.

Efficient development operations and database management that ensures all gifts to Rogerson are appropriately and legally recorded, acknowledged and creatively recognized. Highly regarded fee-for-service provider of philanthropic advisory services to individual sites or local fundraising programs.

Marketing and Communications

The VP provides leadership, strategic guidance and support to the Director of Marketing and Communications in ensuring amplification of Rogerson’s mission, vision, brand and reputation; and its responsiveness to the range of marketing and communications needs across its system of sites and programs. The VP works with the Director to deliver a high-quality client/customer experience, continuously improving quality and efficiency of services, monitoring and assessing outcomes against key metrics, and removing barriers to performance.

- Walter Ramos Rogerson’s President & CEO

The VP ensures the development of annual and long-range marketing and communications plans, goals, timelines and resource allocation in support of Rogerson’s business and growth goals; and recommends strategic investments in staffing (permanent or contract) or infrastructure needed to achieve the following deliverables and aspirations:

Recognizable, reputational brand in the senior living and affordable housing market sectors with corresponding website and digital platform. (Note: Rebranding initiative rolled out in 2024 to external and internal stakeholders, donors, volunteers, families/seniors, government and community agencies, corporate partners and others).

Client-focused marketing and communications program that ensures Rogerson’s leadership/market position; internal and external/site-specific plans with goals, tactics, and measurable outcomes (ROI) that can be adjusted to achieve performance objectives.

Centralized, responsive one-stop-shopping, fee-for-service bureau offering a range of marketing, communications and sales support to individual residential communities, sites and programs.

Enterprise-wide CRM that drives strategic marketing planning and decision making, lead generation and sales goals; enhances integrated SEO; measures social media impact; and improves operational efficiencies

Collaborative, empowered team of internal subject matter experts and contract professionals (ad/creative agencies, event planner, PR specialists, graphic designers, writers, photographers, printers and other vendors) that support a consistent corporate identity and reputation for Rogerson across multiple media platforms, collateral, events and venues.

Centralized corporate communications program and project management system that provides structure and processes across the Rogerson organization, while allowing local creativity and specialization.

Content management program that ensures robust, compelling content across multiple media, including website, newsletters, publications, annual reports, brochures, internal communications and case statements.

Executive-level communications/public relations strategy and annual plan for positioning the CEO externally and in the media as a leader and subject-matter expert in senior living and affordable housing; and leveraging the talents, expertise and networks of the SMT and key staff in responding to/proactively placing stories.

Cooperative, effective partnerships across the organization and with site leaders – Executive Directors, Program Directors and Property Managers – in helping them meet their occupancy and census goals

- Walter Ramos Rogerson’s President & CEO

Key Competencies

Proven record of success creating and executing strategic, results-oriented fundraising programs with 10+ years ’ progressive experience, including oversight of annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, events and capital campaigns; at least 5 years in a leadership role requiring planning, project management and supervision of staff and resources

Experience elevating the success of an organization through strategic prospect management and constituent engagement with a sophisticated understanding of the donor journey and ways to inspire them throughout each level of the philanthropic “funnel.”

Experienced front-line fundraiser with success cultivating, soliciting and closing major gifts ($25K+) with evidence of having closed gifts at and above six figures.

Proven relationship manager, experienced in board relations, recruitment, development; and in building and sustaining trusted relationships with a range of constituents, including donors/major funders, private and government foundations, clients/partners, civic/community and corporate leaders, colleagues and staff.

Skilled manager and leader of people who can balance front-line work with team oversight, and motivate, empower and support staff, volunteers and others across generational lines. Experience working closely with marketing and communications; broad knowledge of the disciplines of marketing and communications, including marketing and planning, traditional and new media, public relations, content management, digital marketing and design services

Additional Characteristics and Abilities

Inspirational, charismatic speaker, communicator and content developer who can serve with the President & CEO as chief champion and story teller for Rogerson, with proven ability to present to and work closely with a wide range of internal and external constituents. Impeccable organizational and project management skills, able to successfully manage near and long term projects with precision and aplomb; tech-savvy with proficiency in data collection and analysis to hone strategy, and understanding of CRMs and development database technology.

Innovative mindset that seeks best practices and stays abreast of trends and advancements in charitable giving and donor and board engagement

Exemplary listening skills, EQ, and commitment to cultural competency and DEIB principles; ability to work successfully with constituents from a wide variety of identity sets and lived experiences

Knowledge of Greater Boston philanthropic landscape, senior living/affordable housing environments, and/or grateful patient/family fundraising a plus.

- Walter Ramos Rogerson’s President & CEO

Rogerson is proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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IS A RETAINED SEARCH OF EXCEPTIONAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH.

To apply, please forward a letter of interest and resume to info@eesrecruit.com

www.exceptionalexecutivesearch.com

- Walter Ramos Rogerson’s President & CEO