Careers

The Foundation Fighting Blindness has one clear objective: accelerating research finding treatments and cures for blinding retinal diseases. These diseases, which affect more than 10 million Americans and millions more throughout the world, often lead to severe vision loss or complete blindness.

Working with preeminent scientists, the Foundation has funded breakthroughs in gene therapy, stem cells and bionic retinas. Over the past five decades, the Foundation has raised more than $856 million to fund research studies in both academic and industry labs worldwide.

We are looking for talented and passionate individuals to join us in our mission. Learn more about the job opportunities that are currently available at the Foundation.

Major Gifts Officer (2 positions)

About the position: We currently have two Major Gifts Officer positions available (West Region and South Region). The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for the development of relationships and solicitation of transformation donors and prospects in their applicable region. They maintain and demonstrate a strong sense of collegiality and purpose within their day-to-day. Qualified candidates will have recognized knowledge in all key areas of development including, but not limited, to individual and planned giving, annual giving, and foundation relations.

Position specifics:

Work-from-home position, reporting to the VP, Development
Full-time, Exempt, some nights and weekends required
Internet access is required; Technology allowance provided
Travel up to 25%

Essential Responsibilities Include:

Forging positive effective relationships internally and externally with a wide-ranging assortment of individuals, boards, volunteers, donors, external partners, and the communities at large.
Managing a portfolio of 125+ major gift prospects from all constituent groups (private foundations, corporate foundations and individual donors) with a focus on sustaining and growing current funder relationships and building new donor relationships.
Commitment to proactive personalized fundraising, including regular face-to-face donor meetings, and building outstanding one-on-one relationships, Assuring the team maintains a donor retention rate of at least 80% and has at least 120 visits per year.
Overseeing a comprehensive stewardship effort to recognize and thank FFB donor base, with a focus on donor retention and supporting sustaining funding.
Drive for Results – steadfastly pushing self and others for results.; with a focus on bottom-line results.
Using key metrics to achieve higher retention rates and donor satisfaction. Monitoring and managing opportunities and new trends with technology and data analysis; Tracking metrics to assess current engagement and activity of donors to determine which efforts have the greatest business impact; Using wealth screening and other research information to develop strategies and build the portfolio.
Responsibility for budgets, forecasts and projects, as well as accurate and timely plans, consistent with the strategic plan.
Collaborating with peers across the organization to acquire and coordinate resources,
Learning the science and presenting science proposals to donors, and continually follow updates.

The successful candidate will have:

3+ years successful record in the management of a major or special gifts program which includes identification, solicitation, and stewardship of high-level donors
Demonstrated abilities to partner successfully with staff, board, volunteers, high level donors and regional staff in creating new giving opportunities; Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently
Strong fundraising ethics; with discernible respect for confidentiality of donor information
History of 5- and 6-figure personally solicited individual gifts; experience working on 7-figure gift strategies
Interest in making a significant contribution to a recognized world class health and science leadership organization.
Excellent people skills with effective verbal and written communication abilities.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Expert experience with databases holding donor records and historical gift information
Initiative-taking, enthusiastic and have strong follow-up skills
Fully proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
Ability to work flexible week
Valid driver’s license with driving record acceptable to FFB insurance carrier
Must be fully vaccinated for COVID; requires documentation of vaccinations

To apply: Please send resume with cover letter and salary requirements to HR@fightblindness.org. Please provide examples of personally solicited individual gift achievements.

We are one team collectively committed to driving research until the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases is eradicated. We offer a competitive salary and benefits, as well as an incredibly dynamic team to work with! The Foundation Fighting Blindness is an equal opportunity employer.

Chapter Engagement Manager – South

Position Summary: We are currently seeking a Chapter Engagement Manager for our South region, who will provide support and guidance to an assigned group of chapters in the region. Chapter Engagement Managers are accountable for developing a chapter environment that engages local leadership and encourages, promotes, and achieves successful engagement, fundraising, and resources in the community. The position reports to the Director, Chapter Engagement.

Position Specifics:

Home-based, located in NC, SC, or AR; Relocation is not provided
Full-time, some evening and weekends required
Internet access required; Technology allowance provided
Travel up to 25%

Essential Responsibilities Include:

Execute an in-market plan to grow the chapter community within assigned geography by developing, nurturing, and growing 5–7 grassroots chapters whose primary focus is providing resources, raising funds, and building engagement
Increase the effectiveness of chapters and chapter leadership in recruiting new members, retaining members, generating revenue, and developing on-going opportunities and activities for volunteer engagement in the region
Build a portfolio of significant relationships and partnerships representing the Foundation as an on-the-ground ambassadors in a defined geography
Provide integrated levels of support and interaction with donors and volunteer leadership in collaboration with development/events staff and volunteers. Serve as the key liaison to volunteer leadership in the region
Facilitate chapter meetings (science and resources presentation) and coordinate leadership meetings via conference calls and in-person as designated by the Chapter strategy; encourage volunteer driven coffee socials or other member opportunities in each market to help identify new chapter members and will provide continued engagement
Mentor volunteer leaders and serve as a collaborative leader. A strong partner collaborating with volunteers to identify and cultivate individuals, corporations, and foundations to help grow the base in the region and increase revenue which would consist of face-to-face meetings in market as determined by your supervisor market strategy
Prepare budgets, forecasts, and projects, as well as accurate and timely plans, consistent with the strategic plan
Actively utilize the database containing donor records and historical gift and family information
Develop and deliver opportunities for volunteer development and training
Working with other FFB staff, participate in the development of regional and fundraising activities that support volunteer development, training, and participation. In collaboration with staff identify new chapters and continue strengthening existing Chapters

Required Qualifications

5+ years successful record in the volunteer or special event management which includes identification, solicitation and stewardship of volunteers and donors; non-profit fundraising experience preferred.
Demonstrated examples of ability to collaborate, motivate and lead as well as partner successfully with staff, board, volunteers, high level donors and regional staff in creating new giving opportunities
Must reside in assigned market
Strong fundraising ethics and respect for confidentiality of volunteer and donor information
Excellent interpersonal, and strong verbal and written communication skills
Highly organized, meticulous with details, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Initiative-taking, enthusiastic and have strong follow-up skills
Fully proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
Experienced with databases, and understands and extensively utilize the database that contains donor records and historical gift information
Up to 20% travel required
Must be able to work flexible week
Must possess valid driver’s license with driving record acceptable to FFB insurance carrier
Must be fully vaccinated for COVID; requires documentation of vaccinations

For consideration: Please provide a cover letter explaining your experience with volunteer and/or event management. Send resume with cover letter and salary expectations to HR@fightingblindness.org.

Planned Giving Associate

The Planned Giving Associate is responsible for overseeing a range of activities that result in prospects and donors feeling appreciated, developing a deeper bond with the mission of the Foundation, and increasing their giving to our programs and initiatives through planned gifts. This position manages planned giving prospect and donor relationships, with the intent of increased donor retention, and identifying prospects and donors who should receive a higher level of Planned Giving attention. The Planned Giving Associate will coordinate relationship-building, marketing, lead generation, and stewardship through personal connection, strategic communications, and mission-driven donor experiences.

Essential Duties:

Manage a portfolio of the organization’s prospects and donors who have been identified as having potential to make Planned Gifts in addition to other giving.
Meet with Director of Legacy Giving to discuss strategy and moves to include:
1. Fundraising portfolio and moves management
2. Donor recognition, proof of performance and cultivation
3. Managing Lead generation and marketing strategies
4. Data recording, reporting and analysis
Cultivate relationships by updating, appreciating, and asking donors to deepen their partnership with Foundation Fighting Blindness through Planned Gifts.
Execute strategy through phone, email, social media, and customized notes/correspondence. Some face-to-face communication is required on a limited number of accounts that qualify at the highest level within the assigned portfolio.
Assist in producing personalized planned giving proposals for individual support.
Capture new information regarding donor’s interests, relationships, life events, and capacity for philanthropic giving; enter into the donor’s database record.
Learn and stay current on all the Foundation’s programs, projects, and Science Education; and effectively communicate the mission and relevant activities to donors.
Identify triggers regarding high-capacity potential for Planned Gifts for referral to leadership.
Work collaboratively with the Team to identify Planned Gift donor prospects among the prospects and donors who have been identified through screening and otherwise as having potential to make Planned Gifts; steward donors who have already made a Planned Gift
Partner with the Major Gifts and Chapters teams to assess the need for materials that tell the story of the Foundation to encourage Planned Giving; help develop collateral to align with donor/prospects interests in Foundation Fighting Blindness and in Planned Giving.
Assist with logistics for touch points, events, and activities for the Legacy program
Respond with urgency to the needs and requests of others, internally and externally, and ensure a high degree of responsiveness to all donors regardless of giving level
All other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

Three plus years’ experience working within a Development team with experience managing a portfolio, goals-based fundraising, and direct solicitation.
Demonstrated ability to create proposals and marketing material for donors; prior experience working with confidential material.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; CRM solutions such as Salesforce, Raisers Edge or similar; contact, activity tracking and other reports.
Proven ability to work and communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds and of varying abilities.
Ability to exhibit sensitivity in all communications regarding estate planning; ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Ability to perform basic math skills.
Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
Attention to detail, procedures, processes, and policies.
Work independently in a fast-paced environment; exceptional organizational abilities; competency in managing multiple projects and competing priorities with professionalism.
Goal-oriented; proven ability to meet deadlines and exceed goals.
Expertise in problem-solving; strategic and creative thinking; taking initiative with follow-through; flexibility in changing job situations/priorities.
Must be fully vaccinated for COVID and requires documentation of vaccinations.

Position specifics:

Home-based position, reporting to the Director of Legacy Giving
Full-time, Exempt
Internet access is required
Some travel required

For consideration: Please provide a cover letter explaining your experience in identifying donor prospects and managing donor relationships. Send resume with cover letter and salary expectations to HR@fightingblindness.org.