Careers

At the Foundation Fighting Blindness, our employees are true beacons of hope as they are committed to our urgent mission to drive the research that will provide preventions, treatments and cures for people affected by retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, Usher syndrome and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases.

The Foundation Fighting Blindness is the largest nongovernmental foundation supporting retinal disease research in the world. Over the past four decades, FFB expanded its influence by raising more than $760 million to fund thousands of research studies at prominent institutions worldwide, attracting and investing in the first generation of clinicians and scientists focused on retinal disease research. We have regional offices in New York NY, Columbia MD, Chicago IL, Raleigh NC and Santa Monica CA.

We are looking for talented and passionate individuals to join us in the search to find preventions, treatments, and cures for inherited retinal degenerative diseases. Learn more about the job opportunities that are currently available at the Foundation.

DIRECTOR, CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT

Purpose: To support the Foundation Fighting Blindness in achieving its mission to understand the causes of, and find the treatments, cures and preventions for, retinal degenerative diseases, in accordance with the strategic goals of the marketing & communications team and the Foundation. This position is a key role in the identification of external relationships and establishing collaborative partnerships and relationships that align with the Foundation mission.

Classification: Exempt

Responsible to: Vice President, Development

Primary Responsibilities: The position will serve as the primary liaison between chapter leadership and FFB for multiple chapters, providing support and interaction with donors and volunteer leadership. Responsible for identifying and cultivating individuals to become major gift donors.

Primary Responsibilities

  1. Develop, nurture and grow approximately 15 volunteer chapters whose primary focus is supporting the mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness through special events, individual giving programs, and building support and education for chapter membership
  2. Facilitate chapter meetings (science and chapter leadership) meetings in person or via conference calls each year; encourage volunteer driven coffee socials/networking meetings in each market to help identify new chapter members
  3. Increase the effectiveness of chapters and chapter leadership in recruiting and retaining new members, generating FFB revenue and developing on-going opportunities and activities for volunteers in the area
  4. In partnership with Vice President and volunteers, strengthen existing chapters and when appropriate, create new chapters
  5. Recruit, train, and motivate new and existing volunteers to maximize their potential in assisting the development operations to identify new prospects and solicit major gifts
  6. Develop and deliver opportunities for volunteer development and training
  7. Provide recommendations for the development of fundraising activities that support volunteer development and participation
  8. Regularly report on progress toward goals. Measure the impact of initiatives and use data to implement or make adjustments

The successful candidate will possess:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • 5+ years demonstrated success in working with volunteers and building volunteer groups, networks or chapters of a non-profit organization
  • Experience working with donors required, and possesses the ability to find and create new giving opportunities
  • Must have a proven track record in fundraising
  • Must have strong management skills
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills; judgment, diplomacy; and must have strong public speaking skills
  • Must be highly organized, detail-oriented and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
  • A team player with an ability to work independently is required
  • Must be proactive, enthusiastic and have strong follow-up skills
  • Requires excellent attendance and must be accountable for quality of work
  • Must be fully proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
  • Business knowledge of relational databases is required
  • Must be able to work flexible week
  • Travel required, including evenings and weekends
  • Must possess valid driver’s license with driving record acceptable to FFB insurance carrier

DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & CONFERENCES

Purpose: To support the Foundation Fighting Blindness in achieving its mission to understand the causes of, and find the treatments, cures and preventions for, retinal degenerative diseases, in accordance with the strategic goals of the marketing & communications team and the Foundation. This position is a key role in the identification of external relationships and establishing collaborative partnerships and relationships
that align with the Foundation mission.

Classification: Exempt

Responsible to: Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Primary Responsibilities: The following are representative of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position and are not meant to be an all-inclusive list:

Strategic Partnerships

  1. Brand steward responsible for cultivating and developing national corporate partnerships across various channels – social, cause marketing, marketing, etc. that will raise awareness and funding for our mission
  2. Develop trusted relationships with a portfolio of major corporate partners as the primary point of contact and day-to-day relationship manager. Targeted industries to include, but not limited to, biotech, pharmaceutical, ophthalmology, financial services, technology, communications, insurance, health, retail, and hospitality
  3. Acquire a thorough understanding of key partner needs and requirements
  4. Expand the relationships with existing partners by implementing on deliverables continuously proposing solutions that meet their objectives
  5. In collaboration with VP, Marketing & Communications, create a strategic plan to secure foundation corporate partnerships/sponsorships, including renewals, upgrades, and new sources, that supports institutional priorities
  6. Accountable for delivering revenue based on agreed income goals outlined in the fiscal year organizational goals
  7. Identify and secure new revenue opportunities – programs, content, etc. – that can be developed to pitch to potential partners/sponsors
  8. Partner with Marketing & Communications Coordinator to develop and manage a calendar of deadlines for proposals, reports and other communications with current and prospective foundation funders
  9. Ensure that strategic initiatives and business objectives of both the Foundation and its corporate partners are successfully achieved
  10. Collaborate with Foundation teams across the organization to build and sustain a productive and successful corporate foundation partnership program, participating in regular meetings to get current and forward-looking information
  11. Consult with Finance on program budgets and financial reports for restricted activities and provide copies submitted to corporate foundations
  12. Maintain advanced knowledge and understanding of the Foundation/sponsorship community, including ongoing research on foundations, funding priorities, partnerships with similar organizations, proposal deadlines, and Board and staff contacts
  13. Support the mission and philosophy of the Foundation and maintain a working knowledge of priority campaigns and programs, as well as relevant local and regional initiatives

Conferences

  1. Manage the planning, logistics and successful execution of national conferences/speaker series to include working collaboratively with all key stakeholders
  2. Oversee conference messaging, branding, collateral, multimedia production to ensure overall vision, strategy and theme are carried through from registration to conference conclusion
  3. Manage site selection process and procurement process for sites, vendors, contractors, speakers and workshop facilitators
  4. Secure and support conference sponsorships – including generating incremental revenue with existing partners resulting in longer-lasting and deeper relationships
  5. Work in close partnership with internal teams to ensure planning and facilitation of national visibility of conferences/speaker series and to ensure the goals and objectives are successfully met
  6. Establish and build relationships, partnerships, and alliances with corporations and organizations to attract and steward volunteers for key local initiatives, fundraising and awareness building, including collaborating with other development, event and chapter staff to engage volunteers from each market
  7. Oversee conference budget and process post-conference bills reconciliation

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • 7+ years of partnership/account management, donor service or sales experience.
  • 7+ years of experience in a conference and/or meeting planning position for national non-profit organization with responsibilities for major conference events including hotel, facility, conference and food and beverage details
  • A highly-trained professional with a track record of successfully managing multidimensional partnerships and national conferences – non-profit experience highly preferred
  • Skilled negotiator with multi-faceted partnerships
  • Sound business judgment and excellent problem solving and influencing skills
  • Strong commitment to our mission
  • Strategic thinker and writer able to communicate the Foundation mission and programs in ways that appeal to and fit with corporate foundation priorities
  • Goal oriented. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments to get information on program activities, accomplishments, and plans
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with experience in providing crisp, insightful information to executive teams
  • Proficient at working with senior leadership across an organization to manage the process and set expectations accordingly
  • Flexible mindset, and comfort with ambiguity and evolving priorities
  • Entrepreneurial spirit and creative thinking
  • Experienced in successfully managing multiple projects/programs simultaneously
  • Fully proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Power Point, Excel), and experienced with relational databases
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with employees and external partners
  • A team player with an ability to work independently required
  • Ability to travel as necessary

EVENTS ASSISTANT

The Foundation Fighting Blindness Inc. has one clear objective: accelerating therapeutic advances for the treatments and cures of rare genetic diseases of the retina. 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 FFB has funded breakthroughs in gene therapy, stem cells and bionic retinas, Over the past four decades, FFB has raised more than $750 million to fund research studies in both academic and industry labs worldwide. We have regional offices in Columbia MD, New York NY, Chicago IL, Raleigh NC and Los Angeles CA.

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced and organized EVENTS ASSISTANT to be part of our team, based in Columbia, MD. The ideal candidate will provide support for annual events in the region including walks, wine tastings, golf tournaments, and volunteer led events.

Responsibilities include:

- Maintain excellent customer service and support with volunteers, Board Members and National Trustees, donors and event attendees. Work closely with the Events Team to meet goals and objectives set forth in their individual annual goals as well as shared organization goals

- Support annual events in the region including VisionWalk, galas, wine tastings, golf tournaments, and other volunteer-driven events

- Record appropriate information in databases, including event information records, donor research, correspondence, and contact reports

- Prepare text for letters and other materials, including donor correspondence and tracking, event sponsors, prize requests, gift acknowledgements (cash and in-kind), corporate sponsorship proposals, website copy, printed materials, and auction solicitations

- Assist in preparation of promotional materials such as invitations, advertisements, informational packets, posters, and presentations

- Track invitation responses, donations, guest lists and mailing lists

- Conduct research and secure contracts with prospective outside vendors, event locations, and funding resources

- Assist with in-kind and silent auction solicitation and follow-up

- Provide day of event support, including evening and weekend events

- Track data for financial documents (in/pledged, silent auction, expenses) for events to Finance Department

- Process purchase orders, check requests, and other financial paperwork and submit in a timely manner to ensure on-time payment to vendors according to standard procedures

- Perform Word merges with data file and event specific mailings (including labels, letters, envelopes, packets)

- Arrange and/or accompany Events Team to logistical meetings and events as requested

The successful candidate will possess:

• Bachelor’s degree

• 4+ years’ experience

• non-profit experienced preferred Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint required

• Strong knowledge of relational databases

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to multitask

• Able to lift up to 30 lbs.

• Possess valid driver’s license with driving record acceptable to FFB insurance carrier

• Ability to work occasional overtime for completion of projects

• Occasional travel is required Please send resume with salary requirements to HR@fightblindness.org. Please note

RESUMES WITHOUT SALARY REQUIREMENT STATED MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED. We offer a competitive salary and benefits, as well as a terrific team to work with! FFB is an equal opportunity employer.

SENIOR DIRECTOR, PHILANTHROPY (NORTHEAST REGION)

Company Summary: The Foundation Fighting Blindness Inc. has one clear objective: accelerating therapeutic advances for the treatments and cures of rare genetic diseases of the retina. 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 FFB has funded breakthroughs in gene therapy, stem cells and bionic retinas. Over the past four decades, FFB has raised more than $750 million to fund research studies in both academic and industry labs worldwide. We have regional offices in Columbia MD, New York NY, Chicago IL, Raleigh NC and Los Angeles CA.

Position Summary: We are currently seeking a Senior Director, Philanthropy for our Northeast Region who will be responsible for the development of relationships and solicitation of major donors and prospects. The Senior Director, Philanthropy plays a critical role in the expansion of our fundraising program by focusing on individual gifts at major giving levels and corporate support. The position is responsible for areas of strategy, measurement and evaluation, and effective philanthropic practices.

This position is based in New York City and reports to the Vice President, Development.

Primary Responsibilities include:

  1. Oversee the region’s strategies, building on course of activities as appropriate, utilizing the development team and volunteers at all levels
  2. Ensure that strategies are clearly communicated to all relevant audiences and serve as an internal resource
  3. Focus on the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a portfolio of 150 major donors
  4. Responsible for closing individual gifts and corporate support at the $25k-$1million level
  5. Commitment to personalized fundraising, including regular face-to-face donor meetings, and outstanding one-on-one relationship-building skills. Maintain a donor retention rate of at least 80%
  6. Present funding opportunities to donors/prospects in support of the mission. Engage, ask and close through a minimum of 80 visits per year
  7. Oversee management of major gift portfolios assigned to development staff in the region. This includes oversight of identifying and qualifying prospects, cultivating the relationships, soliciting and closing gifts and providing stewardship in those relationships
  8. Set priorities, mentor staff and volunteers and serve as a collaborative leader. In this context, serve as key liaison to volunteer leadership across the region, maximizing the potential to further engage volunteers in identifying and soliciting major gifts prospects
  9. Provide ongoing high-level science reviews to send, have frequent interaction with donors, prospects, volunteers and trustees through personal visits and other direct and indirect touchpoints such as phone, e-mail, and other correspondence
  10. Responsible for budgets, forecasts and projects, as well as accurate and timely plans, consistent with the strategic plan
  11. Work in collaboration with staff and volunteers to provide integrated levels of support and interaction with donors and volunteer leadership
  12. Utilize wealth screening and other research information to develop strategies and build the portfolio
  13. Maximize the utilization of fundraising events, including private house parties, receptions, and fundraisers
  14. Develop, support and grow volunteer chapters whose primary objectives are outreach and education for chapter membership, raising money through special events, sponsorship partnerships, individual giving programs, and membership expansion
  15. Recruit, and motivate new and existing chapter volunteers to maximize their potential in assisting the development operations to identify new prospects and solicit major gifts
  16. Working with other FFB staff, participate in the development of regional and fundraising activities that support volunteer development, training and participation
  17. Have a knowledge of the Planned Giving Program and collaborate with the Vice President, Development and the Director, Legacy Giving

The successful candidate will possess:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • 10+ years successful track record in the management of a major or special gifts program which includes identification, solicitation and stewardship of high-level donors
  • 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
  • Strong sense of fundraising ethics and respect for confidentiality of donor information
  • Track record 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.
  • A deep commitment to the values of the organization and a passion for the mission
  • Must have strong leadership and management skills to mentor and empower regional staff
  • Must have excellent interpersonal and strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Must be highly organized, detail-oriented and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
  • A team player with an ability to work independently is required
  • Understand and utilize the database that contains donor records and historical gift information
  • Must be proactive, enthusiastic and have strong follow-up skills
  • Fully proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
  • Experienced with relational databases
  • Must be able to work flexible week
  • Up to 30% travel required
  • Must possess valid driver’s license with driving record acceptable to FFB insurance carrier

Please send resume with salary requirements to HR@fightblindness.org. We offer a competitive salary and benefits, as well as a terrific team to work with! FFB is an equal opportunity employer.