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.

GIFT PROCESSING MANAGER

We are seeking an experienced and skilled GIFT PROCESSING MANAGER. This position is an integral member of the Finance Department, with ownership of the core operations for the full life cycle of the gift, including constituent data entry, gift processing, financial reporting and database hygiene. This is primarily a virtual position, based in Columbia, MD, with occasional work from the offices required. This position reports to our Vice President, Finance.

Primary responsibilities include:

Process high volume of varied gift types from a range of sources into the database in a timely and efficient manner, primarily by way of an automated utility. Will have responsibility for the integrity of data.
Create new donor profiles as needed, researching, and updating gift records.
Assist in the events compliance process, training other departments on IRS, sales tax, and revenue recognition requirements; help to develop related policies and procedures.
Supervise, train and mentor gift processing staff; serve as back up for reviewing and verifying matching gifts; when volume requires, serve as an additional gift processor.
Maintain expert working knowledge of multiple components of constituent database and serve as the resource to other Foundation staff members regarding gift administration related questions.
Serve as liaison with IT department to design, implement, assess and improve complex data driven automated processes and interfaces.
Retrieve and verify third-party transactions and payment processing reports.
Gather support and prepare receipts for stock gifts.
Review gift reclassification and refund requests and process adjustments after approval.
Assist with gift tax receipts, verifying IRS tax guidelines and Foundation policy.
Manage the flow of gift processing batches to ensure all batches are recorded and imported in a timely manner; Reconcile batches to bank deposits weekly.
Work closely with accounting staff to ensure accurate transfer of data from constituent database into accounting system.
Assist in the monthly reconciliation process with the accounting team.
Help gather materials and prepare schedules for the annual audit; perform other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate will possess:

Must be fully vaccinated for COVID and requires documentation of vaccinations.
This is a virtual position. Daily Internet accessibility is required.
5+ years related work experience; non-profit experience is required with experience specific to nonprofit fundraising platforms and programs.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), advanced technical and analytical Excel experience required.
Highly detail oriented with a critical degree of accuracy regarding data entry and analysis.
Preference will be given to candidates possessing experience with bulk gift data imports.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including verbal and written communication are required. Must be able to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse audiences.
Supervisory experience preferred.
Ability to prioritize workflow, multi-task and meet deadlines.
Willingness to be “hands-on”, especially during peak periods.
Ability to work independently as well as a team player.

To apply: Please send resume with cover letter and salary requirements to HR@fightblindness.org. Please include in the cover letter your experience using excel as well as the specific fundraising programs and platforms utilized.

We are one team collectively committed to driving research until the entire spectrum of blinding 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.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, FINANCE

We are seeking a capable and dynamic ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, FINANCE. This position is an integral member of the Finance Department, with accountability for the timely and accurate monthly financial closing process and related financial reporting. This is primarily a virtual position that reports to our Vice President, Finance.

Primary responsibilities include:

Lead the month-end closing process, record journal entries and reconcile several balance sheet accounts.
Maintain oversight and reconciliation of bank accounts.
Coordinate the complete and accurate recording of cash receipts from the donor database to the accounting system.
Ensure the general ledger reflects the most accurate information – including revenue, investments, fixed assets, and restricted assets classifications.
Assist in the preparation of monthly financial schedules and statements.
Assist with preparation and review of annual organizational department budgets; work closely with Foundation team members in various departments to refine budgets; serve as the resource regarding budget related questions.
Help prepare audit and 990 work schedules; serve as part of FFB’s team to assure a clean, unqualified financial statement opinion.
Drive special projects independently as requested.
Serve as liaison with events staff on financial information requested.
Provide back-up support for AP and gift processing, as needed.

The successful candidate will possess:

Must be fully vaccinated for COVID and requires documentation of vaccinations.
This is a virtual position. Daily Internet accessibility is required.
5+ years non-profit work experience is required
Must possess comprehensive technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong business operational focus: proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), with advanced Excel experience and experience with accounting GL platforms required.
Proficiency in creating and employing spreadsheets, complex reconciliations, and journal entries.
Must be highly detail oriented with a critical degree of accuracy for internal and external reporting purposes.
Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including verbal and written communication are required. Must be able to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse audiences.
Proven ability to multi-task in high volume, deadline-sensitive environment.
Ability to work independently as well as a team player.

To apply: Please send resume with cover letter and salary requirements to HR@fightblindness.org.

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.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR, PHILANTHROPY (EAST)

We currently have two (2) Regional Director, Philanthropy positions available for our West and our East regions. The Regional Director 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. This is a role that will establish, coach, and mentor a high performing team of development professionals, drawing upon their potential and talent, individually and collectively. 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.

One position is based in the West, specifically in CA. The other will be based in the East, specifically Florida, NC, or GA. This is primarily a work-from-home opportunity with up to 30% required travel. These roles report to our Vice President, Development.

Primary 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.
Providing leadership, coaching and mentorship to a designated development team; Facilitating the sharing of resources and best practices across the department; recruit and orient/reorient staff.
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 80 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.; is bottom-line oriented.
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; Utilizing wealth screening and other research information to develop strategies and build the portfolio.
Responsibility for team budgets, forecasts and projects, as well as accurate and timely plans, consistent with the strategic plan.
Working with peers across the organization to obtain and coordinate resources
Learning the science and presenting science proposals to donors; Encouraging team attendance to science trainings and continually follow updates.

The successful candidate will possess:

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 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
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.
Demonstrated leadership and management skills
Excellent interpersonal skills with effective verbal and written communication abilities.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Expert experience with databases containing donor records and historical gift information
Proactive, 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

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

REGIONAL DIRECTOR, PHILANTHROPY (WEST)

One position is based in the West, specifically in CA. The other will be based in the East, specifically Florida, NC, or GA. This is primarily a work-from-home opportunity with up to 30% required travel. These roles report to our Vice President, Development.

Primary 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.
Providing leadership, coaching and mentorship to a designated development team; Facilitating the sharing of resources and best practices across the department; recruit and orient/reorient staff.
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 80 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.; is bottom-line oriented.
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; Utilizing wealth screening and other research information to develop strategies and build the portfolio.
Responsibility for team budgets, forecasts and projects, as well as accurate and timely plans, consistent with the strategic plan.
Working with peers across the organization to obtain and coordinate resources
Learning the science and presenting science proposals to donors; Encouraging team attendance to science trainings and continually follow updates.

The successful candidate will possess:

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 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
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.
Demonstrated leadership and management skills
Excellent interpersonal skills with effective verbal and written communication abilities.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Expert experience with databases containing donor records and historical gift information
Proactive, 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

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