Field Development Manager

The Field Development Manager is accountable for the revenue, volunteer management, and planned activities for 3 or 4 assigned chapters that encourage, promote, and achieve successful volunteer engagement, community relations, and ambitious revenue goals. The Foundation chapter network brings people together across the country to join in fighting blinding retinal diseases. Our chapters focus on three key areas: revenue, resources, and education.

This position is the “face” of our organization, the first point-of-contact for our chapter constituents within their home territory. They forge strong relationships with individuals and organizations, provide information about local resources, and share scientific advancements that assist individuals through their personal journey.

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:

 Fundraising

• Strategic Fundraising Development: Innovate and refine fundraising approaches to exceed last year’s financial results
• Relationship Cultivation: Strengthen ties with corporate sponsors, committee members, event attendees, and honorees to secure sustained support
• Active Committee Involvement: Engage in and contribute to committee meetings and events, ensuring their successful implementation
• Supporter Engagement: Proactively seek and connect with potential contributors for various organizational initiatives and campaigns
• Collaborative Planning: Partner with VisionWalk and Special Event teams to plan and execute significant events that meet or surpass fundraising goals and exemplify best practices
• Volunteer Coordination: Aid in volunteer recruitment and manage event logistics to ensure smooth operations
• Community Partnership Development: Establish and nurture a network of community relationships, representing the Foundation and uncovering new support opportunities

Volunteer Leadership Engagement

• Elevate Volunteer Chapters: Cultivate and expand 3–4 volunteer chapters focused on fundraising, partnerships, and community education
• Strategic Development: Collaboratively craft a strategic plan with the Regional Director, outlining key milestones and success metrics
• Leadership Recruitment: Attract, mentor, and mobilize a cadre of volunteer leaders for chapter activities and special events
• Engagement Activities: Host engaging chapter events both in-person and virtually to disseminate valuable information and foster community ties
• Chapter Effectiveness: Boost chapter performance by maintaining a dynamic membership and offering continuous volunteer opportunities
• Relationship Management: Oversee the stewardship of volunteers and donors, emphasizing retention, appreciation, and leadership development
• Collaborative Partnerships: Forge strong connections within the organization, support peer initiatives, and enhance donor involvement to meet fundraising objectives

Administrative/Financial

• Optimize Donor Database Management: Proactively employ the donor database for recording donor details, pinpointing engagement prospects, assessing philanthropic potential, and generating various reports
• Tailor Chapter Strategies: Recognize the distinct characteristics of each chapter and offer tailored advice to leverage strengths and navigate obstacles, ensuring optimal outcomes
• Oversee Community Resources: Administer the storage and distribution of community materials and collateral
• Scientific Literacy and Communication: Acquire a solid understanding of relevant scientific concepts to effectively disseminate knowledge, share insights, and highlight the organization’s impact

 Essential Qualifications Include:

• 3+ years of successful fundraising event and development campaign experience, including collaboration with volunteers
• Prior experience in building volunteer groups or non-profit organization chapters is desirable
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying physical and cognitive abilities
• Willingness to travel (anticipated 20-25%)
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Enthusiastic, takes initiative, and demonstrates strong follow-up skills
• Proficient in budget preparation, planning, analysis, decision-making, and reporting
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products and databases (e.g., Salesforce, Virtuous, Raiser’s Edge).
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Fully vaccinated for COVID with documentation

Position Specifics:

• Multiple Openings (4) 

1. Mid-Atlantic Territory: Candidates must reside in Philadelphia or Baltimore.
2. Chesapeake Territory: Candidates must reside in D.C. or Richmond.
3. Texas Territory: Candidates must reside in Dallas or Austin
4. South Territory: Candidates must reside in Raleigh, NC

• Home-based, must reside in defined territory, relocation not provided
• The budgeted starting salary Range: $75k–$85k. This range is what we reasonably expect to pay for this role. The range considers a wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: geographic markets, skill sets, experience, and internal equity to comparable roles
• $120.00 monthly technology stipend provided
• Annual Incentive Bonus Eligible: 5%.
• Full-time, flexible schedule; some evening and weekends required
• Reporting to Regional Director; no direct reports

How to Apply:

• Email us at HR@fightingblindness.org with your resume attached in Word or PDF format
• Include a cover letter that highlights your fundraising collaborations and accomplishments.
• Please mention the specific Territory you’re interested in within the email subject line