Foundation Fighting Blindness

Lead and expand chapter-based fundraising programs, develop teams, and drive revenue growth aligned with organizational goals. | 7-10 years in nonprofit fundraising or chapter programs, managing multi-level teams, with success in large-scale revenue programs and geographic expansion. | The VP of Community Development is the cornerstone of our community-driven fundraising model. By leading chapter engagement and revenue strategy, this position directly fuels our ability to fund groundbreaking research and accelerate cures for blinding diseases. Success here means delivering ambitious revenue goals while empowering teams, inspiring volunteers, and ensuring every community effort translates into tangible impact for those affected by vision loss. Primary Responsibilities: The following illustrates the accountabilites and duties associated with this position and are not meant to be an all-inclusive list: Cultivate a culture of innovation, accountability, and motivation that drives chapter engagement and giving while creating a meaningful and rewarding employee experience. Set, monitor, and exceed ambitious fundraising goals. Align all regional, event, and science program strategies with organizational priorities and financial objectives. Actively engage in the field: visit chapters, participate in volunteer and board activities, and model best practices for relationship building, outreach, and fundraising. Ensure every chapter and event team has clear, measurable fundraising goals and actionable plans. Coach, mentor, and develop Regional Directors and Event Directors, into expert fundraisers through formal and informal training and performance assessments. Work closely with internal teams to craft powerful stories that turn complex research into relatable, inspiring narratives—equipping our field team with compelling messages that engage donors, volunteers, and communities in advancing the Foundation’s mission Optimize fundraising strategies using data insights; implement best practices across all regions. Manage budgets, forecasts, and rigorous revenue reporting with attention to organizational alignment. Build strong in-market relationships with volunteers, boards, donors, and community partners to strengthen chapter capacity. Lead the strategic expansion of our national geographic footprint through new chapter development, volunteer leadership recruitment, and scaling existing core community-based fundraising initiatives. Essential Qualifications: 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising, chapter-based programs, or equivalent, including 3+ years managing multi-level teams. Ability to travel easily and frequently across the United States, with reliable access to major airports. Because this role leads teams and programs nationwide, candidates should reside in a location that allows convenient travel to key markets and events. Demonstrated success in managing large-scale fundraising programs and meeting or exceeding multi-million-dollar revenue goals. Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop high-performing teams into expert fundraisers through structured training and accountability. Track record of aligning team priorities with organizational goals and driving results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Experience in pipeline development, forecasting, and data-driven revenue strategy; ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable plans. Comfort with field engagement, including volunteer and board cultivation, and ability to model best practices for relationship building. Inspirational leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to motivate teams and ensure accountability for measurable outcomes. Demonstrated success in geographic expansion and chapter development, including establishing new volunteer networks, launching fundraising events in new markets, and building sustainable community presence. Strong written and oral communication skills, including large and small group presentations, facilitation, and persuasive storytelling. Proficiency in nonprofit CRM systems and leveraging technology for fundraising optimization; advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills. Change leadership experience, guiding teams through organizational shifts while maintaining focus on enterprise priorities. Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a strategic mindset. Position Specifics: Home-office based position with up to 30% estimated travel Annual Bonus Eligibility up to 10% Technology allowance provided: $120/mo Full-time, exempt, with occasional evenings and weekends Budgeted Salary Range: $200k–$230k 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, depth of experience, and internal equity to comparable roles Reports to Chief of Strategy and Innovation Direct Reports: Yes To apply, please submit both a resume and a cover letter. Applications submitted without a resume and/or cover letter may not be considered.

Translate complex scientific research into compelling content to support fundraising, education, and community engagement, including content creation, partnerships, training, and podcast production. | Extensive experience in science communication, fundraising support, and content creation, with a strong ability to translate complex research for lay audiences, and proficiency in digital and audio content platforms. | The Science Communications Director translates complex vision science and retinal research into clear, compelling content that drives fundraising success, advances our mission, and enables internal teams and the broader community to communicate research impact with confidence. This strategic, hands-on role leads science content strategy, ensures accuracy, and creates materials—including podcasts, articles, and donor communications—that inspire major donors, strengthen corporate partnerships, and engage the community with accessible science messaging. 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: Scientific Content Strategy & Production • Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive scientific content strategy to support fundraising and education initiatives. • Write and publish approximately 40 science-focused articles annually highlighting research updates, clinical trials, and the Foundation’s impact. • Translate complex research findings, press releases, and technical announcements into clear, accessible summaries for staff and fundraising teams. • Curate and maintain white papers and technical resources on the Foundation’s website to position the organization as a thought leader. • Review all science-related marketing materials for accuracy and clarity. • Develop internal education materials to equip fundraising teams with confidence in discussing science. • Ensure all content adheres to plain language principles for universal accessibility. • Integrate “Why the Foundation” and “Why Give Now” messaging across all scientific content. • Collaborate with marketing teams on science-driven fundraising campaigns. Scientific Partnerships & Training • Partner with the science leadership team to ensure accuracy, alignment with research priorities, and consistency in messaging. • Coordinate with scientists to translate research into donor-friendly language. • Build and maintain relationships with biotech partners, researchers, and industry stakeholders. • Develop and deliver science training for staff, including onboarding and ongoing education. • Create talking points and scripts for fundraising events and donor engagements. • Support quarterly webinars and major organizational events with science content. • Produce training materials that enable staff to confidently answer donor questions about research. Development Support & Donor-Facing Content • Create compelling, donor-facing science content that inspires major gift commitments. • Develop quarterly science briefings and research updates for major donors in collaboration with the science team. • Support major gift proposals with persuasive research narratives and impact stories. • Prepare donor call materials, including research backgrounds, talking points, and impact summaries. • Deliver personalized research updates for principal and transformational gift donors . • Collaborate with development teams to tailor content to donor interests. • Provide science messaging for community fundraising activities and events. • Contribute research summaries for corporate and foundation grant proposals. • Optimize science content for digital platforms to drive donor engagement and conversion. Podcast Strategy & Production • Serve as executive producer and potential host for the Eye on the Cure podcast (26 episodes annually). • Develop podcast content strategy showcasing Foundation-funded research and donor-supported breakthroughs. • Manage sponsor relationships and identify new sponsorship opportunities. • Create exclusive podcast content for donor stewardship. • Highlight donor-funded research breakthroughs to demonstrate impact. • Coordinate guest selection based on donor interests and organizational priorities. • Collaborate with social media teams on podcast promotion and engagement. Essential Qualifications: • 7–10+ years of experience in science communications, including direct support for fundraising and development teams. • Advanced degree in biological sciences, genetics, vision science, or a related field strongly preferred. • Proven track record of creating content that drives fundraising success, with measurable impact. • Exceptional ability to translate complex scientific concepts into compelling, donor-focused narratives for lay audiences at an appropriate reading level. • Strong project management skills with experience handling multiple deadlines and deliverables. • Outstanding writing and verbal communication skills; comfortable and skilled in podcast hosting and audio content creation. • Knowledge of plain language principles and accessibility standards for written and digital content preferred. • Portfolio of donor-facing science content (e.g., proposals, stewardship materials) demonstrating effectiveness. • Experience working collaboratively with fundraising professionals, scientists, and marketing teams; strong cross-functional partnership skills. • Proficiency with AI tools, podcasting platforms, CMS, and digital analytics. • Solid understanding of digital fundraising strategies, including optimization and content conversion. Position Specifics: • Location: Columbia, MD, home-office based • Full-time, Exempt • Reporting to: VP, Marketing Communications • Salary range $120,000-$140,000. The salary 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 market, depth of experience, and internal equity. • Annual Bonus Eligibility up to 8% Application Requirements: Along with your resume and cover letter, please include one writing sample (300–500 words max) that demonstrates your ability to communicate complex scientific or technical concepts to a non-specialist audience. Examples could include impact reports, articles, donor updates, or similar materials. Previously published work or original content is acceptable.

Lead the development of scientific content to support fundraising and education, translating complex research into accessible materials, and collaborating with marketing and fundraising teams. | 7-10+ years in science communications, advanced degree in biological sciences or related field, proven impact on fundraising, strong writing and project management skills, familiarity with digital tools and accessibility standards. | Job Description: • Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive scientific content strategy to support fundraising and education initiatives. • Write and publish approximately 40 science-focused articles annually highlighting research updates, clinical trials, and the Foundation’s impact. • Translate complex research findings, press releases, and technical announcements into clear, accessible summaries for staff and fundraising teams. • Curate and maintain white papers and technical resources on the Foundation’s website to position the organization as a thought leader. • Review all science-related marketing materials for accuracy and clarity. • Develop internal education materials to equip fundraising teams with confidence in discussing science. • Ensure all content adheres to plain language principles for universal accessibility. • Integrate “Why the Foundation” and “Why Give Now” messaging across all scientific content. • Collaborate with marketing teams on science-driven fundraising campaigns. Requirements: • 7–10+ years of experience in science communications, including direct support for fundraising and development teams. • Advanced degree in biological sciences, genetics, vision science, or a related field strongly preferred. • Proven track record of creating content that drives fundraising success, with measurable impact. • Exceptional ability to translate complex scientific concepts into compelling, donor-focused narratives for lay audiences at an appropriate reading level. • Strong project management skills with experience handling multiple deadlines and deliverables. • Outstanding writing and verbal communication skills; comfortable and skilled in podcast hosting and audio content creation. • Knowledge of plain language principles and accessibility standards for written and digital content preferred. • Portfolio of donor-facing science content (e.g., proposals, stewardship materials) demonstrating effectiveness. • Experience working collaboratively with fundraising professionals, scientists, and marketing teams; strong cross-functional partnership skills. • Proficiency with AI tools, podcasting platforms, CMS, and digital analytics. • Solid understanding of digital fundraising strategies, including optimization and content conversion. Benefits: • Annual Bonus Eligibility up to 8%

Translate complex scientific research into accessible content to support fundraising, education, and community engagement, including creating articles, training materials, and podcasts. | Over 7 years of experience in science communication or related fields, with proven success in creating donor-focused content, strong project management skills, and familiarity with digital platforms and accessibility standards. | The Science Communications Director translates complex vision science and retinal research into clear, compelling content that drives fundraising success, advances our mission, and enables internal teams and the broader community to communicate research impact with confidence. This strategic, hands-on role leads science content strategy, ensures accuracy, and creates materials—including podcasts, articles, and donor communications—that inspire major donors, strengthen corporate partnerships, and engage the community with accessible science messaging. 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:Scientific Content Strategy & Production • Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive scientific content strategy to support fundraising and education initiatives. • Write and publish approximately 40 science-focused articles annually highlighting research updates, clinical trials, and the Foundation’s impact. • Translate complex research findings, press releases, and technical announcements into clear, accessible summaries for staff and fundraising teams. • Curate and maintain white papers and technical resources on the Foundation’s website to position the organization as a thought leader. • Review all science-related marketing materials for accuracy and clarity. • Develop internal education materials to equip fundraising teams with confidence in discussing science. • Ensure all content adheres to plain language principles for universal accessibility. • Integrate “Why the Foundation” and “Why Give Now” messaging across all scientific content. • Collaborate with marketing teams on science-driven fundraising campaigns. Scientific Partnerships & Training • Partner with the science leadership team to ensure accuracy, alignment with research priorities, and consistency in messaging. • Coordinate with scientists to translate research into donor-friendly language. • Build and maintain relationships with biotech partners, researchers, and industry stakeholders. • Develop and deliver science training for staff, including onboarding and ongoing education. • Create talking points and scripts for fundraising events and donor engagements. • Support quarterly webinars and major organizational events with science content. • Produce training materials that enable staff to confidently answer donor questions about research. Development Support & Donor-Facing Content • Create compelling, donor-facing science content that inspires major gift commitments. • Develop quarterly science briefings and research updates for major donors in collaboration with the science team. • Support major gift proposals with persuasive research narratives and impact stories. • Prepare donor call materials, including research backgrounds, talking points, and impact summaries. • Deliver personalized research updates for principal and transformational gift donors . • Collaborate with development teams to tailor content to donor interests. • Provide science messaging for community fundraising activities and events. • Contribute research summaries for corporate and foundation grant proposals. • Optimize science content for digital platforms to drive donor engagement and conversion. Podcast Strategy & Production • Serve as executive producer and potential host for the Eye on the Cure podcast (26 episodes annually). • Develop podcast content strategy showcasing Foundation-funded research and donor-supported breakthroughs. • Manage sponsor relationships and identify new sponsorship opportunities. • Create exclusive podcast content for donor stewardship. • Highlight donor-funded research breakthroughs to demonstrate impact. • Coordinate guest selection based on donor interests and organizational priorities. • Collaborate with social media teams on podcast promotion and engagement. Essential Qualifications: • 7–10+ years of experience in science communications, including direct support for fundraising and development teams. • Advanced degree in biological sciences, genetics, vision science, or a related field strongly preferred. • Proven track record of creating content that drives fundraising success, with measurable impact. • Exceptional ability to translate complex scientific concepts into compelling, donor-focused narratives for lay audiences at an appropriate reading level. • Strong project management skills with experience handling multiple deadlines and deliverables. • Outstanding writing and verbal communication skills; comfortable and skilled in podcast hosting and audio content creation. • Knowledge of plain language principles and accessibility standards for written and digital content preferred. • Portfolio of donor-facing science content (e.g., proposals, stewardship materials) demonstrating effectiveness. • Experience working collaboratively with fundraising professionals, scientists, and marketing teams; strong cross-functional partnership skills. • Proficiency with AI tools, podcasting platforms, CMS, and digital analytics. • Solid understanding of digital fundraising strategies, including optimization and content conversion. Position Specifics: • Location: Columbia, MD, home-office based • Full-time, Exempt • Reporting to: VP, Marketing Communications • Salary range $120,000-$140,000. The salary 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 market, depth of experience, and internal equity. • Annual Bonus Eligibility up to 8% Application Requirements: Along with your resume and cover letter, please include one writing sample (300–500 words max) that demonstrates your ability to communicate complex scientific or technical concepts to a non-specialist audience. Examples could include impact reports, articles, donor updates, or similar materials. Previously published work or original content is acceptable.