Regional Director of Philanthropy (2 roles: West Region and East Region)

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

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 in  Florida, NC, or GA. This position is not eligible for relocation.  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:

1. Forging positive effective relationships internally and externally with a wide-ranging assortment of individuals, boards, volunteers, donors, external partners, and the communities at large.
2. Providing leadership, coaching, and mentorship to a designated team; Facilitating the sharing of resources and best practices across the department; recruiting and orienting/reorienting staff.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Overseeing a comprehensive stewardship effort to recognize and thank the Foundation’s donor base, with a focus on donor retention and supporting sustaining funding.
6. Drive for Results – steadfastly pushing self and others for results.; is bottom-line oriented.
7. 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.
8. Responsibility for team budgets, forecasts, and projects, as well as accurate and timely plans, consistent with the strategic plan.
9. Working with peers across the organization to obtain and coordinate resources
10. Learning the science and presenting science proposals to donors; Encouraging team attendance to science training and continually following 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 the 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
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID and requires documentation of vaccinations.
• This is a virtual position. Daily Internet access is required.
• 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.  

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!  FFB is an equal opportunity employer.