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Foundation Fighting Blindness · 14 hours ago

VP of Community Development

Columbia, MD

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$200K/yr - $230K/yr

7+ years exp

Foundation Fighting Blindness is dedicated to funding groundbreaking research and accelerating cures for blinding diseases. The VP of Community Development will lead chapter engagement and revenue strategy, focusing on achieving ambitious fundraising goals while empowering teams and ensuring community efforts have a tangible impact.

BiotechnologyCharityGovernmentMedicalNon ProfitProduct Research

Responsibilities

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

Qualification

Nonprofit fundraising experienceData-driven revenue strategyManaging multi-level teamsCoachingGeographic expansionNonprofit CRM proficiencyMentoringInspirational leadershipCommunication skillsAttention to detail

Required

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