Development Fundraising Manager

The Development Manager is accountable for the revenue, volunteer management, and planned activities for volunteer chapter communities in San Francisco, Seattle, and Oregon. 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 members and business leaders within their communities. Our Development Managers forge strong relationships with individuals and organizations, raise funds, provide information about local resources, and share scientific advancements that assist individuals through their personal journey. 

This role involves managing relationships, developing fundraising strategies, and coordinating fundraising events to achieve revenue goals for the chapter communities. The Development Manager will collaborate with various internal teams and external volunteers to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and to leverage local strategies. 

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

• Develop and implement innovative fundraising strategies to surpass the previous year’s financial achievements
• Strengthen ties with corporate sponsors, volunteer committee members, event attendees, and honorees to secure sponsorships and sustained support 
• Lead, engage in and contribute to event committee meetings, ensuring successful coordination implementation of events
• Proactively seek and connect with potential contributors for various organizational initiatives and campaigns
• Partner with internal VisionWalk and Special Event teams to plan and execute significant events that meet or surpass fundraising goals and exemplify best practices
• Establish and nurture a network of community relationships, representing the Foundation and uncovering new support opportunities

Volunteer Leadership Engagement

• Cultivate and expand volunteer chapters focused on fundraising, partnerships, and community education.
• Collaboratively craft a strategic plan with the Regional Director, outlining key milestones and success metrics
• Recruit, guide, and activate a dedicated team of volunteer leaders for chapter activities and special events; Maintain dynamic membership and offering continuous volunteer opportunities
• Host engaging chapter events both in-person and virtually to disseminate valuable information and foster community ties
• Engage and steward volunteers and donors, prioritizing retention, recognition, and growth through effective moves management strategies
• Build strong internal connections: Support peer initiatives and enhance donor involvement to achieve fundraising goals.

Administrative/Operational

• Proactively utilize the donor database for recording donor details, pinpointing engagement prospects, assessing philanthropic potential, and generating various reports
• Recognize the distinct characteristics of the chapter community and offer tailored advice to leverage strengths and navigate obstacles, ensuring optimal outcomes
• Manage the storage and distribution of community materials and collateral
• Gain a solid understanding of relevant scientific concepts to effectively disseminate knowledge, share insights, and highlight the organization’s impact

Essential Qualifications Include:

• Must have 3+ years of successful event fundraising, including collaboration with volunteers
• Proven ability to recruit, lead, and motivate volunteer groups or non-profit organization chapters
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying 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 with the flexibility to address and resolve issues efficiently
• Enthusiastic, takes initiative, and demonstrates strong follow-up skills
• Applied experience with budget preparation, budget management, and reporting
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products and databases (e.g., Salesforce, Virtuous, Raiser’s Edge).
• Deep commitment to the mission of the Foundation Fighting Blindness

Position Specifics:

• Internal title: Community Manager- PNW Territory
• Location: Bay Area--relocation not provided
• Work Environment: Work from home office with frequent travel within communities and occasional travel for trainings, and meetings
  • HP or MAC laptop, monitor, printer, $120.00 monthly technology stipend provided
• The budgeted starting salary range: $85k–$100k. This range is what we reasonably expect to offer for this role and considers factors including but not limited to: geographic market, skill sets, depth of experience, and salary equity to internal roles
• Additional Compensation: 5% annual bonus
• Full-time, M-F with flexibility; some evening and weekends required.
• Reporting to Regional Director; no direct reports