Regional Fundraising Manager

If you’re energized by connecting with people, leading volunteers, and driving fundraising efforts that directly fuel life-changing research and support—this role offers a chance to make a measurable impact. As our Regional Fundraising Manager, you’ll be the driving force behind community-based events and partnerships that help accelerate progress toward cures for blinding retinal diseases. You’ll work remotely but stay deeply engaged with the chapter communities you suppport.

The Regional Fundraising Manager is the “face” of our organization, the first point-of-contact for our chapter members within their communities. The Foundation chapter network brings people together across the country to join in fighting blinding retinal diseases.  This role involves managing volunteer relationships, developing fundraising strategies, and coordinating fundraising events to achieve revenue goals for the chapters they support. They will collaborate with various internal teams and volunteers to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and to leverage local strategies. 

This position will be accountable for 3-4 chapter communities. This individual will encourage, promote, and achieve successful volunteer engagement, community relations, and ambitious revenue goals.

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 via planned events to surpass the previous year’s financial achievements
• Establish and/or strengthen ties with corporate sponsors, volunteer committee members, event attendees, and honorees to secure sponsorships and sustained support
• Develop, 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

• Collaboratively craft a strategic plan with the Regional Director, outlining key milestones and success metrics.
• Cultivate and expand volunteer chapters focused on fundraising, partnerships, and community education.
• Recruit, guide, and activate a dedicated team of volunteer leaders for chapter activities and special eve.mbership 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
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Position Specifics:

• Location: Cincinnati, Columbus, or Cleveland, OH: relocation not provided
• Internal Formal title:  Community Manager
• Alternative titles: Develpment Manager, Community Development Manager, Community Relations Manager, Fundraising Manager
• Work from home with travel to communities, trainings, and meetings
• Provided for work: HP or MAC laptop, monitor, printer, $120.00 monthly technology stipend provided
• The budgeted starting salary range: $78k–$85k. 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
• Annual Incentive Bonus Eligible: up to 5%
• Full-time, M-F with flexibility; some evening and weekends required.
• Reporting to Regional Director; no direct reports

How to Apply:

• Provide resume with cover letter