Non-Profit Development Manager (Chicagoland Territory)

The Chicagoland Field Development Manager is accountable for the revenue, volunteer management, and planned activities for this chapter community. The Foundation chapter network brings people together across the country to join in finding treatments and cures for blinding retinal diseases. Our chapters focus on three key areas: revenue, resources, and education. The Field Development Manager will drive, promote, and achieve revenue goals, volunteer engagement, and community relations.

This position is the “face” of our organization, the first point-of-contact for our chapter members within their community. Our Development Managers forge strong relationships with individuals and organizations, provide information about local resources, and share scientific advancements that assist individuals through their personal journey.

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
• Active Committee Involvement: 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

• Enhance Volunteer Chapters: Develop and broaden the chapters' influence, emphasizing fundraising, partnerships, and community education. Work together with the Regional Director to create a strategic plan that includes 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
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Position Specifics:

• Location: Chicago, IL: Relocation not provided.
• Internal title: Chicago Community Manager
• Work from home with travel to meetings, community partnerships, and trainings
• HP or MAC laptop, monitor, printer, $120.00 monthly technology stipend provided
• The budgeted starting salary Range: $70k–$85k. This range is what we reasonably expect to offer for this role and considers factors considered in making compensationdecisions, 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 a cover letter

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