VP of Community Development

Foundation Fighting Blindness•Columbia, MD

2d•$200,000 - $230,000•Remote

About The Position

The VP of Community Development is the cornerstone of our community-driven fundraising model. By leading chapter engagement and revenue strategy, this position directly fuels our ability to fund groundbreaking research and accelerate cures for blinding diseases. Success here means delivering ambitious revenue goals while empowering teams, inspiring volunteers, and ensuring every community effort translates into tangible impact for those affected by vision loss. Primary Responsibilities: The following illustrates the accountabilites and duties associated with this position and are not meant to be an all-inclusive list: 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.

Requirements

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.

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.