ABOUT BRIGHTFOCUS FOUNDATION:
BrightFocus Foundation (BrightFocus) funds exceptional scientific research worldwide to defeat Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma and provides expert information on these heartbreaking diseases. Since inception, BrightFocus has awarded nearly $275 million in research funding. The Foundation currently supports 287 active projects worldwide—representing more than $75 million in grant awards to save mind and sight.
To learn more about BrightFocus, visit www.brightfocus.org.
BrightFocus is committed to the full utilization of all human resources and to a policy of equal opportunity. In accordance with applicable laws, it is our policy to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals, as well as administer any and all personnel actions, without regard to any legally-protected characteristic including, but not limited to, race, age, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
BrightFocus Foundation has a unique opportunity for a dedicated, results-oriented Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations (DCFR) with minimum 10 years of fundraising/relationship-building experience to make a significant impact supporting scientific research to understand and treat Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration and glaucoma. This new role is created to strengthen and expand the Foundation’s rapidly growing portfolio of corporations, foundations, and nonprofit partners that collaborate with us and provide funding for programs and initiatives including research, education, and DEI.
Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, and supporting the Senior Vice President, Development, the successful candidate will be welcomed as a member of dynamic, fast-paced and supportive teams and will be capable of managing multiple priorities while building and strengthening relationships with current and prospective corporate and foundation supporters to further BrightFocus’ impact. The DCFR will develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with colleagues in the Strategic Partnership and Development departments and across the Foundation. The successful candidate will be highly organized, will energize and motivate those around them, and will have sincere compassion for individuals and families suffering from diseases of mind and sight as well as for the scientific researchers working on new discoveries.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support the SVP, Strategic Partnerships in the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of existing and new corporate and foundation partners in support of research, educational, DEI and other fundraising priorities and help build strong relationships with an expanding portfolio of key corporate and foundation stakeholders.
Proactively lead all aspects of creating and submitting 6- to 8- figure corporate and foundation grant proposals, including writing, preparing support documentation and presentation materials, timely reporting progress, managing deliverables and maintaining professional relationships with corporate and foundation program officers before, during and after grant cycles for appropriate stewardship.
Be aware of, and engaged in, conversations surrounding brain and eye health, brain health equity, current research developments and trends, and best practices in foundation and corporate giving; recommend new ideas as appropriate to enable BrightFocus to creatively secure new funding.
Work with BrightFocus’ Scientific Affairs and Integrated Marketing and Communications teams to craft proposals, budgets, and various solicitation, marketing and stewardship materials. Contribute to tailored features for newsletter, website, press releases, social media and other outlets.
Perform administrative activities including, but not limited to, high-end stewardship and solicitation mailings, curated communications, revenue tracking, update donor and prospect records, track and record action items and update notes in CRM, internal strategic projects.
Travel expectations are approximately 20% - 30% of the year with the occasional weekend travel or work requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Graduate degree a plus
10+ years development / relationship management experience with a proven track record of success working in corporate and foundation fundraising, securing 6-8 figure grants.
Excellent Microsoft Office and Excel skills
Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed
Must have a valid Driver’s License
REQUISITE SKILLS/CHARACTERISTICS:
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
Excellent organizational, planning, tracking and follow-through skills, including time management to meet deadlines and attention to detail
Highly collaborative, with ability to work well with and support colleagues, demonstrating respect and appreciation, and securing their involvement in achieving projects’ goals in a timely manner.
Maintains a balanced, positive outlook, demonstrates decorum when dealing with stakeholders, receives constructive feedback without getting defensive, and exhibits patience and an appropriate sense of humor
Can independently manage projects and relationship from start to finish
ABOUT BRIGHTFOCUS FOUNDATION:
BrightFocus Foundation (BrightFocus) is at the forefront of brain and eye health by promoting awareness and driving innovative research worldwide to help eradicate diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. To learn more about BrightFocus, visit www.brightfocus.org.
BrightFocus is committed to the full utilization of all human resources and to a policy of equal opportunity. In accordance with applicable laws, it is our policy to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals, as well as administer any and all personnel actions, without regard to any legally-protected characteristic including, but not limited to, race, age, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.
BRIGHTFOCUS FOUNDATION BENEFITS:
BrightFocus offers a competitive benefits package, which includes paid vacation, sick and personal leave, 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision, Life, AD& D, Short & Long-Term Disability, Long Term Care, and retirement with employer contributions.