Employment Opportunities

Director of Development and External Relations

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

With an estimated 30 million Americans living with peripheral neuropathy, the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy (FPN) is committed to advance the pace of innovative scientific discovery, accelerate cures and enhance awareness and education for peripheral neuropathy. Celebrating its 15^th anniversary, FPN is the only organization in the U.S. that aggressively funds and fosters collaboration among today’s most gifted neuroscientists and physicians who are dedicated to neuropathy research and treatments to develop new and effective therapies that can reverse, reduce and—one day—find cures for peripheral neuropathy in all its forms. Additional programming includes educational seminars for patients, awareness campaigns, legislative advocacy in Congress and the National Institutes of Health for more research dollars, informational newsletters and brochures for patients and healthcare providers, and a national Peripheral Neuropathy Research Data Repository. Further information can be found at www.foundationforpn.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Development and External Relations will oversee the Foundation’s development, corporate relations and volunteer-related functions. This is a unique opportunity for a highly energetic, entrepreneurial and innovative individual to be the key driver of fundraising and awareness for a growing Foundation dedicated to curing one of the most prevalent neurological conditions in the United States.  

The position is based in the Chicago area and reports to the Executive Director. A remote working arrangement will be offered and evaluated on a regular basis and may be changed based on business and operational needs.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Lead FPN’s efforts to secure financial support (i.e., annual fund, major gifts, special events, foundation/corporate/government grants, sponsorships, planned giving, etc.)
• Create annual, comprehensive development plans in collaboration with the Executive Director
• Identify, cultivate and solicit donors; develop and execute stewardship strategies of existing donors.
• Train, manage and motivate board members and volunteers to participate in development activities and programs
• Oversee development operating systems
• Create and execute plan for raising awareness of FPN with patients and physicians in collaboration with the Executive Director
• Assist the Executive Director in researching content material for website and all publications; create and write content for electronic and bi-annual printed newsletters and appeal letters
• Assist the Executive Director with hosting webinars and all corporate sponsorship programs

QUALIFICATIONS

Desired qualifications include: 

• Minimum of 5 years of development experience
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree a plus
• Demonstrated record of successful grant writing, gift solicitation, volunteer leadership, special event coordination, and all aspects of donor identification, cultivation, and stewardship
• Superior verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Knowledge of local, state, and national philanthropic communities
• An ability to work effectively and collaboratively with influential and high-end donors and volunteers
• Commitment to enthusiastically embrace the Foundation’s mission and be able to convey that enthusiasm to diverse constituencies
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills
• Talent for working collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (e.g., Word, Excel) and donor management databases (e.g. Raiser’s Edge, Bloomerang)

The above description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job. The description shall not, however, be construed as a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental, or similar duties which may be required from day-to-day. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, excellent benefits, and a commitment to work/life balance.

EEO STATEMENT & DISCLAIMER

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

TO APPLY

Please e-mail resume and cover letter to [email protected].