Description
The Role
The Director of Development will lead and execute Save Sight Now’s fundraising efforts, with a primary focus on major gifts, sponsorship, and event-driven revenue. This role is responsible for driving meaningful revenue growth during a critical stage as the organization advances toward clinical readiness.
This is a hands-on role for someone who can translate relationships into revenue, manage donor engagement directly, and follow through consistently. Working closely with the Executive Director and Board, this person will own day-to-day fundraising execution while helping shape a focused and effective development function.
About Save Sight Now
Save Sight Now is a Bay Area-based nonprofit funding translational research to develop treatments for Usher syndrome type 1B—a rare inherited retinal disease and the leading genetic cause of deaf-blindness in children.
Founded in 2019, the organization has raised over $3 million to support early translational programs and is now entering a critical phase as work advances toward clinical readiness. This next stage requires focused, consistent fundraising execution to expand revenue and support the path to human trials.
Requirements
Major Gifts & Donor Strategy
- Build and manage a major donor pipeline
- Lead outreach, follow-up, and stewardship
- Develop and execute donor cultivation and solicitation strategies
- Identify and qualify new donor prospects
Events, Sponsorship & Revenue Growth
- Own and drive the annual gala as the primary fundraising event
- Develop and lead sponsorship strategy, outreach, and closing
- Support additional events that deepen donor relationships and generate revenue
Fundraising Strategy & Execution
- Develop and manage the annual fundraising plan and revenue targets
- Track pipeline, progress, and follow-through
- Maintain clear communication with leadership and Board
- Bring structure and consistency to donor management and internal processes
Secondary / Supporting Responsibilities
- Coordinate with external grant writers or advisors as needed
- Maintain reliable donor tracking and reporting systems
- Recommend lightweight tools or support where helpful
Who This Role Is For
- 10+ years in nonprofit development or fundraising
- Demonstrated track record of personally closing major gifts, including gifts in the five- and six-figure range preferred
- Experience leading fundraising events or comparable revenue-generating initiatives
- Comfortable working directly with founders, boards, and donors
- Able to operate independently and follow through without heavy infrastructure
- Strong organization, communication, and accountability
- Interest in healthcare, science, or mission-driven work preferred
Details
- Time Commitment: ~40 hours per week
- Structure: Full-time Contract, embedded leadership role
- Compensation: $11,500–$13,500 per month (based on scope and experience, with performance-based bonus)
- Location: Remote (West Coast preferred)
Contact
- If this role sounds aligned — or if you know someone exceptional who might be a fit — please reach out: Email: info@savesightnow.org
