American Foundation for the Blind

Arlington, VA

Chief Development Officer

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) seeks a Chief Development Officer to diversify revenue, nurture strategic partnerships, assure long-term financial sustainability, and grow the organization’s donor outreach in its centennial year and beyond. Please click to view the full position description or to nominate/apply.

American Foundation for the Blind’s mission is to create a world of no limits for people who are blind or have low vision. AFB mobilizes supporters, engages leaders, advances understanding, and leverages research to champion policies and practices that improve the lives of its constituents. AFB believes that vision loss must never stand in the way of dreams. Founded in 1921 by M.C. Migel to serve blinded World War I veterans, AFB quickly expanded its mission to serve all Americans with vision loss. Helen Keller, the world-famous deafblind author and activist, joined the organization in 1924, and with AFB, paved the way for significant social change in America. Today, AFB uses its strengths and the “no limits” determination modeled by Ms. Keller to support blind or low vision people in employment, education, rehabilitation, community building, and advocacy.

Headquartered in Arlington, VA, AFB is a largely virtual organization addressing issues with a national scope. AFB currently has a 38-member staff, 29% of whom are blind, visually impaired, or with other disabilities (including Dr. Kirk Adams, President & CEO), and an engaged, 19-member Board of Trustees. AFB’s FY 22 operating budget is $9.3 million. AFB’s investment portfolio is currently valued at $18.7 million, which includes a donor-designated restricted endowment of $5.38 million. FY 22 projected sources of revenue are roughly: 6.9% from earned revenue/program fees, 52.8% from contributed revenue, 0.2% from government entities, 15.4% from events, and the remaining from other sources.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will create a truly world-class fundraising organization, building on the strengths of a well-known disability nonprofit by diversifying its funding and philanthropic programs.

We appreciate you sharing the position description with your network, and also any nominations you might have.

For additional information or to apply, please contact Lee Kappelman, Oscar Quiros or Mark Oppenheim at info[at]moppenheim[dot]com.

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