Careers

BrightFocus Foundation is a premier source of private research funding to defeat Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Our talented and dedicated team brings together a wide range of talents and disciplines to advance our mission of ending diseases of mind and sight. We hope you will consider joining us at BrightFocus.

Open Positions

Major Gifts Manager

Remote, Full-time

ABOUT THE JOB

The Manager, Major Gifts, is responsible for managing a donor portfolio of 250-300 major, planned and leadership level direct mail donors. Success in this role requires strategic time management, disciplined portfolio oversight, and the ability to build authentic long-term relationships that translate into meaningful philanthropic investment.

This individual will serve as an integral member of the Development team, contributing to strategic and integrated fundraising initiatives that advance the Foundation’s mission and align with its overall organizational priorities. The Manager will embody BrightFocus’ collaborative, mission-driven culture and work effectively across teams to support shared goals.

This position is remote and is responsible for covering a donor territory in the western and central United States, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas. There is a preference to be located in the western and central United States, to facilitate travel and in-person donor engagement within the territory.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS:

  • Work closely with the Director of Development and fellow gift officers to implement a structured discovery process, connecting with 100–200 donors monthly. Personally thank all $1,000+ donors for their annual support and assess ongoing engagement potential.
  • Actively manage a portfolio of 250–300 major, planned, and direct mail donors. Conduct 20–40 meaningful donor contacts per week, including in-person visits whenever possible, to advance relationships through all phases of the giving cycle: discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Ensure 100% of assigned major donors are thoughtfully cultivated and solicited each year.
  • Follow up on bequest inquiries and planned giving leads generated through Planned Giving and Direct Mail programs, with a goal of securing at least 10 new planned gift commitments annually.
  • An Invitation to visit with all major and planned gift donors is extended annually.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Development and gift officers to design and execute individualized cultivation and stewardship plans.
  • Deepen relationships with Direct Mail donors through personalized outreach focused on retention, renewal, and gift upgrades.
  • Accurately report all donor interactions in the database. Submit timely and comprehensive contact reports in accordance with established business rules.
  • Provide proactive stewardship by promptly acknowledging contributions, communicating impact, and encouraging continued philanthropic support.
  • Keep the Director of Development informed of all matters that impact the overall achievement of goals.
  • Maintain accurate and timely expense reports.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned in support of departmental objectives.

 

REQUISITE SKILLS/CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Strong fundraising skills with a track record of securing gifts in the five- to seven-figure range from individuals.
  • Confidence and skill to artfully ask prospective donors to make a financial contribution, exhibiting transparency with prospects about the purpose of cultivation visits, and the belief that the fastest way to qualify a prospect is to solicit him/her for a gift.
  • Ability to receive feedback constructively and remain resilient in the face of rejection.
  • Strong discovery skills, including the ability to ask strategic questions that uncover donor motivations, interests, and philanthropic goals.
  • Intellectual curiosity and the ability to quickly develop subject-matter fluency to support informed donor conversations.
  • High emotional intelligence, with the ability to read nonverbal cues and adapt communication style, tone, and messaging to diverse audiences.
  • Professionalism and respect when working with donors, colleagues, researchers, and stakeholders at all levels.
  • Highly organized with strong time management skills; able to prioritize, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
  • Proactive, goal-oriented self-starter with a strong drive for measurable results.
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented, and mission-driven culture.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
  • 5 years of experience in major gift fundraising and/or relational portfolio management.
  • Proven track record of identifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing, growing, and maintaining major gifts.
  • General knowledge of planned giving strategies (e.g., estate planning) preferred.
  • Professional, polished demeanor that reflects BrightFocus’ high standards and fosters confidence and trust among donors.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, along with strong interpersonal abilities.
  • Solid presentation skills and ability to speak in front of various audiences while representing BrightFocus.
  • Working knowledge of fundraising database systems, Data Management Incorporated (DMI) is a plus.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience working in a collaborative, team-based and remote work environment preferred.
  • Ability and willingness to travel regularly.

Pay range: $90K/yr – $105K/yr

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter which conveys your interest in this opportunity to Samantha Sadiv at samantha.sadiv@cbiz.com.

Social Media Content Creator, Freelance

Supervisor: Director, Social Media
Classification: Freelance
Date: April 2026

BrightFocus Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting research and providing
public education to help eradicate brain and eye diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease,
macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Position Summary

BrightFocus Foundation is seeking a creative and driven Social Media Content Creator to
join our team on a freelance basis. This role is perfect for someone who lives and breathes
social media trends, has an eye for compelling visual storytelling, and can transform ideas
into video content.

Responsibilities:

Video Editing & Content Development (80%)

  • Edit engaging short-form video content for Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and
    other social platforms.
  • Transform raw footage into polished, platform-optimized videos that drive
    engagement.
  • Add captions, graphics, music, sound effects, and visual effects to enhance
    storytelling.
  • Ensure brand consistency across all video content while maintaining platform-
    specific best practices.
  • Optimize videos for each platform’s algorithm and audience preferences.
  • Manage multiple creative projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
    Write social media captions to accompany videos and other content.
  • Creative Strategy & Innovation (20%)
    Research and stay ahead of emerging social media trends.
  • Pitch fresh, creative concepts for original content and campaigns.
  • Propose innovative ways to repurpose existing content across different platforms.
  • Bring new ideas to weekly content planning sessions

Knowledge/Skills:

  • 2+ years of experience creating video content for social media platforms
  • Strong proficiency in video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, CapCut, or similar)
  • Deep understanding of Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and emerging platforms
  • Portfolio showcasing engaging social media content and videos you’ve created
  • Excellent time management skills and ability to work independently
  • Motion graphics skills, Adobe After Effects.
  • Experience with content management platforms and social media scheduling tools
  • Copywriting skills for captions and posts
  • Graphic design capabilities (Canva, Figma, InDesign, Photoshop)
  • Experience with non-profit or health-related content.

Project Details

Type: Freelance/Contract
Hours: Approximately 25-30 hours per week (flexible)
Duration: 3-month initial campaign with potential for ongoing collaboration
Work Style: Fully remote
Rate: $40-60 per hour at 25-30 hours per week, depending on experience

Deliverables

Rise Up for Research Campaign

  • 4-6 edited, clipped videos per week (varies based on project scope)
  • Assist with weekly content as needed
  • Evergreen content series for growing followers and leads.
  • Create carousels, static image posts, short-animated videos, and other trending and creative content from evergreen website content.
  • 5-7 posts per evergreen article weekly
  • Participate in weekly content planning meetings and pitch original content ideas

How to Apply

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter that conveys your interest in this opportunity to Sarah DiSandro at sdisandro@brightfocus.org.

BrightFocus Foundation building in Clarksburg, MD.

Powering Innovative Research

Read about the latest research advancements to diagnose, slow the progression, treat, and ultimately cure these diseases of mind and sight.
United States Capitol Building in Washington DC with Flag.

Article

BrightFocus Statement on Bipartisan Action to Protect Brain and Eye Research

BrightFocus Foundation supports the bipartisan appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026, which provides critical federal funding for brain and eye research.

A researcher looking through a microscope in a lab.

Press Release

2025 Research Portfolios Spotlight Breakthrough Science

BrightFocus is proudly supporting 186 cutting-edge research grants, fueling the global fight against Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

2025 cover for annual report.

Article

2025 Annual Report Now Available

BrightFocus Foundation’s 2025 annual report celebrates groundbreaking research and public awareness.

Jimmy Liu, PhD

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BrightFocus Foundation Welcomes New Director of Vision Science Programs

Jimmy Liu, PhD, has joined BrightFocus as Director of Vision Science Programs, bringing deep expertise in eye disease research and a passion for advancing the next generation of vision treatments.

Portraits of Anita, Larry, and Hillary as featured from the PSA videos.

Press Release

New Public Service Campaign Encourages Eye Exams to Save Sight

BrightFocus Foundation's new national public service announcements raise awareness of macular degeneration and glaucoma, leading causes of irreversible blindness among people age 50 and older in the U.S.

Exterior view of the main historic building of National Institutes of Health (NIH) inside Bethesda campus.

Article

Standing Together to Protect Progress: BrightFocus Statement on 2026 National Institutes of Health and National Eye Institute Appropriations

The proposed 2026 federal budget released by the Trump administration would deliver crippling cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These cuts would threaten essential progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma—diseases of mind and sight impacting 1 in 7 Americans over age 40.