The Epilepsy Foundation (EFA) a national non-profit with over 50 local organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against seizures since 1968. We are an unwavering ally for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy and seizures. We work to prevent, control, and cure epilepsy through community services, public education, federal and local advocacy, and supporting research into new treatments and therapies. We work to ensure that people with seizures have the opportunity to live their lives to their fullest potential.

The Epilepsy Foundation is the only national organization dedicated to helping people pursue seizure freedom.

The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is “To Lead the Fight to Overcome the Challenges of Living with Epilepsy and to Accelerate Therapies to Stop Seizures, Find Cures, and Save Lives.”  Our local network provides direct services and connections in communities across the United States for individuals and families impacted by seizures and epilepsy. Each local foundation provides education and outreach to community organizations like school systems, emergency services, and local governments.

We are committed to people with epilepsy, their family members, and caregivers; to advocating for funding for epilepsy programs, research, and a cure; to policies that promote research and innovation; to improving access to and coverage of quality care and essential services; and to the protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities.

EFA has exclusively retained Nonprofit HR to assist in its recruitment efforts for its next Chief Development Officer (CDO).  Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for leading the development operation, staff, and volunteer team. The CDO is a strategic thinker and is responsible for developing a bold development plan and the fundraising strategies to achieve the plan in close coordination with the CEO, Board of Directors, affiliate and chapter organizations, and the development staff. Further, s/he will set goals, monitor work, and evaluate results to ensure that departmental and organizational objectives are met and are in line with the needs and mission of the organization.

The CDO ensures that the organization is well-positioned in a rapidly evolving and competitive environment. The CDO ensures that strategies are clearly understood by all stakeholders and that the development office is achieving its strategic goals at an optimum pace. In collaboration with the President & CEO, s/he identifies and leads new business development opportunities and ensures highly productive and positive relationships for the benefit of the Epilepsy Foundation.  The CDO serves as the Chief Fundraiser for the organization and successfully balances a (at times) rigorous travel schedule meeting with potential and current funders; and the role of coach, mentor, and leader of the development staff.

The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s Degree and CFRE or ACFRE with at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit and/or health organizations with primary responsibility for fundraising/development. The position requires a proven track record in fundraising from a variety of sources, including but not limited to corporate giving, direct mail, major gifts, planned giving, special events, and strategic partnerships, including demonstrated success in building relationships among and working effectively with diverse groups. It is essential that s/he possess excellent written and oral communication skills, with considerable experience in writing and presenting information, particularly financial information to a variety of audiences.

For consideration, interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Your cover letter must address your experience and qualifications being sought. Send materials to: [email protected] “ATTN: Epilepsy Foundation CDO Search” in the subject line. Electronic submissions are highly preferred. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Please visit www.epilespy.com for more information about the organization.