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About GBS | CIDP Foundation International

The GBS | CIDP Foundation International is a global nonprofit organization supporting individuals and their families affected by Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) and related conditions through a commitment to support, education, research, and advocacy. The Foundation was founded in 1980 and has grown to encompass 43,000 members, 160 chapters in 47 countries, and 66 affiliated Centers of Excellence. The organization is advancing world-class research, ensuring patient access to care and support, and hiring talented, mission-driven people who make it all happen. In 2025, the Foundation launched innovative new programs and tools including community events to reach underserved patients, patient- and KOL-driven initiatives to solve complex unmet patient needs, expanded international programming, and the development of a symptom tracking app for patients. The organization’s funding is growing, and the operational budget has supported increased staff to a current team of 20.

Position Summary

The Foundation is seeking a self-starting, hands-on professional to lead its development team of 3 staff professionals. Reporting to the President and CEO and working closely with the Board of Directors, the Director of Development is a key leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the Foundation’s mission and programming. This individual will lead all aspects of development, including major gifts, grants, annual giving, corporate partnerships, fundraising events, and donor stewardship. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled communicator, and experienced fundraiser with a passion for improving the lives of patients and families affected by the GBS, CIDP, and MMN.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that aligns and enhances the current development plan and goals. This plan includes corporate sponsors, major gifts, foundation giving, planned and annual giving, and special events. This work involves identifying and cultivating major gift prospects, as well as corporate sponsors and foundation donors.
• Work with the President and CEO and Board of Directors to develop fundraising goals and strategies that align with the organization’s mission and values.
• Manage and lead a team of fundraising professionals, providing guidance, training, and support as needed. This includes setting goals and expectations for individual team members, monitoring performance, and providing feedback to ensure that fundraising goals are met or exceeded.
• Mentor and develop staff for long-term commitment.
• Collaborate with the communications, programs, and marketing team to develop and execute effective donor communications, sponsored programs, and marketing materials. This involved developing a compelling message that resonates with potential sponsors and donors, creating donor recognition programs, and crafting targeted appeals that drive donations.
• Think strategically to identify challenges and new sponsorship opportunities in allied health as they related to the patient community.
• Develop creative solutions to meet fundraising goals.
• Lead the Diversification of Revenue initiative as set for in the Strategic Plan and collaborate and guide future strategic planning related to development.
• Prepare the annual revenue budget, currently $7 million.
• Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed. This involves tracking donor engagement and retention rates, analyzing revenue streams, and making data-driven decisions that help the organization achieve its fundraising goals.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in a nonprofit fundraising role with experience in major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, and special events.
• Experience in planned giving and digital fundraising is also highly valued. Experience in the healthcare sector is a plus.
• Demonstrated success in managing a multi-faceted development program, including major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, and annual giving.
• Proven track record of cultivating donor relationship and securing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders including patients, families, donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organizational goals into actionable fundraising strategies.
• High level of integrity, initiative, and emotional intelligence.
• Experience with fundraising software, donor databases, and online fundraising platforms. Proficiency with Salesforce a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Approximately 20% travel required.

POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING

The Batten Group and GBS | CIDP Foundation International are equal-opportunity employers committed to the principles of non-discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis that is prohibited by federal, state, or local law.