About the American Foundation for the Blind

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that creates equal opportunities and expands possibilities through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships. Since 1921, AFB has been a leader in addressing the most pressing needs of people with visual impairments and their families, breaking down societal barriers, and promoting broad systemic change.

Publisher of the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness for over a century and counting, AFB is also proud to steward the accessible Helen Keller Archives, honoring the legacy of our most famous ambassador. For more than 100 years, our values-driven organization has been at the forefront of advancing inclusion, opportunity, independence, and dignity for people who are blind or have low vision.

For more information, please see our Strategic Plan, which includes our Vision and Strategic Goals to achieve it: https://afb.org/about-afb/strategic-plan

Position Overview

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President, Programs will provide leadership, strategic direction and administrative oversight for AFB’s programs and initiatives to significantly improve opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision. This position will also play a key role in advancing AFB’s knowledge sharing agenda through the AFB Leadership Conference and other in-person and online channels. The Vice President, Programs serves on and works closely with the Senior Leadership Team. The position oversees Program staff and works collaboratively with various team members across the organization in program development and administration.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary, strategic, and collaborative leader who has 10 years of non-profit program experience, at least five of which were overseeing program design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Experience in collaborating with strategic partners in program design and delivery is strongly preferred.

Responsibility Overview

  1. Provide leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for the development and implementation of AFB’s programmatic initiatives, including digital accessibility internship program, emerging leaders development program, and Alonso scholarships. Working closely with the Project Management Office, ensure the strategic cross-organizational alignment of program planning, activities, and communications. Identify and cultivate strategic and program delivery partnerships and relationships with business, community leaders, universities, and other organizations to advance programmatic goals and impact.
  2. Co-lead effective collaboration to ensure positive educational experiences for program participants contributing to the work of other departments, including Professional Services and the Alonso Scholars.
  3. Establish, implement, and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure program effectiveness and impact. Work closely with Communications, Resource Development, and other teams to disseminate meaningful information demonstrating the impact of AFB’s programs.
  4. Lead AFB Leadership Conference program development, collaborating closely with Communications, Technology, and Public Policy and Research leads to advance AFB’s knowledge dissemination goals, strengthen partnerships and relationships, and engage meaningfully with the blind, low vision, and disability field and community. Ensure that AFBLC program development addresses the educational and/or networking requirements of program participants.
  5. Working closely with AFB’s Communications Team, serve as a spokesperson to the public, media, blindness and cross-disability fields and other key organizations and individuals as appropriate. Serve as a key spokesperson on the work of AFB and the impact of its programs, as well as an advocate and champion for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
  6. Participate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, providing leadership in the development of organization-wide strategies, plans, and goals, and communicating information and vision throughout the department and organization.
  7. Collaborate with Resource Development and strategic partners to identify and cultivate private and federal grant funding sources, develop proposals to support programs and other strategic initiatives, contribute to the development of funding reports, and support moves management initiatives with current and prospective funders.
  8. Carry out various administrative and supervisory responsibilities, including develop and implement annual plans and budgets and quarterly objectives; lead quarterly and annual goal setting and performance evaluation; adhere to AFB’s policies and practices regarding recruitment and orientation; support staff in areas of job responsibilities, problem resolution, and benefits; identify professional development opportunities; ensure policy and procedure compliance; and address areas requiring improvement and opportunities for rewards and recognition.
  9. Provide information and support to the Board of Trustees and serve as staff liaison to the Programs Advisory Committee.
  10. Perform other duties and responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

In addition to being a mission-driven individual with a belief in and commitment to AFB’s work and objectives, candidates should have the following experience and qualifications:

Graduate degree or equivalent in education, educational technology, rehabilitation, social services, nonprofit leadership or related fields. Ten years of nonprofit program experience required, at least five of which were overseeing program design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Experience in collaborating with strategic partners in program design and delivery is strongly preferred. Five years of supervisory experience required, with remote supervision experience strongly preferred. Experience in the delivery of online educational content is preferred. Experience in project-based, cross-organizational team collaboration preferred. Strong analytical skills and effective oral and written communication skills are essential. Must be able to lead and participate in multiple teams. Deep knowledge in the breadth and depth of services and programs for the blind and low vision community strongly preferred, the lived experience of blindness or low vision is a plus. Travel required 10 - 15% of the time.

Technical Skills and Proficiencies Required

Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft operating systems, as well as project management and employee engagement tools, such as Slack, Trello, or similar products.

Location

AFB headquarters are based in Arlington, VA. Position is remote within the U.S. with the opportunity for hybrid if located in the Arlington, VA area. Strong preference given to applicants residing in VA, MD, DC, WV, NY, NJ, PA, or FL.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary based on experience, market analysis and location.

AFB offers a competitive benefits package, including:

  • Paid leave (vacation and sick leave combined)
  • Paid holidays
  • Flex-time and telecommuting
  • Competitive health, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
  • Flexible spending account program that allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses incurred by themselves or family members.
  • 403(b) retirement savings plans, including employer contributions
  • Family Leave
  • Life insurance
  • Enhanced short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Accidental death or dismemberment coverage
  • Free, confidential access to counseling and referral services on a variety of personal and work/life issues for employees and their family members
  • Tuition Reimbursement

How to Apply

Interested parties, please email a Cover Letter and a Resume/CV to careers@afb.org. 

Equal Employment Opportunity

At AFB we do not just accept difference, we celebrate it. AFB is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact Human Resources at careers@afb.org.