Creating opportunities for success and independence with people who are blind or visually impaired. That's our mission! We rely on our people to make that happen. Therefore, we recruit people who are committed to making a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. Whether it's providing comprehensive vision rehabilitation services to consumers, producing high quality paper products, operating a hospital switchboard, or performing administrative services, our employees are members of a team committed to excellence!

We know our employees are our most important asset. So, while we have high expectations, we also support our team members and encourage personal and professional growth - in and through AVRE. We live our mission and take pride in the fact that we engage and advance people who are blind or visually impaired at all levels of the organization!

We think AVRE is a great place to work. Browse through our website and learn why AVRE may be the right place for you!

Career Options

AVRE's Business Division presents an array of employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired. We work with our employees to match their skill set and personal goals with the agency's business needs. We encourage all employees to pursue continuing education opportunities within and outside of the organization. National Industries for the Blind offers a variety of work-related programs to help individuals thrive in their careers. AVRE also offers tuition assistance and employee scholarships to pursue post-secondary degrees and certifications.

Manufacturing

Opportunities in manufacturing include:

  • machine operation
  • assembly and packaging
  • shipping and receiving

Production Manager Luigi DiRusso has been with AVRE for 10 years. Luigi has progressed from an entry level position to the team lead for one of AVRE’s busiest departments. Luigi now oversees all manufacturing departments as Production Manager. It is clear Luigi wants to continue growing as a leader. He has shown the interest and ability to lead others in AVRE’s unique environment and has the potential to be promoted to higher level positions.

Light Assembly

There's never a dull moment in the Light Assembly department! AVRE takes on a variety of unique projects commercially and through state and federal set aside programs. Current projects include repackaging Goody hair products for sale in military commissaries abroad and packaging batteries for the New York City Housing Authority. We've put together educational kits for the New York Teacher's Association and packaged environmentally friendly cleaning products for sale in the state and federal markets. AVRE's business development team is always working to identify and meet the needs of its current and potential customers.

Switchboard Operations

AVRE contracts to manage switchboard operations at two Veterans Administration Medical Centers downstate - Montrose and Castle Point. Operators are responsible for all incoming calls, including relaying all emergencies to the appropriate parties. They also monitor many hospital alarms with the use of adaptive, audio equipment. Adaptive technology is critical to successfully running this operation. Each operator's needs are accounted for so that each can perform their jobs at the highest quality level. Collectively and individually, our operators have received awards and recognitions for their commitment to excellence in the workplace. They're proud to be a part of the community that assists American veterans!

Continue through our website and learn why AVRE may be the right place for you!

Equal Opportunity Employer

AVRE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at 607-724-2428 or email at apply@avreus.org.

AVRE Policy | EEO Know Your Rights | EEO Know Your Rights (Español) | EEO is the Law Supplement Poster | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

Employee Benefits

A competitive hourly wage or annual salary is just a part of financial stability and quality of life. Health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off help to secure your family's well-being and peace of mind. At AVRE, we believe that a comprehensive benefits package is key to recruiting and keeping the best and most dedicated people.

Benefits available for eligible employees

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid family leave
  • Paid personal time off
  • Paid volunteer time
  • Paid bereavement time
  • NYS Short-term disability
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Scholarships for employees and their families
  • 403(b) plan and employer contribution
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • Discounts on home and auto insurance
Surrounding Community

A very important aspect of quality of life is where you live, work, and relax. If you have a family, good schools are crucial to your kids' education and future success. Affordable, quality housing can often make or break a decision to relocate to a new area. Binghamton, NY and the surrounding municipalities offer a wide range of housing options, good public transportation, and a wide variety of places to relax and enjoy you're free time.

Here's a list of some of the best reasons to relocate to this area with some links to provide more detail.

  • Affordable, high-quality higher education at Binghamton University and SUNY Broome
  • Professional hockey (Binghamton Black Bears) - and baseball (Rumble Ponies) teams and NCAA Division 1 college sports
  • A variety of cultural offerings, including local opera, off-Broadway shows, museums, musical performers, and art galleries
  • A professional golf tournament and cycling event
  • Plentiful and accessible state, county, and city parks
  • Good public transportation, including paratransit and BC Country
  • Pedestrian friendly downtown with numerous Accessible Pedestrian Signals and expanding walking trails
  • Good schools that offer advanced placement courses, International Baccalaureate programs, and solid arts and music programs
  • The confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers
  • Within a three hour drive (or bus ride!) from popular urban areas - New York City, Philadelphia, Albany, and Rochester. Also close to the Finger Lakes Region and the Adirondack State Park.

You can learn more about our area by visiting the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. We think you'll find that AVRE's surrounding community is a great place to begin a new career!

Why Work at AVRE?

Giving back to the community - Working at AVRE is not just a job. It's an opportunity to help create meaningful jobs and provide comprehensive vision rehabilitation services to people who are blind or visually impaired throughout AVRE's broad service territory.

Commitment to quality - In all aspects of the agency, quality work is valued and encouraged, whether it's manufacturing a product, answering a patient call, or teaching safe travel skills. We're focused on consumer and customer satisfaction!

Skill enhancement - In order to meet our high quality standards, AVRE offers training opportunities to enhance existing skills and to learn new ones. Employees are encouraged to find opportunities to cross train and learn about different positions within the organization.

Adaptability - We know that every employee's needs are unique and we make every accommodation possible to ensure that individuals have the tools to do their jobs to the highest standards! We offer technology, physical adaptations, and training to fit each employee's needs!

Being part of a team - Everyone at AVRE understands that a vision disability doesn't need to stand in the way of personal and professional accomplishments. We embrace our differences and work together to focus on each other's strengths. As a team, we do what's necessary to get the job done and to help each other succeed.

Room to grow - We're always looking for growth opportunities so we can create more meaningful jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired. New projects mean new opportunities for higher level jobs and advancement. We're proud to employ people who are blind at ALL levels of the organization!

Great benefits - AVRE offers a comprehensive fringe benefits package to all eligible employees. We're committed to empowering people to live productive, independent lives and we know how valuable benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance can be to meeting financial goals.

At AVRE, the whole is greater than the sum of our parts. This is why AVRE ranked in the "Top 50 Best Nonprofits to Work For" by The Non-Profit Times three years in a row. Teamwork, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging make it a pleasure to come to work each day. Continue through the website to learn more!

Required Postings

COVID 19 Guidance for Workplace and Homes

COVID 19 Sick Leave

Employee Handbook

Employee Polygraph Protection Act Notice (EPPA)

E-Verify Participation

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Minimum Wage

Fringe Benefits and Hours

Guideline Regarding the Rights of Nursing Mothers to Express Breastmilk in the Work Place

IER Right to Work

Job Safety and Health

Know Your Rights - Workplace Discrimination

Licensure and Employment of Persons Previously Convicted of One or More Criminal Offenses

New York Disability and Paid Family Leave

New York State Division of Human Rights

New York State Equal Pay Provision

New York State Minimum Wage

New York State Posting of Hours for Minors

New York State Unemployment Insurance Law

New York State Wage Theft Prevention Act

North Carolina Workers Compensation

Notice of Compliance for Workers' Compensation

Notice of Employee Rights, Protections, and Obligations - Prohibited Retaliatory Personnel Action by Employers

NY HERO Act

NY Right to Vote

NYS Adult Cannabis in the Workplace

NYS Department of Health You Have a Right to Know

NYS Department of Labor Division of Safety & Health Public Employees Job Safety & Health Protection

Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act

Sexual Harassment Policy

Veterans Benefits and Services

Your Rights Under USERRA Notice

View Current Openings

If you've determined AVRE is the place for you, check out our current openings below to find an opportunity that interests you. If you have any questions about a position or the application process, feel free to call our Human Resources department at 607-724-2428.

Business Division

Product and Sales Manager

The Product Manager will work with the Director of Business Development managing new and existing product lines within the state, commercial and federal markets. AVRE supports two mandatory source programs (US AbilityOne Program - federal market and New Yor State Preferred Source Program (NYSPSP/NYSID)- New York state market) through the manufacturing of products. This position will manage the introduction of new products and maintenance of existing products within multiple channels of distribution. This will include facilitating business development and sales initiatives, working collaboratively to promote manufactured products across all marketing outlets, and proactively maintaining all product information on marketing channels such as partner websites, databases and portals.

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I. JOB DESCRIPTION
 
A. TITLE: Product and Sales Manager
 
B. REPORTS TO: Director of Development
 
C. FLSA STATUS: Exempt
 
II. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
 
The Product Manager will work with the Director of Business Development managing new and existing product lines within the state, commercial and federal markets. AVRE supports two mandatory source programs (US AbilityOne Program - federal market and New Yor State Preferred Source Program (NYSPSP/NYSID)- New York state market) through the manufacturing of products. This position will manage the introduction of new products and maintenance of existing products within multiple channels of distribution. This will include facilitating business development and sales initiatives, working collaboratively to promote manufactured products across all marketing outlets, and proactively maintaining all product information on marketing channels such as partner websites, databases and portals.
 
III. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS
 
The incumbent is not directly responsible for the work of others, however, will provide direction and leadership to others in accomplishing business development and overall product sales and marketing tasks.
 
IV. BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
 
A. Communication with the Director of Business Development is ongoing.
 
B. Communication with the Vice President of Business Strategies is ongoing.
 
C. Communication with internal departments is ongoing.
 
D. Communications with vendors, suppliers, customers, and other business partners is ongoing.
 
E. Communication with NIB, NYSPSP, NYSID and other distribution channel operators and managers is ongoing.
 
F. Communication with related sales and marketing personnel (associated non-profit agencies, etc.) is regular.
 
V. SUPERVISION REQUIRED
 
The position requires the ability to work independently but will report to the Director of Business Development.
 
VI. EDUCATION
 
Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or related discipline required. Relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.
 
VII. TRAINING AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
 
A. Excellent writing skills, exhibiting strong accuracy and attention to detail.
 
B. Strong time management and organization skills.
 
C. Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to speak one-on-one and in front of groups, both internally and externally.
 
D. Strong project management skills: able to prioritize and juggle multiple projects.
 
E. Strong skills in excel, spreadsheet formulation, manipulation, and management of content/ information.
 
F. Understanding of manufacturing processes and capacities.
 
G. Understanding of the importance of mission; interest in making connections between people and purpose.
 
VIII. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
 
Minimum 3 years of experience in marketing, product support, or a related role. Relevant experience may include developing digital and print marketing materials, coordinating marketing campaigns, or supporting product development activities. Experience in a manufacturing or nonprofit environment is preferred.
 
IX. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
A. Product Management:
 
a) Introduce new products into both the federal and state programs maximizing AVRE’s manufacturing capabilities. Assemble and submit applications for approval to introduce new products to New York State Preferred Source Program, New York State Industries for the Disabled, and the US AbilityOne Program.
 
b) Manage existing products pricing on a designated cycle to ensure prices are competitive within the state and federal marketplace. Complete price changes as needed in accordance with the existing processes and procedures of the respective programs.
 
c) Manage customer price lists to publish to all customers on a quarterly basis.
 
d) Work with the Director of Business Development to support and execute the processes and complete the documentation to move a product from concept to launch. This includes packaging designs, marketing collateral developed, and key content for website marketing.
 
e) Work with the Marketing Manager to ensure products are accurate on the AVRE website. Make updates routinely.
 
f) Work with the Director of Business Development to maintain manufactured products packaging, keeping content accurate and up to date. Ensure product content is appropriately marketed on partner websites to include NYSID, NYSPSP, AbilityOne and other distributors.
 
g) Analyze competitive products for our manufactured products for similarities. For the federal market, perform annual ETS (Essentially the Same) reviews to identify competitive equivalents for submission to NIB for approval.
 
h) Reporting: Maintain a database of reports of products, key attributes, and work flow
 
B. Sales:
 
a) Support sales efforts for the organization focused on local and the NYS Preferred Source Program.
 
b) Identify tactics to capture opportunities within local, state and commercial customers that maximize sales of AVRE products.
 
c) Monitor state and local solicitations to identify opportunities that are aligned with our manufacturing and product lines. If similar commercial products are solicited in lieu of the mandatory source product, coordinate internally to engage the customer and educate on our products. Track bids and solicitations to identify potential new opportunities for both product and services. Conduct research and propose recommendations internally before developing proposals.
 
d) Collaborate with Director of Development on community outreach, agency tours, fundraising initiatives, and event management
 
e) Represent the agency and promote products and services through customer interactions, sales calls and occasional events.
 
AVRE encourages diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
 
Job Type: Full-time
 
Pay: $60,405.80 - $65,000.00 per year
 
Benefits:
 
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
 
To apply, please click here

Health and Rehabilitation Services

Vision Rehabilitation Therapist

The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist is responsible for the evaluation and training of individuals to maximize self-sufficiency and independence in the home and/or work environment. Proficient teaching, problem solving, cooperating, and communication with internal/external service providers are key elements of the position, to ensure quality of service and consumer satisfaction. Vision Rehabilitation Therapist works in a strong team environment.

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I. JOB IDENTIFICATION
 
A. TITLE: Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
 
B. REPORTS TO: Vision Rehabilitation Services Manager
 
C. FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
 
II. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
 
The Vision Rehabilitation Therapist is responsible for the evaluation and training of individuals to maximize self-sufficiency and independence in the home and/or work environment. Proficient teaching, problem solving, cooperating, and communication with internal/external service providers are key elements of the position, to ensure quality of service and consumer satisfaction. Vision Rehabilitation Therapist works in a strong team environment.
 
III. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS
 
May supervise and train Rehabilitation Therapist assistants and student interns.
 
IV. BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
 
A. Communication with the Vision Rehabilitation Services Manager is frequent.
 
B. Communication with staff, i.e.: Social Workers, Orientation and Mobility Instructor is ongoing.
 
C. Communication with eye doctors, NYSCB counselors and other vision related professionals is regular.
 
D. Communication with human service agencies is occasional.
 
E. Communication with visually impaired consumers as well as their family members and significant others when appropriate is ongoing.
 
V. SUPERVISION REQUIRED
 
This position requires the ability to work independently and in close coordination with the Vision Rehabilitation Services Manager.
 
VI. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
 
This position requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree with specialization in rehabilitation teaching of individuals who are blind and a knowledge of Grade II Braille, or a Bachelor’s Degree and successful completion of a NYSCB-approved training program for professionals which meets nationally accepted standards.
 
VII. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
A. Evaluate the consumer’s Rehabilitation Therapy needs in the home and/or work environment.
 
B. Provide instruction in meal preparation, home management, record keeping, and care for self and family members.
 
C. Instruction on usage of a qwerty keyboard.
 
D. Teach consumers about adaptive applications available for usage on electronic mobile devices.
 
E. Teach consumers to use mobile devices for communication, notetaking, record keeping, accessing information via the internet.
 
F. Implement adaptive equipment and instruction in the consumer’s work or home environment.
 
G. Provide instruction in reading and writing Braille, use of large print and/or audio methods of saving and retrieving information.
 
H. Request adaptive equipment and instruct in the use of these items.
 
I. Instruct in the use of low vision equipment.
 
J. Complete service logs and reports required by the Association, contract and referral source requirements.
 
K. Collaborate with staff to ensure continuity of services.
 
L. Keeps workplace organized and clean.
 
M. Perform other duties as assigned.
 
N. Maintains strict confidentiality in all aspects of AVRE activities.
 
AVRE encourages diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
 
Job Type: Full-time
 
Pay: $25.96 - $28.37 per hour
 
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
 
Benefits:
 
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Relocation assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
 
To apply, please click here

Fundraising and Development

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

The Marketing and Communications Coordinator will work directly with the Director of Development (DOD) managing the agency’s overall business and vision rehabilitation services marketing and communications plan.

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JOB IDENTIFICATION
 
TITLE: Marketing and Communications Coordinator
 
REPORTS TO: Director of Development
 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
 
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
 
The Marketing and Communications Coordinator will work directly with the Director of Development (DOD) managing the agency’s overall business and vision rehabilitation services marketing and communications plan.
 
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS
 
None
 
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
 
Communication with the Director of Development is frequent and ongoing.
Communication with the Director of Business Development is ongoing.
Communication with Visions Rehabilitation Services Manager is ongoing.
Communication with internal departments is ongoing.
Communications with vendors, suppliers, customers, and other business partners is ongoing.
 
SUPERVISION REQUIRED
 
The position requires ability to work independently, but in close coordination with DOD.
 
EDUCATION REQUIRED
 
Associate’s degree in marketing, communications, advertising or equivalent.
 
TRAINING AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
 
Must have proven writing skills, exhibiting extreme accuracy and attention to detail. Master of grammar and usage.
Experience designing marketing collateral materials. Proficiency with marketing tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.
Experience with social media platforms and online/email marketing tools such as Constant Contact.
Photography skills; video production a plus.
Strong time management and organization skills. Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple projects.
Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to speak one-on-one and in front of groups, both internally and externally.
Ability to work with a variety of agencies, freelance, and third-party vendors.
 
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
Coordinate and deliver external and internal communications to staff, customers, and consumers.
Develop and design compelling collateral materials as needed for agency branding, community outreach, product marketing and sales, direct-mail – both print and electronic.
Manage social media presence on Facebook, X, LinkedIn. Ensure all digital communications meet accessibility standards and are optimized for engagement and visibility.
Serve as primary point of contact with our advertising agency. Coordinate messaging, timelines, and creative deliverables to ensure efficient collaboration and strong results.
Manage and update AVRE website.
Manage email marketing campaigns and contacts via Constant Contact,.
Produce and edit employee and product photographs for website and affiliated agencies. Maintain picture/video library.
Ensure organization materials are routed, proofed, and approved. Maintain material archives.
Work with DOO in drafting and distributing press releases, along with any other communication destined to the media or the public.
Represent the agency and promote products and vision services through public relations initiatives.
Assist with the planning and promotion of fundraising events. Support event communications, signage, and follow-up engagement.
Collaborate with DOD on marketing schedule, community outreach, agency tours and networking events.
Track and report on communication efforts using tools like Google Analytics, email metrics, and social insights. Recommend improvements based on performance data.
Work with DOD on managing the marketing budget, including allocations for campaigns, promotional materials, networking events, etc.
Ensure consistent messaging and brand voice across all internal and external communications.
Contribute to marketing subcommittee meetings as needed.
AVRE encourages diversity in the workplace and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
 
Job Type: Full-time
 
Pay: $24.00 - $27.00 per hour
 
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
 
Benefits:
 
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
 
To apply, please click here.