Assistant Director, Leadership Philanthropy

About the role

The Assistant Director (AD) will partner with the AACR Foundation leadership and peers and manage staff to build a fundraising program that grows the culture of philanthropy across the institution in support of AACR. The AD will develop the pipeline of major, principal, and planned gifts by engaging with donors, prospects, and other stakeholders to strengthen existing relationships and expand the portfolio of high-level supporters. Discovery work is a significant component, offering an opportunity to establish and deepen relationships that benefit the organization. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys direct donor engagement, strategic thinking, and shaping the foundation of a growing major gifts program.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Leadership Philanthropy, build, implement, and manage AACR’s major donor and complex giving programs with a specific focus on membership and scientific initiative giving.
• Contribute to the development of the major gifts pipeline by leveraging relationships with donors, supporters, scientists, staff, and others.
• Develop and maintain a personal portfolio of donors and prospects.
• Analyze AACR’s donor program and help develop strategies for acquiring, renewing, and upgrading donors, specifically targeting the AACR membership base and planned gifts.
• Manage and document moves management activities to track portfolio progression to meet annual and multi-year revenue goals.
• Build relationships with donors and prospects via personal visits, Zoom meetings, phone calls, ongoing written contact, and events on your own or in collaboration with Leadership Philanthropy and Scientific Initiatives.
• While managing a team, ensure that all major donors and donor interactions are tracked accurately in Salesforce and that individual gifts are acknowledged in a timely and appropriate manner.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required with 7 years of experience in nonprofit development, including knowledge of planned giving, or 10 years of experience in nonprofit development, including knowledge of planned giving in lieu of degree.
• Experience with donor and volunteer cultivation, stewardship, and procurement with proven success in executing goals, moves management, and experience leading and partnering with staff and volunteers to achieve desired outcomes.
• Experience working with donors who have a vested interest in directly supporting research.
• Uniquely people-oriented with a natural and innate desire to connect and build relationships.
• Outstanding communication skills: articulate, persuasive, and well-honed relationship-building abilities.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the presence and personal style to represent the organization with multiple constituents.
• Experience with budgeting, financial management, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to travel for donor meetings, events, and industry conferences (minimum of 25%).
• Working knowledge of fundraising software, wealth screening tools, and CRMs such as Salesforce.

Characteristics

• Passionate about AACR’s mission to prevent and cure cancer.
• Entrepreneurial, visionary approach with the ability to conceive, execute, and communicate innovative solutions.
• Must be a self-starter who takes initiative and can balance big-picture strategy and execution against plans.
• Outstanding, articulate, and persuasive communication skills, with excellent public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, and a proven track record of success in solving complex and dynamic situations.