Director, Development & Stewardship

About BCRF

Breast cancer is a complex disease with no simple solution. Research is the key to stopping it in its tracks. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. By investing in the best minds in science to examine every aspect of the disease from prevention to metastasis—and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration—BCRF is accelerating the entire field and moves us closer to the answers we urgently need to be the end of breast cancer.

About the role

The Director, Development & Stewardship is a senior leadership role within BCRF's Development & Events department, responsible for building and leading a comprehensive, donor-centric stewardship program that deepens engagement, inspires continued and increased philanthropy, and supports BCRF's first comprehensive fundraising campaign. Reporting to the Managing Director, Development & Signature Events, the Director, Development & Stewardship will design and implement a strategic stewardship framework spanning all donor segments — from annual fund contributors through principal gift and legacy society donors — ensuring every supporter of BCRF's mission feels recognized, informed, and connected to the impact of their philanthropy. This role partners closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Major Gift Officers, the Gift Planning team, Marketing & Communications, and Research to deliver best-in-class stewardship experiences that reflect BCRF's high-touch philanthropic culture. This role currently supervises the Associate Director, Development & Stewardship and works in close collaboration with the Associate Director, Development & Donor Relations (who leads Advisory Board engagement and CPO stewardship initiatives). As the comprehensive campaign progresses, this position is expected to grow in scope and team. This position is based in New York, New York. BCRF currently requires staff to work onsite a minimum of three days per week.

Responsibilities

Stewardship Strategy & Program Leadership

• Design and implement a comprehensive, multi-tiered stewardship program aligned with BCRF's fundraising strategy, donor segmentation, and comprehensive campaign goals.
• Establish donor recognition and acknowledgment standards across all giving levels, from annual fund to principal gifts and the Evelyn H. Lauder Legacy Society.
• Develop and maintain a stewardship calendar that ensures timely, personalized, and meaningful touchpoints throughout the donor lifecycle.
• Oversee a systematic program for gift impact reporting — connecting donors to the research their philanthropy funds through investigator updates, scientific progress reports, and personalized impact communications.
• Establish and track stewardship KPIs, including retention rates, donor satisfaction indicators, and stewardship touchpoint completion, and present regular progress reports to department and organizational leadership.

Principal & Major Gift Donor Stewardship

• Lead stewardship strategy for BCRF's most significant donors, working in close partnership with frontline Philanthropy Officers and Department Leadership to ensure a coordinated, personalized approach to every major donor relationship.
• Create and manage Donor Societies at various levels of principal gifts and oversee/standardize stewardship strategies (recognition benefits, scientific updates, etc.)
• Develop individualized