Director of Philanthropy

DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPYAmerican Brain FoundationUnited States | Remote | Approximately 30% TravelSalary Range: $150,000–$175,000, based on experience There are fundraising jobs. And then there are opportunities to help build something that could change the future of human health. The American Brain Foundation is looking for an exceptional Director of Philanthropy to join us at a pivotal moment of our growth. ABF is a premier national foundation advancing research across brain diseases and disorders. In 2025 alone, we committed more than $10 million to research. We work with some of the world’s most accomplished neurologists, neuroscientists, and scientific leaders to pursue questions that could change how we prevent, detect, understand, and treat brain disease. As we expand our research investments, we also need to scale the philanthropic program needed to support that growth. THE OPPORTUNITYThis is a builder’s role, not a job for someone looking to simply manage an established development program. As Director of Philanthropy, you will have the opportunity to help shape ABF’s fundraising strategy, grow our major and principal gifts program, develop new philanthropic partnerships, and create opportunities for donors to invest in extraordinary science. One day you may be working with a world-renowned neuroscientist to understand their breakthrough idea. The next, you may be sitting with a family considering a seven-figure investment in research that matters deeply to them. You will work directly with our Executive Director, Board members, scientists, major donors, foundations, corporations, family offices, and other philanthropic leaders. ABF is growing, and this role will have a meaningful voice in how our philanthropy evolves. We are looking for someone who can bring both experience and an entrepreneurial mindset to the work, and who is excited by the opportunity to help build something ambitious. WHAT YOU’LL LEAD• Develop and execute ABF’s national philanthropy strategy• Build a robust pipeline of major and principal gift prospects• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward six- and seven-figure donors• Create transformational philanthropic opportunities around groundbreaking brain research• Partner directly with the Executive Director and Board on major donor strategy• Build relationships with individuals, families, foundations, corporations, and family offices• Work with leading scientists to turn complex research into compelling opportunities for donors• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing philanthropy team• Bring new ideas to donor engagement, stewardship, partnerships, and fundraising WHO WE’RE LOOKING FORYou are an accomplished fundraiser who knows how to build authentic relationships and turn those relationships into significant philanthropy. You are intellectually curious. You enjoy being in the room with smart, interesting people. You are comfortable talking with a scientist about emerging research and then translating that conversation for a donor who wants to understand why it matters. You are strategic, but you also love the work of fundraising. You have:• At least 10 years of progressive experience in philanthropy or similar field.• A successful track record securing major gifts, including seven-figure gifts• At least five years of leadership or supervisory experience• Experience developing relationships with high-net-worth individuals and other significant philanthropic partners• Strong major gift pipeline development and solicitation experience• Excellent judgment, communication, and relationship-building skills• A bachelor’s degree; an advanced degree is preferred WHY ABF?The American Brain Foundation is working toward a bold vision: life without brain disease. Brain disease touches virtually every family. Alzheimer’s. Parkinson’s. ALS. Stroke. Epilepsy. Multiple sclerosis. Brain tumors. Migraine. Mental health conditions. Rare neurological diseases. ABF takes a whole-brain approach to funding research because we know these conditions are interconnected. Our Cure One, Cure Many philosophy is built on the idea that understanding one brain disease can unlock discoveries across many others. We are also asking some of the biggest questions in brain research:• Why are some brains resilient to disease while others are vulnerable?• Can we detect brain changes before symptoms appear?• Can we help people maintain their memory, movement, mood, and independence longer? If you believe that research can change the lives of people, these are questions worth building a career around. AND YES, THE WORK ENVIRONMENT IS EXCELLENT.We believe talented people do their best work when they are trusted to do it. This position is primarily work from home and may be based anywhere in the United States. Our culture is highly collaborative, flexible, entrepreneurial, and low on bureaucracy. We care about excellence and results, not where your desk is located. Our benefits are unusually strong:• 10.5% employer 401(k) contribution (no match required)• 22 days of PTO in your first year• 9 paid holidays plus 6 floating holidays• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits• Health Savings Account with employer contribution• Paid parental and family care leave• Employer-paid disability, life and AD&D coverage• Tuition reimbursement and professional development• Flexible schedules• Mental health and wellness resourcesIf you have built a successful career in philanthropy and want to put your experience to work helping to solve some of the most consequential problems in human health, we should talk.Come help us build what’s next. APPLY: Please email your resume and cover letter to careers@americanbrainfoundation.org The American Brain Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.