Senior Manager, Leadership Philanthropy

About the Organization

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the first and largest organization in the world dedicated to advances in all areas of high-quality, innovative cancer research. With more than 61,000 members across 143 countries and territories, AACR's mission is to prevent and cure all cancers. The AACR Foundation, established in 2000, raises funds to support cancer research, AACR’s programs and services, and the overall promotion of the organization’s mission. The Foundation has grown from raising $1.5 million in 1998 to upwards of $30 million today through corporate contributions, industry alliances, foundation grants, individual giving campaigns, community events, and web-based engagement.

About the Role

This is a high-impact role for a motivated development professional who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment. The successful candidate will design and build a mid-level giving program from the ground up, playing a pivotal role in strengthening AACR’s pipeline of major and principal gift donors. The position is based in Philadelphia, PA, and offers a hybrid work arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Design and launch AACR’s mid-level giving strategy, including segmentation, engagement, and upgrade pathways.
• Develop a scalable program for donors in the $500-$5,000 range (or similar tier).
• Partner with leadership to define goals, metrics, and long-term growth strategy.
• Cultivate and manage a personal portfolio of 150-250 donors and prospects.
• Execute personalized, multi-channel engagement strategies (calls, visits, mailings, virtual, events).
• Identify and qualify new prospects through discovery and data insights.
• Meet annual revenue goals through renewal, upgrade, and acquisition strategies.
• Build a strong pipeline of future major and planned gift donors.
• Track donor movement and performance using Salesforce.
• Partner with marketing, leadership philanthropy, and scientific teams to create compelling donor experiences.
• Leverage AACR content and research breakthroughs to deepen donor engagement.
• Contribute to organization-wide fundraising strategy and campaigns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 3-6 years in nonprofit fundraising, with experience in annual giving, mid-level giving, or donor pipeline development.
• Experience managing a personal portfolio and meeting revenue goals.
• Demonstrated success in growing donor relationships and upgrading giving levels.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for building new programs.
• Strong relationship-building skills with excellent communication and storytelling abilities.
• Data-informed and comfortable using CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
• Self-directed, organized, and able to manage both strategy and execution.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Motivated by mission-driven work and advancing cancer research.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Collaborative, curious, and eager to innovate.
• Willingness to travel 25% for donor engagement and scientific meetings.