Chief Development Officer

THE ORGANIZATION

The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing research, education and awareness about gynecologic cancer risk, prevention, early detection and optimal treatment.  The mission of FWC is to support education, research, and public awareness of gynecologic cancers.  The FWC is the official foundation of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO).

The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) is the premier medical specialty society for health care professionals trained in the comprehensive management of gynecologic cancers. SGO has over 2,500 members representing the entire gynecologic oncology team in the United States and abroad.   Members include primarily gynecologic oncologists, as well as medical oncologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, hematologists, surgical oncologists, obstetrician/gynecologists, nurses, physician assistants, social workers, fellows-in-training, residents, patient advocates, and other allied health care professionals interested in the treatment and care of women’s cancer. 

FWC is located in downtown Chicago, has a staff of 4, with an operating budget of $2M.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Development Officer provides leaderships and works collaboratively with FWC/SGO leadership, staff and volunteers to advance philanthropic support for the Foundation for Women’s Cancer. S/he achieves programmatic and financial goals as well as develops and executes major and planned gift fundraising programs. S/he works in close collaboration with the Chief Industry Relations & Development Officer for corporate support, strategy and stewardship to maintain, deepen and expand corporate relationships. S/he identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards a dynamic portfolio of major and planned gifts. S/he represents the Foundation for Women’s Cancer across the organization and in the community and manages the day-to-day affairs of the FWC.

Position Responsibilities:

• Works in collaboration with the CEO and the FWC Board of Directors to define the organization’s mission and direction.
  • Provides vital input in short- and long-term strategic and operational planning and positioning within the organization.
  • Ensures that philanthropy and fund development are carried out in keeping with the organization’s values, mission, vision and plans.
• Participates with the CEO, and SGO professionals and board in charting the organization’s course in fund development.
  • Develops and executes strategic fundraising plan.
  • Evaluates the effect of internal and external forces on the organization and its fund development, recommends short- and long-range fund development plans and programs that support the organization’s values, mission and general objectives.
  • Keeps informed of developments in philanthropy and fund development as well as the general fields of management and the not-for-profit sector; informs the chief executive officer and board on current trends, issues, problems and activities in order to facilitate policy making. Recommends policy positions concerning fund development.
• Assures development and maintenance of appropriate systems to fund development including but not limited to volunteer and donor management, research and cultivation, gift processing and recognition. Maintains accountability and compliance standards for donors and funding sources.
• Supports the Foundation Board Chairperson who serves as the primary face of fundraising and communications throughout the organization and in local communities.
• Develops and sustains key external alliances.
• Fosters a culture of philanthropy within the organization. Assures that the organization’s corporate culture, systems and procedures support fund development and vice versa. Leads staff and volunteers to institutionalize philanthropy and fund development within the organization.

• Integrates communications and marketing strategies in collaboration with the Marketing/Communications team.
  • Leads the creation of powerful and inspiring materials; letters, proposals and dynamic presentations customized for target audience
  • Leads key communications strategies to re-position Foundation and expand organizational awareness in partnership with internal partners and external vendors as needed

 Fundraising

• Directs fundraising campaigns, grant fundraising, and major donor programs using proven fundraising methodology
• Expands the individual major gift donor base and create/launch new planned giving program.
• Identifies, cultivates and stewards current and new corporate and foundation partners.
• Oversees weekly, monthly and quarterly fundraising reports; and manage progress against established benchmarks and an organizational scorecard
• Manages all fundraising events; work with the development and program teams to oversee all development aspects of fundraising and cultivation events
• Ensures ethical and appropriate financial administration of contributed income, including overseeing the donor and prospect records, gift processing and donor stewardship functions
  • Ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintains accountability standards to donors and ensures compliance with code of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fundraising executives.
  • Ensures establishment of and compliance with the organization’s own fund development and philanthropic principles, policies and procedures.

 External & Community Relations

• Maintains active membership and a strong presence in professional organizations, community groups and other spaces relevant to the work of FWC and its mission
• Provides strategic leadership to FWC’s efforts to effectively communicate the mission, goal and accomplishments to donors, prospective donors, and the broader community
• Creates and implements a plan to identify and build strong relationships with key donors, community leaders and volunteers, and engage organizations with which FWC should partner
• Nurtures partnerships and relationships with current and prospective funders through donor recognition programs and stewardship

Additional Growth

• Participates in and drive FWC program expansion.
• Supports CEO in Board evolution, growth and education.
• Supports expansion of giving opportunities in Corporate and Foundation areas.
• Acts as professional liaison to volunteer/leadership committees as required/requested.
• Assures stability by creating a working environment that is rewarding to staff and volunteers.
• Assesses infrastructure needs for development function and oversees associated. operations/technology.
• Works with the chief executive officer and chair of the governing board to ensure fulfillment of fund development roles and facilitate the optimum interaction between management and volunteers.
  • Engages people in process, encourages questioning, and promotes participatory decision making.
  • With the Foundation Chair(s) develops agendas for meetings so that the committees can fulfill their responsibilities effectively; develops an annual calendar to cover all crucial development issues in a timely fashion.
  • Informs the chief executive and volunteer leadership on the condition of the organization’s fund development program and on all important factors influencing it.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree and CFRE preferred.
• 10 years related and progressive fundraising experience with a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in development, preferably in major gifts and/or health care.
• Successful track record of fundraising efforts and closing significant major gifts.
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and experience in soliciting and securing planned gifts a must.
• The ability to evaluate, qualify, and move prospects through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and recognition cycle.
• Understanding of planned giving principles and vehicles, and ability to coordinate interactions with donors to facilitate a deferred gift.
• Experience interacting with high-net worth individuals and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Highly relational. Ability to interface and maintain effective relationships with all levels.
• Strong financial management. Monitors performance against budget and assures course correction as needed.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong, confident and inspiring leader.
• Thrives in entrepreneurial, “roll-up-your-sleeves” environment.
• Results oriented.
• Creative self-starter able to work both individually and as a member of consensus-seeking teams.
• Strong PC skills and expertise in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook).
• Sound ethical character with unquestioned integrity, honesty, and transparency, and a commitment to SGO’s principles and ethics.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of executive management.
• Some travel required. 

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• Strong, confident and inspiring leader
• Thrives in entrepreneurial, “roll-up-your-sleeves” environment
• Driven by results
• Creative self-starter able to work both individually and as a member of consensus-seeking teams
• Ability to interface and maintain effective relationships with all levels

SGO is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.  

SEARCH PROCESS

This search is being conducted by Tuft & Associates. Those interested in applying should email a confidential resume and a cover letter outlining specific qualifications to:  

Mary McMahon

Tuft & Associates

cbabjak@tuftassoc.com

312-642-8889