Senior Manager, Leadership Philanthropy
About this role
Overview
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), with more than 61,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 143 countries and territories around the world, is the first and largest organization in the world dedicated to advances in all areas of high-quality, innovative cancer research. Its mission is to prevent and cure all cancers. The programs and activities of the AACR foster the exchange of new knowledge among scientists and physicians in cancer research as well as in related sciences. The AACR publishes ten peer-reviewed scientific journals and an award-winning magazine for cancer patients and their loved ones; convenes topical scientific conferences and an annual meeting that draws more than 22,500 participants; offers educational workshops that train young investigators in a variety of scientific and clinical areas; funds research fellowships, career development awards, and research grants for both senior and junior investigators; raises public awareness of the progress in the biology, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer; engages actively in advocacy for increased federal research funding and other national policies that accelerate progress against cancer; and interacts with regulatory agencies to support regulatory science and policy.
AACR Foundation:
The AACR Foundation was established in 2000. The purpose of the Foundation is to raise funds for cancer research, for AACR’s programs and services, and for the overall promotion of the organization’s mission. The AACR Foundation has the creativity, innovation, and flexibility to support AACR in making significant advances in the prevention and conquest of cancer. With the help of contributors from among the AACR membership, colleagues, and friends in the national and international cancer community, and corporations and foundations, the AACR Foundation is poised to help the AACR achieve important victories in the fight against cancer.
The AACR Foundation was preceded by a Development Division at AACR formed in 1997. During the past twenty plus years, the Division grew from a fundraising operation that raised $1.5 million in 1998, to a staff of twenty people raising upwards of $30 million today.
Among the AACR Foundation’s current programs are corporate contributions, industry alliances, foundation grants, individual annual giving campaigns, community endurance events, and web-based engagement.
The AACR Foundation is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven fundraiser to design and build a mid-level giving program from the ground up. This is a high-impact role for a motivated development professional who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and is ready to own a portfolio, test new approaches, and directly influence donor growth and revenue strategy.
The Philadelphia, Pa based hybrid role will play a pivotal role in strengthening AACR’s pipeline of major and principal gift donors by identifying, engaging, and upgrading mid-level supporters into long-term philanthropic partners.
Responsibilities
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Build & Lead the Mid-Level Giving Program
- 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
Manage and Grow a Donor Portfolio
- 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
Drive Revenue and Pipeline Growth
- 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
Collaborate Across Teams
- 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
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- 3–6 years in nonprofit fundraising, with experience in annual giving, mid-level giving, or donor pipeline development
- Managing a personal portfolio and meeting revenue goals
- Demonstrated success in growing donor relationships and upgrading giving levels
- Entrepreneurial mindset. You enjoy building something new, not just maintaining programs
- Strong relationship builder with excellent communication and storytelling skills
- Data-informed and comfortable using CRM systems (Salesforce preferred)
- Self-directed, organized, and able to manage both strategy and execution
- Microsoft Office Suite proficient
- Motivated by mission-driven work and advancing cancer research
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environmen
- Collaborative, curious, and eager to innovate
- Travel: ~25% for donor engagement & scientific meetings
EOE
Company at a glance
Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world’s first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer. AACR membership includes more than 54,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 130 countries and territories around the world. Presently, 32 percent of members live outside the United States and 22 percent of AACR’s international members are located in countries with emerging economies. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by annually convening more than 30 conferences and educational workshops, the largest of which is the AACR Annual Meeting. In addition, the AACR publishes 10 prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals and a magazine for cancer survivors, patients, and their caregivers. The AACR funds meritorious research directly as well as in cooperation with numerous cancer organizations. As the Scientific Partner of Stand Up To Cancer, the AACR provides expert peer review, grants administration, and scientific oversight of team science and individual investigator grants in cancer research that have the potential for near-term patient benefit. The AACR actively communicates with legislators and other policymakers about the value of cancer research and related biomedical science in saving lives from cancer. For more information about the AACR, visit AACR.org.
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