Director of Community Engagement & Fundraising

Reports to: Chief Development Officer
Location: Fully Remote
Pay: $100,000 - $110,000 annually

ABOUT US

For over 35 years, CureSearch for Children’s Cancer has been a driving force in pediatric cancer research. We fund research that drives new, more effective, and less toxic therapies to the clinic, and our scientific agenda has propelled us to the top in the pediatric cancer arena. Funding research with a clear path to clinical trial, our unique strategy accelerates the development of better treatments for the more than 15,000 children diagnosed each year. Our purpose-driven team collaborates in a remote, supportive, and connected environment. If you’re a proven leader looking to make an impact in a mission-driven organization, this position is for you!

Learn more about our mission at www.curesearch.org.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This position is full-time, exempt, and is a key leadership role in the Development department. This position reports to the Chief Development Officer and will supervise Community Engagement Managers and the Signature Events Manager. At CureSearch, volunteers are at the core of everything we do – from creating and executing engaging and impactful fundraising campaigns to funding innovative research to bring new children’s cancer drugs to market. The Director of Community Engagement & Fundraising will evolve and advance a comprehensive, integrated engagement strategy to empower community-based volunteers to drive and support CureSearch’s mission and revenue growth objectives.

The Director will build, mentor, and lead a high-performing staff team that develops and manages community leadership boards and other high-level volunteers in key markets, focused on fundraising, marketing and communications, corporate engagement, and mission execution. They will create fundraising goals that drive organizational growth and ensure CureSearch’s signature fundraising campaigns – including Ultimate Hike and CureSearch Walk - are successfully planned and executed with volunteers in key markets with an eye towards expansion. 

Responsibilities include:

1. Revenue & Strategy Development

• Lead a comprehensive, strategic, and integrated approach to fundraising, volunteer development, marketing & communications, and program execution to aggressively grow community-based fundraising in established and developing markets across the country
• Develop and manage the annual community fundraising and events budget (~ $2M), ensuring responsible and effective allocation of resources
• Implement expense management guidelines to achieve net revenue targets and improve overall cost efficiency
• Identify markets for further development and partner with the Chief Development officer to build and implement market engagement strategies
• Analyze key fundraising metrics, and implement data-driven strategies to maximize revenue

2. Signature Fundraising Events

• Drive the strategic development and oversee the execution of signature fundraising events to provide unique, engaging experiences for our participants, partners, and donors.
• Develop and implement creative, successful strategies for increasing event participation, corporate support, and volunteer leadership of signature events
• Ensure our fundraising campaigns are innovative, and evolving, and meet the unique needs of each market.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing fundraising campaigns, including fundraising efficiency, community engagement, and potential for long-term growth and impact.

3. Team Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing team of fundraising, volunteer development, and event professionals, providing clear direction, guidance, support, and mentorship.
• Set clear performance goals, monitor progress, and provide regular feedback to team members.
• Foster an inclusive fundraising approach, ensuring all staff and volunteers represent and support the mission and objectives of the organization as a whole.

4. Donor & Volunteer Engagement

• Lead the development of high-impact Community Leadership Boards,
  effectively empowering volunteers to function as CureSearch leaders in their communities to achieve organizational fundraising and mission execution goals
• Cultivate and maintain strong, authentic relationships with donors, volunteers, and partners to inspire their continued engagement and support.
• In partnership with the Director of Donor Development:

• • Create personalized stewardship plans to recognize and deepen relationships with our top donors and volunteers
  • Lead the development and execution of an annual Volunteer Summit

• Support efforts to recognize the mobility of volunteers in progressively higher leadership roles and a funnel to national board leadership
• Assist in the identification of prospective high-impact donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations.

 5. Professional Development:

• Maintain a working knowledge of the childhood cancer space, including research advancements, obstacles to drug development, and the needs of patient families.
• Monitor trends in fundraising, events, and philanthropy to bring innovative ideas to the organization.
• Attend industry conferences and networking events to build relationships and knowledge.

Work Hours, Travel & Other Requirements

• Travel is required approximately 15% of the time with heavier travel during spring and fall event times.
• It is preferred to have easy access to a major airport
• You must possess a valid driver's license.
• Occasional night and weekend work is required as needed for onsite events.
• You must be able to lift 25 - 30 lbs. and perform basic event preparations (e.g., setting up and breaking down equipment, folding tables, moving boxes, setting up displays, etc.)
• During events, the work will be performed outdoors in varying climates and conditions and will require physical movements (e.g., climbing stairs, kneeling, etc.)

ABOUT YOU

The following qualifications and skills are required for consideration:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (master’s degree is preferred).
• Proven experience (5+ years) in non-profit fundraising, community engagement, and volunteer development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles, donor motivations, and community dynamics.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to foster donor relationships and collaborate effectively.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate ideas into actionable plans and measurable results.
• Proficiency in budget management and financial analysis.
• Knowledge of fundraising software, databases, and technology tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• High ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining donor confidentiality and data security.

TEAM, CULTURE, SALARY & BENEFITS

We offer an autonomous and flexible remote work environment with a team that is welcoming, supportive, and connected. We’re scattered across the U.S., but we feel like we’re sitting next to each other (when we need to be). We do our best work laughing and learning from each other.

CureSearch offers fair and competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous paid time off (vacation, sick, and floating holiday time), summer Fridays, the week off between Christmas and New Year’s, wellness benefits, medical, dental, vision, life, short/long-term disability, and 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match after one year of employment. As a remote team, we also offer equipment and phone stipends. The annualized salary range for this position is $100,000 - $110,000.

“Curesearch is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. Curesearch is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women."

TO APPLY

CureSearch is committed to providing all employees and applicants with fair and equal employment opportunities. Please apply if this is a role that will get you excited to come to work each day. Our team comprises purpose-driven and caring individuals with different professional and personal backgrounds. We support and learn from each other and hope to do that with you!

Curesearch for Children’s Cancer understands diversity strengthens organizational decision-making. We are working to diversify our team and strongly encourage members of traditionally under-represented communities to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ-identified people, gender-nonconforming people, people with disabilities, veterans, and people who speak a language in addition to English.

If you'd like to learn more about us and this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter briefly describing your relevant experience by November 10, 2023, to careers@curesearch.org.