Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships

The Hope Foundation, Inc; Ann Arbor (MI); Remote; USD 95,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research seeks a Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships to lead fundraising strategy and multi-channel donor engagement. You will align corporate partnerships, foundations, and individual donors with the Foundation's mission, working closely with the President & CEO and cross-functional teams.

The role demands strategic thinking, relationship management, and the ability to build a sustainable culture of philanthropy across SWOG and Hope networks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in marketing, communications, fundraising, non-profit management, or related field.
• 7-10 years of progressive nonprofit development or partnership management experience.
• Experience with pharmaceutical or life sciences sector preferred.
• Strong relationship management and donor stewardship skills.
• Ability to evaluate revenue opportunities and make actionable recommendations.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Corporate Partnership Strategy (25%): Leads corporate engagement strategy, manages corporate partnerships, and structures stewardship through the Corporate Council.
• Management and Expansion of Fundraising Portfolio (30%): Maintains a portfolio of corporations, foundations, and major donors; supports CEO in donor portfolio.
• Revenue Channel Evaluation & Development (15%): Assesses revenue channels and prioritizes development plan opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Coordination (15%): Aligns Hope and SWOG teams to support development objectives and onboard the Communications and Development Specialist.
• CEO and Board Enablement (15%): Supports board development and donor-facing engagements with strategic briefings.

Skills

Relationship management

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Executive leadership support

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's or advanced degree in marketing, communications, fundraising, non-profit management, or related field

Job description

The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research

Supporting SWOG Cancer Research Network

The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research is a national public charity with the mission of supporting clinical research and educational programs for SWOG Cancer Research Network to prevent, treat, and eradicate adult cancers. Since its founding by cancer researchers in 1993, The Hope Foundation has worked alongside physicians, scientists, statisticians, advocates, and other oncology experts to accelerate science and bridge critical gaps in cancer care through clinical trials. Where federal resources fall short or vital needs are present, we step in to advance research and support the experts who drive it forward.

Position: Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships

Job Type: Full-Time Remote, Exempt

Office Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Compensation Package: Competitive salary, full benefits program with employer matched 403b

Accountability: This position reports to the President & CEO

POSITION DESCRIPTION The Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships is an integral member of the Development, Communications, and Programs team. This team advances the Foundation's mission by aligning program delivery, community engagement, strategic communications, partnership development, and philanthropic support. The team is united by a commitment to fostering a shared culture in which every team member plays a role in building relationships, sharing impact, deepening community connection, and securing the resources needed to sustain and expand our work.

The Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships is responsible for building and sustaining the fundraising channels that drive the Foundations mission. This role ultimately decides which fundraising opportunities are worth pursuing, weighing each one by its likely payoff and fit with the Foundation's strategy. The Director works closely with other teams, translating development goals into action and rallying support where it's needed most.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

Achievement of organizational strategic development goals, as discussed quarterly with the CEO. Advancement of a healthy and sustainable culture of philanthropy, demonstrated by factors including staff giving and a demonstrated understanding of development goals and activities across SWOG and Hope teams Growth and retention of donors, sponsors, partners, and other supporters as indicated in regular reports Effective stewardship of stakeholders and community relationships, with support from Communications and Development Specialist and the CEO, as relevant. Consistent collection and use of impact stories, participant feedback, and outcomes data on digital and printed media Collaborative planning, communication, and problem-solving across the team

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Corporate Partnership Strategy (25%)

Provides primary leadership of Hopes corporate engagement strategy, including both architecture and execution Serves as the primary relationship lead for Hopes corporate partnerships Provides oversight of formal stewardship structures, including the Corporate Council, its current members, and its prospective members Develops and maintains a defined pipeline of corporate prospects, with active relationship management at each stage

Management and Expansion of Fundraising Portfolio (30%)

• Establishes a personal portfolio comprised of corporations, foundations, and individual major gift donors and prospects. Portfolio size to be mutually agreed upon with CEO. Designs and assists with the step-up process for the Foundations mid-tier donor program Works in concert with CEO to establish the CEOs donor/prospect portfolio comprised of 10-12 high-level corporations, foundations, and individual major gift donors.

Revenue Channel Evaluation & Development (15%)

Partners with the CEO, Director of Communications and Programs, and Communications and Development Specialist to assess, prioritize, and set annual development plan Evaluates revenue channels beyond corporate partnerships including individual donors, foundations, and institutional funders for opportunities for expansion Develops clear recommendations on where to invest organizational effort, grounded in systematic analysis

Cross-Functional Coordination (15%)

Leads cross-functional coordination with teams across Hope and SWOG to align on and support overall development objectives Ensures that development priorities are clearly communicated and understood by cross-functional partners, enabling an active and informed mission-driven culture Participates actively in the hiring and onboarding of the Communications and Development Specialist position, helping to shape candidate evaluation and establishing the working relationship that will be central to daily operations

CEO and Board Enablement (15%)

Staffs and helps direct the Foundations board development committee Prepares the CEO, and board members as needed, for donor-facing engagements, providing strategic briefings and deployment recommendations Serves as the strategy and preparation layer behind key leadership touchpoints, ensuring those moments are well-positioned and followed through

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Bachelors or advanced degree in marketing, communications, fundraising, non-profit management, or related field
• 7-10 years progressive experience in nonprofit development, partnership management, or a related field, with a track record of building and sustaining revenue-generating relationships
• Experience working with or within the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector is strongly preferred
• Strategic thinker with the ability to evaluate revenue opportunities and develop actionable recommendations
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to engage credibly with corporate partners, major donors, and institutional funders
• Skilled at cross-functional collaboration and organizational communication; able to align stakeholders around shared priorities
• Experience supporting executive leadership in donor-facing strategy and engagement
• Knowledgeable about the mission of The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and relate well to donors, board members, staff, and other key stakeholders
• Commitment to donor confidentiality and ethical behavior while employing best practices in fundraising
• Travel as required

The Hope Foundations Diversity Commitment At The Hope Foundation, we value unique experiences and are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.