Manager of Foundation and Community Relations

American Association for Cancer Research; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Association for Cancer Research Foundation seeks a Manager of Foundation & Community Relations to support the Sr. Director of Community Relations and Events and oversee event logistics for board meetings, annual 5K, and signature events.

The role includes cultivating new diverse audiences, donor engagement, sponsorship development, and cross-functional collaboration across Marketing, Finance, IT, and Development to advance AACR Foundation priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with spreadsheets and database systems.
• 5 years of experience in logistics and/or high-level Board or Executive support.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute AACR Foundation events aligned with mission, brand, and fundraising goals.
• Develop engagement strategies to increase participation and donor relationships across signature events.
• Identify opportunities to expand community partnerships, volunteers, committees, and sponsorships.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and peer fundraisers.
• Recruit sponsors, participants, and committee members to support fundraising initiatives.
• Support sponsorship strategies and revenue goals for community events.
• Manage external-facing initiatives, including the Combined Federal Campaign process.
• Oversee end-to-end event planning and execution: logistics, vendors, attendee experience, post-event evaluation.
• Partner with Marketing on promotional campaigns and fundraising materials.
• Lead guest communications: invitations, RSVP management, audience segmentation, messaging.
• Ensure a high-quality, seamless participant experience.

Skills

Donor relations

Project management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

B.A. or B.S.

Tools

Microsoft Office

Spreadsheets

Database systems

Job description

The AACR Foundation seeks a highly qualified Manager of Foundation & Community Relations. The qualified candidate will provide support to the Sr. Director of Community Relations and Events and oversight of event logistics for AACR Foundation Board of Trustees Meetings and activities, Foundation Annual Meeting 5K, Annual Meeting Foundation activities, Friends of the AACR Foundation Party with a Purpose Gala and oversight and event management and support to Sr. Director of Community Relations and Events.

The Manager will also oversee other Foundation Event activities, Game Day, and create opportunities to cultivate and attract new diverse audiences to support Foundation events, programs and overall mission.

Responsibilities

Community Relations & Event Leadership

• Plan and execute AACR Foundation special events in alignment with organizational mission, brand, and fundraising goals.
• Develop engagement strategies to increase participation, donor relationships, and revenue across signature events, including the Runners for Research 5K Run/Walk, Partners in Progress Reception, and Party with a Purpose Gala.
• Identify opportunities to expand community partnerships, volunteers, committees, and sponsorships.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, community partners, volunteers, and peer fundraisers.
• Recruit sponsors, participants, and committee members to support fundraising initiatives.
• Support sponsorship strategies and revenue goals for community events.
• Manage external-facing initiatives, including the Combined Federal Campaign application process.

Donor & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a relationship manager and ambassador for community partners, volunteers, and event stakeholders.
• Provide guidance and support to fundraisers and volunteers to achieve engagement and fundraising goals.
• Represent AACR Foundation at community events and promote its mission and programs.
• Oversee end-to-end event planning and execution, including logistics, vendors, attendee experience, and post-event evaluation.
• Partner with Marketing & Creative Services on promotional campaigns, event branding, and fundraising materials.
• Lead guest communications, including invitations, RSVP management, audience segmentation, and messaging.
• Ensure a high-quality, seamless participant experience.

Marketing & Communications

• Develop donor communications, sponsorship materials, presentations, and stewardship messaging.
• Partner with Marketing & Creative Services on event and fundraising campaigns.
• Ensure fundraising narratives are consistent with AACR Foundation priorities.

Data & Performance Management

• Analyze participation, engagement, and fundraising data to inform strategy and improve outcomes.
• Prepare post-event reports for leadership.
• Maintain accurate supporter data and engagement records in NPC.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee administrative event functions, including materials, logistics, mailing/shipping, and supplies.
• Ensure accurate donor records, acknowledgments, and benefit fulfillment.
• Review and approve documentation and tracking prepared by support staff.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Finance, Marketing, IT, and Development to align fundraising, communications, and operations.
• Streamline processes, strengthen donor experiences, and improve organizational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in logistics and/or high-level Board or Executive support.
• Knowledge of fundraising trends, engagement strategies, and nonprofit best practices.
• Excellent management, administrative, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong judgment, initiative, and client-service orientation.
• Ability to multitask, manage changing priorities, and work independently in an ambiguous environment.
• Perform other duties in support of AACR Foundation priorities and strategic initiatives

Education & Training

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with spreadsheets and database systems.