Advancement Executive Director, Wilmot Cancer Institute

University of Rochester

12d

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Advancement for the University of Rochester Medical Center, the Executive Director of Advancement for the Wilmot Cancer Institute is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive fundraising and relationship-building program for the Wilmot Cancer Institute. He/she will lead a high performing team focused on securing a minimum of $10M annually in philanthropic support for strategic capital, research, program, and endowment priorities as identified by the Director of the Wilmot Cancer Institute. The Executive Director will work closely with Wilmot Cancer Institute leadership to identify and articulate philanthropic opportunities and will work to optimize grateful patient and community giving, principal, major, and planned giving, and stewardship activities. The Executive Director will have a portfolio of approximately 75 principal and major gift prospects and will serve as a role model through his/her activity level. Significant local and some national travel is required to engage prospective and current donors. The Executive Director will serve as the main communication liaison with Cancer Institute leadership, physicians and volunteers, including the Wilmot Cancer Institute Advisory Board, effectively articulating and advancing the vision of the Wilmot Cancer Institute to both internal and external constituents. He/she will be responsible for working with the Board Chair to effectively guide board activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required
A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience required or equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated success in soliciting gifts over $100k, particularly in an academic medical setting required
Proven program management and leadership skills; experience leading a team of major gift officers required
Highly developed communication skills, including an ability to articulate philanthropic priorities related to medical research; political savviness; a high energy level; and a strong commitment to the mission of the Wilmot Cancer Institute required.
Intellectual curiosity and the desire to work as part of a team in a goal-oriented and dynamic environment are critical required.
A positive attitude and commitment to a donor-centric fundraising approach required

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree preferred

Responsibilities

Major Gift Fundraising Work closely with Wilmot Cancer Institute leadership to identify fundraising priorities and articulate compelling cases for support.
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of 75 prospective donors capable of $100,000+ gifts.
Close gifts as outlined in annual performance metrics.
Partner effectively with Cancer Institute/Medical Center leadership, faculty and key volunteers to advance relationships with major gift prospects.
Leverage internal Advancement resources to develop and execute planned giving, principal gifts, and annual fund strategies for Wilmot Cancer Institute prospects and donors.
Maintain frequent and open internal communication across all areas of Advancement to enhance collaboration.
Strategic Leadership Optimize philanthropic support for Wilmot Cancer Institute priorities.
Develop comprehensive annual operation plans for his/her unit, setting clear goals for the team, and aligning unit goals with URMC Advancement goals.
Provide regular oversight and guidance as needed for unit’s program prospect management, major gift activity, and programmatic activities, including signature and community fundraising events such as the WCI Discovery Ball and Wilmot Warrior Weekend.
Model best-practice fundraising skills and mentor staff members.
Management Recruit, train, manage and motivate the Wilmot Cancer Institute advancement team.
Develop individual performance goals, conduct performance reviews, and address any performance issues that may arise.
Motivates and Mentors staff members through regular meetings, professional development, and career guidance.
Advisory Board Management/Volunteer Engagement Actively manage working relationships with members of the Wilmot Cancer Institute Advisory Board and other volunteers.
Serve as lead fundraiser in securing philanthropic support from board members; effectively engage board members and other volunteers as partners in raising funds from the broader Rochester and regional communities.
Implement best practices in volunteer management to ensure a highly engaged Advisory Board.
Work closely with the Wilmot Cancer Institute Director and other leaders, and its Advisory Board leadership to develop meeting goals, agendas, and presentations.
Optimize the volunteer experience.
Other duties as assigned.