American Association for Cancer Research

Senior Manager, Leadership Philanthropy

Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3–6 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, especially in mid-level or annual giving
  • Proven track record of managing a donor portfolio and achieving revenue goals
  • Experience in cultivating and upgrading donor relationships
  • Possess an entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable with building new programs
  • Strong communication skills with an emphasis on storytelling
  • Familiar with CRM systems, preferably Salesforce, and data-driven strategies
  • Organized and self-directed, capable of strategic planning and execution

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement AACR's mid-level giving strategy, including donor segmentation and engagement pathways
  • Develop a scalable program targeting donors in the $500–$5,000 range
  • Cultivate a personal portfolio of 150–250 donors and prospects
  • Execute personalized multi-channel engagement tactics to strengthen donor relationships
  • Identify and qualify new donor prospects using data and insights
  • Achieve annual revenue goals through innovative renewal and acquisition strategies
  • Partner with various teams to enhance donor experiences using AACR’s content and research

Benefits

  • Hybrid work environment based in Philadelphia, PA
  • Opportunity to influence the growth of a critical fundraising program
  • Engagement in a mission-driven organization focused on cancer research
  • Collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and creativity
  • Professional development opportunities in a fast-paced setting
  • Flexibility to engage with donors through multiple channels and strategies
Full Job Description
Overview

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

About American Association for Cancer Research

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing and curing cancer through research, education, communication, and collaboration. The AACR is the oldest and largest scientific organization in the world focused on every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer research. The AACR's membership includes more than 47,000 laboratory, translational, and clinical researchers; population scientists; other health care professionals; and patient advocates residing in 127 countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise of the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Learn more about American Association for Cancer Research
Size
500 employees
Industry

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