Job Description:SCOPE:The Vice President & Chief Philanthropy Officer provides strategic leadership for the entire philanthropy enterprise and is accountable for total organizational revenue, financial stewardship, team culture, and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation's path to lasting financial strength. Setting multi-year fundraising strategy across all programs and initiatives, the VP/CPO fosters a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization and ensures every fundraising effort reflects the mission, vision and values of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.
As a member of the Cancer Center's Senior Management Team, the VP/CPO serves as the President & CEO's principal adviser and partner on all matters of philanthropy and advancement. The VP/CPO leads the organization's highest-level donor relationships across a focused portfolio of major ($50K+) and principal-level gifts, while maintaining strategic oversight of the entire philanthropy program. In close collaboration with the President & CEO, the VP/CPO establishes clear performance benchmarks, monitors progress and ensures the philanthropy strategy delivers measurable impact aligned with institutional priorities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:1. Sets and leads overall philanthropy strategy for all programs and initiatives, demonstrates financial stewardship, and drives organizational revenue and team performance
2. Serves as Primary Liaison and Partner to Foundation Board of Directors, fostering board engagement in fundraising
3. Maintains a focused personal portfolio of major ($50K+) and principal-level gift prospects, leading the organization's most complex, high-value donor relationships
4. Directs hiring, development and performance of the philanthropy team, fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organization
5. Serves as a member of the Cancer Center's Senior Management Team, contributing to organizational planning and institutional priorities
6. Leads strategic initiatives and special projects advancing Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation's mission and long-term financial strength
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) preferred
- Minimum of ten years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience required, including five or more years in senior leadership with full program oversight and verifiable personal solicitation and successful closing of major and principal gifts
