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.
thehopefoundation.org swog.org
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 Foundation’s 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 Hope’s corporate engagement strategy, including both architecture and execution
- Serves as the primary relationship lead for Hope’s 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 Foundation’s mid-tier donor program
- Works in concert with CEO to establish the CEO’s 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 Foundation’s 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·
- Bachelor’s 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 Foundation’s 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.
How to Apply
Send resume to hr@thehopefoundation.org