Executive Director of Development

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center (Massey) seeks a strategic, collaborative and experienced development professional to serve as executive director of development . Under the visionary leadership of Director Robert A. Winn, MD, Massey is a model of public-private partnership in Virginia.

Reporting jointly to Dr. Winn and Assistant Vice President for Development for Medical Philanthropy, and building on the success of a strong program of philanthropy and a generous and engaged volunteer and donor base, the executive director will lead Massey fundraising programs responsible for raising $15-$20 Million annually in philanthropic support. Chief among the executive director’s ongoing responsibilities is to ensure the success and continued growth of Massey’s fundraising efforts, with responsibility for devising strategies to advance a developing grateful patient fundraising program in collaboration with the VCU Health System and the School of Medicine, and to inspire a talented and accomplished team to greater levels of achievement.

Massey Cancer Center is committed to establishing a 21st-century model for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the oncology workforce, optimizing cancer health care outcomes for all and spearheading interdisciplinary approaches to cancer disparities research. Candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.

In this role you will:
- Provide long-range strategic planning and oversight of a comprehensive, major and principal gift fundraising strategy that aligns with VCU Health, Massey Cancer Center and university campaign objectives
- Work closely with Cancer Center and Health System leadership to craft campaign vision and identify philanthropic opportunities that enhance Massey mission and goals
- Develop and manage Cancer fundraising team through effective recruitment, motivation, mentorship, and staff development
- Supervise, coach and mentor a team of major, annual and corporate gift officers assigned to Massey Cancer Center
- Collaborate with academic and clinical leaders to expand Massey’s grateful patient programming and caregiver referrals leading to philanthropic gifts
- Assist in the strategy and implementation of all operational components of VCU’s grateful patient program
- Maintain relationships and knowledge sharing between the office of development and clinical and academic leaders at Massey Cancer Center as well as campus partners in DAR and MCVF to strengthen and expand the grateful patient fundraising program
- Cultivate, encourage and personally solicit principal, major and annual gifts from grateful patients, donors and friends of Massey Cancer Center
- Serve as a development liaison, alongside the Director of Board Relations, for the Massey Cancer Center philanthropic board
- Serve as a development liaison and subject matter expert for the Massey Cancer Center
- Work closely with Massey faculty and administrators within the center, the health system and the university to promote the coordination of prospect activity and the acquisition of major gifts
- Collaborate with the Medical Philanthropy Strategic Engagement team for development communications, stewardship, signature events, pipeline development and board relations

Required qualifications/skills:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Seven or more years of demonstrated success identifying, qualifying and soliciting major gift prospects, in the context of higher education (Research I), healthcare or NCI designated cancer center
- Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, secure and steward six and seven figure gifts through individual effort
- Sound judgment, strong interpersonal skills and professional credibility required to develop relationships of trust and respect with a diverse range of constituents, including donors and prospects, healthcare providers, research faculty, senior administrators, volunteers and stakeholders and development colleagues
- Emotional intelligence, empathy and ability to relate to individuals impacted by health experiences
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Highest ethical standards, attention to confidentiality and deep familiarity with and a willingness to fully comply with VCU’s interpretation of HIPAA law as it relates to fundraising
- The ability to work independently, to meet deadlines and consistently achieve goals while also driving and supporting team success in a matrix environment; demonstrated experience managing fundraising staff is strongly preferred
- High level of initiative, strong orientation to teamwork and the ability to work effectively in complex environments
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment
- Attention to detail and the ability to use a database to maintain and review records and reports such as donor data, prospect contacts, solicitations, and proposals
- Working knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving
- Must be able to travel involving automobile and/or airplane. Overnight and long-distance travel may be necessary

Preferred qualifications:
- Seven or more years of demonstrated success identifying, qualifying and soliciting major gift prospects at a NCI designated cancer center
- Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in major and planned giving concepts and strategies as well as significant experience in creating and implementing major gift plans; campaign experience is strongly preferred
- Strong management capabilities and a commitment to mentoring gift officers
- Master’s Degree or work experience at a level that equates to an advanced degree
- Deep appreciation for the mission and aspirations of VCU, VCU Health and Massey Cancer Center and a desire to play a meaningful role in the life of Massey and in the Richmond community
- Collaboration skills consistent with bringing out the best in a matrix team, instilling pride in a team effort
- Personal commitment to the fundraising industry as evidenced through work ethic and aspiration to best practices

Position Details:
Department: Massey Cancer Center
VCU Job Title: Sr Development Officer (Level 1-3)
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience up to $200,000
Employment Type: University and Academic Professional
ORP Eligible: Yes
Hybrid Work Available: Yes
Restricted Status: N/A
FTE: 1.0
Exemption Status: Exempt


Contact Information:
Contact Name: Julia Ayscue
Contact Email: joayscue@vcu.edu