Senior Manager, Development Operations

THE OPPORTUNITY

Cancer is, and will continue to be, a major burden on societies
worldwide. This problem is not unique to any single country but
instead is a global challenge that does not recognize borders.

Through many decades of research, a deep understanding of many
aspects of how cancer is initiated, develops and spreads is being
gained. This understanding is now being translated into novel
prevention strategies and a compendium of increasingly advanced
treatments.

However, despite these breakthroughs many tough, stubborn
challenges continue to impede progress. Solving these challenges
holds the key to a decidedly different outcome for the many
millions diagnosed with cancer each year. To make radical progress
against these challenges requires an elite, global community of
cancer researchers to collaborate across borders, with a relentless
focus on solving them. To make the radical progress against these
challenges Cancer Grand Challenges was established.

American Friends of Cancer Research is the US-based organization
supporting the Cancer Grand Challenges initiative. American Friends
of Cancer Research is now seeking to appoint a Senior Manager,
Development Operations. The Senior Manager, Development Operations
lead the operational, data management and analytical functions for
the development team. American Friends of Cancer Research is
therefore seeking an experienced operations professional, who will
be responsible for shaping the operational capabilities and support
functions, including project management and coordination for the
growing development team, with Cancer Grand Challenges. 
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Senior Manager,
Development Operations will be responsible for building and
managing the operational functions of the Development office.

Cancer Grand Challenges

Cancer Grand Challenges supports an elite community of
international research teams to come together, think differently,
and solve some of cancer’s toughest challenges. With a series of
$25 million awards, Cancer Grand Challenges teams are empowered to
rise above the traditional boundaries of geography and scientific
discipline, in order to accelerate scientific progress, and to
ultimately change outcomes for people with cancer.

Founded by the two largest funders of cancer research in the
world – Cancer Research
UK and the National Cancer Institute in the United States – and
uniting an international community of partners,  Cancer Grand
Challenges aims to make the radical progress against cancer that is
urgently needed.

 

American Friends of Cancer Research

The American Friends of Cancer Research is an independent
501(c)3 not-for-profit. Its purpose is to support unique,
large-scale, global research collaborations in partnership with
other scientific funders to catalyze transformational breakthroughs
in our understanding of cancer, that could lead to new ways to
prevent, diagnose, and treat cancers.

The principal focus of American Friends of Cancer Research is to
support Cancer Grand Challenges – a flagship global initiatives
developed and led out of Cancer Research UK in partnership with the
U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI). The incumbent professional
will be employed by American Friends of Cancer Research to support
the Cancer Grand Challenges initiative.

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE’S MAIN PURPOSE

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Senior Manager
for Development Operations will lead the operational, data
management and analytical functions for the development team. The
Senior Manager will shape and deliver the operational capabilities
and support functions, including project management and
coordination for the growing development team for CGC. This role
will be a key partner to the Chief Development Officer and will
provide management and support services including – prospect and
data management and analysis, management of prospect research,
donor and partner relations tracking, gift administration and
project management underpinning the growing development function
for Cancer Grand Challenges globally.

This position will require a capable, entrepreneurial
development professional who seeks to play a key role in building a
foundational operating framework for a growing organization
committed to tackling the biggest outstanding questions in the
field of cancer research.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising

• Develop and manage accurate and compliant gift processing
  standards, including timely gift and grant income entry and
  acknowledgement and integrity of data working closely with
  colleagues in operations and finance
• Act as project manager on key department initiatives,
  strategies and active portfolio moves management tracking working
  proactively with frontline colleagues to manage and adapt
  strategies through implementation
• Work with appropriate CRUK colleagues and/or contractors to
  develop robust prospect and partner research providing decision
  support for active portfolio management
• Produces reports on activities and income for management and
  board including for strategic planning purposes and annual and
  quarterly performance tracking
• Partners with Administrative Assistant and other colleagues to
  prepare briefings and organizes itineraries for high-level visits
  and meetings
• Oversees and maintains accuracy of data and prepares reports
  using a variety of databases and programs including but not limited
  to Salesforce (CRM) and Microsoft Excel
• Develops and manages systems to assure robust management and
  tracking of cultivation and stewardship strategies with prospects,
  donors, and partners
• Partners with operational colleagues on communications,
  research and operations teams to leverage event, workshops and
  summits in support of stewardship and income generation goals
• Serve as a resource across CGC in support of relationship
  management with partners and other constituents via data
  support
• Contributes to departmental goals by accomplishing related
  duties as required

 KEY TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS &
EXPERIENCE

• 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in fundraising
  operations, especially gifts and grants for science, health and
  medicine or higher education. Knowledge and understanding of
  fundraising best practices.
• Understanding of fundraising, donor relations, or business
  development concepts, principles, techniques, procedures and
  practices.
• Highly organized with a proven ability to set and deliver to a
  high standard consistently with competing and demanding
  deadlines.
• Curiosity to learn and develop, motivated by the opportunity to
  be part of this exciting new global initiative.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and ability to work
  with and communicate effectively and professionally with a wide
  range of individuals from internal colleagues, institutional
  leaders, and external collaborators, stakeholders and donors.
• Thorough project management skillset. Prepared to take on a
  wide variety of tasks. Have a “can do”, service-oriented attitude
  and a demonstrated ability to problem solve.  Ability to
  anticipate challenges and address them quickly.
• Ability to occasionally travel and work irregular hours such as
  supporting events
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment, managing
  multiple and complex projects;
• Excellent project management and organisation skills with
  strong attention to detail;
• Excellent writing skills;
• Demonstrated analytical skills and the ability to problem
  solve;
• Strong computer skills with knowledge of databases (Salesforce
  encouraged), Excel, Power Point and other technology tools and
  platforms. Strong comfort with technology and ability to learn new
  skills.
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and to navigate new territory,
  setting a clear path and establishing new protocols.

 TEAM BEHAVIORS

• Excited by the opportunity to contribute to the mission and
  ambitions of Cancer Grand Challenges;
• Willing to go above and beyond the position description to
  ensure this new initiative is a success;
• Demonstrate excellent self-awareness and understand personal
  impact;
• Integrate into, and work well as part of a dynamic and evolving
  team based across different geographic locations, cultures, and
  legal frameworks;
• Respond well to and embrace change and ambiguity;
• Provide and receive feedback to enable individual and team
  development;