Senior Director of Development

Scion Executive Search has been retained by The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) to conduct an immediate search for their incoming Senior Director of Development to lead the fundraising and strategic direction of the philanthropic arm of AANS, The Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF). This 501c3 organization is dedicated to providing education and skill building opportunities to neurosurgeons at all stages of their careers, in addition to providing funding for research and quality initiatives to improve patient outcomes. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Senior Director of Development will work closely with all functional areas within the enterprise, including the AANS data collection (including comprehensive clinical outcomes data registries) arm, NeuroPoint Alliance, Inc. (NPA) and the publisher of AANS scholarly journals, the Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG). ABOUT AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NEUROLOGICAL SURGEONS: The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), located in Rolling Meadows, IL, a dvances the specialty of neurological surgery through education, research, advocacy, and outcomes science to promote the highest quality of patient care. To this end, the AANS provides tools and resources for neurosurgeons, students, residents, fellows, and candidates as they grow and advance in their careers. The AANS enterprise includes the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF), which is dedicated to providing education and research funding to advance the specialty of neurosurgery; the NeuroPoint Alliance (NPA), which seeks to improve patient outcomes through data collection, analysis and reporting, and the Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JSNPG), which produces industry-leading scholarly journals. Throughout history, neurosurgery has produced many inspiring physicians who have changed the landscape of the specialty, moving the practice of neurosurgery forward and saving the lives of countless patients. Since its creation in 1980, the NREF has invested more than $30M in the improvement and advancement of neurosurgery with incredible success. For every NREF dollar invested in early career neurosurgeons, $160 of total funding from broader sources is received to continue physician education and support studies that identify links between best practices and improved outcomes in patient care. POSITION OVERVIEW: The Senior Director of Development will partner with the NREF Board of Directors and AANS leadership to develop and direct strategy that advances the Foundation's mission and fosters a culture of philanthropy within the enterprise. This role is responsible for all fundraising activities including strategic and tactical planning, annual campaigns, community engagement, individual and major gifts, grant funding, stewardship of existing donors, cultivation of new prospects, and ensuring budgeted goals are achieved. The incoming Senior Director of Development will have the opportunity to drive significant growth and impact within a well-established yet fluid and fast-paced organization. The ideal candidate will be a highly strategic and self-motivated professional, capable of designing innovative fundraising programs from the ground-up and improving upon existing initiatives. This role will directly affect influential developments in the field of neurosurgery at present and far into the future by funding cutting-edge research and supporting the development of next-generation neurosurgeons. This role operates on a hybrid schedule, based out of AANS offices in Rolling Meadows, IL. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Fundraising and Development Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy focused on individual giving, major gifts, planned giving grant funding and community engagement. Identify, cultivate, and solicit potential donors, aiming for six-figure contributions. Expand the donor base through individual gifts and partnerships including but not limited to external foundations, governmental entities and educational institutions. Create and direct fundraising opportunities such as honor/memorials, major donor programs, events, unrestricted gifts and planned giving initiatives. Collaborate with and oversee the existing Director of Foundation Services to ensure effective execution of fundraising initiatives. Manage a comprehensive tracking system for donor contributions and relationships. Strategic Planning Assess short-term and long-term funding goals; develop specific objectives to achieve those goals. Work closely with AANS leadership to align fundraising strategies with organizational goals across both NREF and the broader enterprise. Develop annual budgets for fundraising activities and ensure revenue/expense goals are met. Donor Relations Implement best practices in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Maintain relationships with existing donors while developing strategies to engage non-donors within and outside of the AANS membership network. Research prospects and steward relationships with funding sources. Team Leadership and Collaboration Supervise and mentor direct reports, providing guidance to ensure projects are prioritized appropriately. Establish performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of development activities. Foster a collaborative environment across departments to share best practices and achieve strategic goals, specifically working closely with the Corporate Relations, Marketing and Communications and Education Departments. Establish supportive and cooperative working relationships cross-functionally. Professional Development and Representation Remain abreast of developments in philanthropy and industry relations; advise on current trends and issues. Represent NREF/AANS/NPA at meetings, conferences and courses when required. Demonstrate commitment to continued professional growth and development. Adhere to the highest ethical standards in fundraising and development. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or CFRE preferred. Minimum 7-10 years of experience in fundraising with a focus on individual giving, grant funding and major gifts; experience in academic medicine and health care focused-fundraising strongly preferred. Grant writing experience, strongly preferred. Proven track record of cultivating, securing, and stewarding six- and seven-figure major gifts. Demonstrated capabilities in designing and directing development programs and strategies. Strong knowledge of fundraising techniques, proposal writing, and development office administration functions. Ability to develop and manage budgets and strategic plans that achieve organizational priorities. Strong project management skills with attention to detail; ability to balance competing demands effectively. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to present ideas clearly and prepare quality documentation and presentations to internal and external stakeholders. Self-starter with a proactive approach to fundraising and a transformational leadership style. Resourceful problem-solver with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively across functions within the organization. Team-centered focus with the ability to lead team efforts efficiently with limited resources. Ability to travel up to 25%. Committed to professional growth and development within the nonprofit sector. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: This rewarding opportunity offers the ability to make a significant impact as an executive leader for AANS and NREF. In addition to a competitive base salary in the range of $140,000 to $150,000 (Depending on experience), AANS also provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance, access to life insurance, as well as Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). In addition, AANS offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), paid time off, and tuition reimbursement for eligible salaried employees. This is a role and mission which will inspire you daily APPLICATIONS & NOMINATIONS: The American Association of Neurological Surgeons has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in mission-driven organization recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/12310. Please address applications to: Sydney Burnham, Executive Search Principal Kristen Whalen, Senior Associate Scion Executive Search (888) 487-8850 Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made. ABOUT OUR FIRM: Scion Executive Search is an award-winning, retained executive search firm. Through innovative team building and recruitment solutions, Scion Executive Search seamlessly bridges the gap in interim and executive searches. Our track record and recruitment process have made us one of the top recruitment firms in the nation. We are proud to be part of the Forbes lists of the Best Recruitment Firms and the Best Executive Search Firms in America. 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