Director of Development

Director of Development ABOUT THE NATIONAL STEM CELL FOUNDATION The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) is a non-profit organization that funds adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research, connects children with limited resources to clinical trials for rare diseases, and underwrites the National STEM Scholar Program for middle school science teachers inspiring the next generation of STEM pioneers nationwide. The Foundation was incorporated in 2005 and has partnered with other internationally known groups to further promising research in four focus areas: neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune disease, rare childhood disorders, and regenerative repair. We partner with other foundations, organizations, and institutions to co-fund research and clinical trials that advance therapies and technologies with the potential to significantly reduce the physical and financial burden of diseases and conditions that affect millions worldwide. We believe in the power of collaboration to maximize donor dollars and speed research into cures for currently incurable diseases. The National STEM Scholar program, a collaboration with The Gatton Academy at Western Kentucky University, provides advanced STEM training, national networking, and "big idea" project funding for 10 teachers selected each year from a national pool of applicants. Now in its 10th year, there are 90 middle school science teachers in 35 states who have participated in the program and will have collectively reached more than 156,000 middle school students in the U.S. by June of next year. Applications are now open for the 2025 STEM Scholar class. THE OPPORTUNITY The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) is seeking a strategic, organized, entrepreneurial, motivated, and confident fundraising leader to help navigate the organization through our next period of growth and impact. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Development serves as the lead Development Team member and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting NSCF. This role will have primary responsibility for elevating the organization's giving programs: major gifts, institutional gifts, annual fund, as well as online and planned giving strategies to support NSCF's program platforms. The successful candidate will help forge new relationships to build NSCF's visibility, impact, and financial resources. This role will be able to focus on revenue generation and will have no direct reports. However, they will work directly with a small team of grant writers focused on all local, national, and international grant opportunities. If you fit this description, and are ready to play a critical role in the future of regenerative medicine and STEM education in our world, then this role might just be for you KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Fundraising : Lead a comprehensive mix of revenue strategies that maximizes individual and institutional giving from a national audience. Actively work with the CEO and Board to develop and implement a comprehensive Major Giving strategy for individual/family and corporate support. Manage a growing annual fund with online giving initiatives. Create and introduce a Planned Giving program. Develop and execute annual fundraising goals, including corporate, foundation, and government support. Portfolio Management : Manage a vibrant portfolio of national prospects in active cultivation/solicitation. Lead all donor research. With CEO, complete at least 300 meaningful, recorded contacts per year. Responsible for scheduling and completing an average of 10-15 personal donor visits per month. Help guide CEO in managing existing portfolio of current and potential donors. Present a minimum of 35 major giving proposals annually. Prepare and present proposals and materials orally and in writing to prospects and existing donors in coordination with the CEO. Stewardship : Develop and implement a stewardship program aimed at cultivating deeper ties with donors. Focus on donor relationship management with a long-term approach. Communications: Develop, implement, and continually improve plans for all donor communications in conjunction with CEO and Board. Influence NSCF marketing strategies. Leadership: Have a demonstrated passion for healthcare and act as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic ambassador for NSCF and its programs. Administration : Updating contact reports in database to record moves with donors/funders and other administrative tasks essential to meeting organizational goals and ensuring cohesiveness in development efforts. Qualifying prospects and donors, segmenting them into major giving, annual, and planned giving. Work with NSCF Team and Board to secure appropriate project information, including budgets, and create proposals/solicitations that will be used to secure gifts. Create reports as required by CEO and Board that accurately reflect portfolio activity and performance. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS High energy and passion for NSCF's mission is essential Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred 5 years of fundraising experience with increasing responsibility Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts at the 5-, 6- and 7-figure range Experience managing an annual fund with online giving Tangible donor cultivation experience with existing donor relationships in healthcare, human services, social services and/or higher education; Working knowledge of corporate and foundation giving, database management, and institutional budgeting Experience with the creation and implementation of an annual strategic development plan Accustomed to goal setting and achievement Experience working with a CEO/ED on development initiatives Knowledge of fundraising resource systems (such as Instrumentl, iWave, and Little Green Light) desired Excellent written and verbal skills with some level of grant writing experience Strong time management skills with exceptional attention to detail Caring and passionate attitude toward the mission of NSCF as well as our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The National Stem Cell Foundation is prepared to offer a base salary in the range of $125,000-$140,000, commensurate with experience. A generous health benefits package (with immediate eligibility), four weeks of paid time off (PTO), ten paid federal holidays, monthly reimbursed parking expenses, and a hybrid work schedule are available. NSCF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of color, people who are differently-abled, women, veterans, and LGBTQIA applicants. NSCF also celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.