The Assistant Director manages the process of identifying, qualifying, and personally soliciting and cultivating a portfolio of 350-450 donors who have the capacity to give $1,000 or more to Dana-Farber through Annual Giving, and works closely with colleagues from other teams to coordinate prospect management activity. Responsible for assisting the entire Division with reaching financial goals. Dana-Farber is currently in the quiet phase of its campaign ‒ the largest and most ambitious fundraising effort in the Institute’s history; one that will serve as a catalyst, enabling the Institute to change the landscape of cancer medicine and, ultimately, eradicate the disease.

Requirements: 

Personal Solicitation

• Identify and research prospects; solicit prospects for increased leadership level commitments ($1,500+); make leadership level asks; qualify and steward prospects toward annual leadership, principal and major gift solicitation; prepare and submit proposals; cultivate prospects; track results.
• Utilize direct mail, phone, email, or volunteers for solicitation or cultivation of prospects as appropriate.
• Keep current with and be able to convey information about highlights and initiatives at Dana-Farber.
• Generate lists for donor visit requests and conduct visit calls and emails. Schedule donor visits (80+ visits per year).
• Draft donor correspondence and proposals.

Supervise Staff

• Direct supervision of one Officer and shared supervision of an Assistant. Assign projects, hire (when applicable), train, motivate, evaluate.
• Report progress on goals & responsibilities to the department; produce analysis of personal solicitation effectiveness.
• Coordinate with Information Services staff for reporting and prospect tracking.
• Generate Call Reports.
• Programmatic.
• Assist with implementation of a comprehensive prospect management plan within Annual Giving.

Division Support

• Participate in visits, asks, and stewardship of Annual Giving donors.
• Other Activities As Needed.

Participate as needed in Division of Philanthropy team efforts including solicitation strategy teams for key prospects and internal planning efforts. Ad-hoc projects. Other responsibilities as assigned. Responsible for assisting the entire department with reaching financial goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

Reports to the Associate Director of Annual Giving. Direct supervision of one Officer and shared supervision of an Assistant.

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree required plus 5-7 years of experience in Philanthropy, including a minimum of 1 year of personal solicitation experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational skills, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work with a variety of constituencies, including donors, volunteers, and DFCI staff. A significant portion of our donor base is grateful patients and families.
• A high degree of empathy and sensitivity is required.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and development databases.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Excellent problem solving and reasoning skills.
• Demonstrated ability to meet fundraising goals.
• Ability to work in a collegial manner with the Development & Jimmy Fund team in creating and implementing solicitation strategies.
• Willingness to travel*, primarily in MA/New England, and 1-2 times per year in other key regions.
• This position will evaluate current programs and create and execute approved plans to expand and diversify the donors and participants for the events assigned in order to broaden our donor base and create even more inclusive events. Experience with diverse donors is a plus

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.