Director, Foundation Relations (Institutional Giving)

ABOUT BCRF

Breast cancer is a complex disease with no simple solution. Every diagnosis is unique and puts lives at risk. We must stop breast cancer in its tracks, and research is the answer. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. We invest in a wide range of research—including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and metastasis—because each area of investigation informs another, propelling us toward the solutions we urgently need. We convene and connect the best minds in science—giving them the opportunity to pursue their most innovative ideas. Our combination of investment and cross-disciplinary collaboration accelerates the entire field and builds momentum for new discoveries. BCRF-funded investigators have been behind every major breakthrough in breast cancer research, and the field is moving faster than ever. We are fueling the world’s most promising research and we can’t stop now.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of Foundation Relations (Institutional Giving) will play a key leadership role within the Development & Events team, driving the growth and diversification of BCRF’s institutional giving program. This newly created position will be responsible for managing and expanding a portfolio of current and prospective foundation partners, securing six- and seven-figure grants, and developing long-term relationships with private and family foundations, corporate foundations, and other institutions. The Director will serve as BCRF’s expert on foundation engagement, helping to shape and execute a strategy that aligns with the organization’s Strategic Plan and ambitious research goals.

Reporting to the Managing Director, Development & Major Gifts, the Director will collaborate closely with colleagues across Development & Events, Research, and Marketing & Communications to craft compelling proposals, reporting, and stewardship materials that accurately reflect the impact of BCRF-funded research. The role requires exceptional writing skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to synthesize complex scientific information into persuasive, outcomes-driven narratives for funders.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive, mission-driven professional who thrives in a high-performing, collaborative environment and is ready to build and lead a cornerstone area of philanthropic growth for the organization.

This position is based in New York, NY. BCRF currently requires staff to work onsite a minimum of three days per week.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and grow a dynamic portfolio of approximately 50 foundations and institutions, including high-value funders and prospects (gifts starting at $25,000+).
• Lead the development and submission of high-quality proposals, letters of intent, budgets, case statements, and grant reports, with a focus on multi-year, six- and seven-figure institutional gifts.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of grants—from prospect identification and cultivation through proposal development, compliance, and high-touch stewardship—ensuring strong alignment with each funder’s mission and BCRF’s research priorities.
• Ensure excellence in grant writing, program framing, and impact storytelling that conveys the power and progress of BCRF-supported science.
• Develop and execute thoughtful renewal and stewardship strategies, customized to each funder’s priorities, to promote long-term trust, transparency, and partnership.
• Coordinate strategic foundation engagement activities, including briefings, site visits, and donor meetings with senior leadership, grantees, and scientific staff.
• Collaborate across departments to stay current on emerging trends in breast cancer research and philanthropy, translating insights into funder strategies and new proposal ideas.
• Ensure accurate and timely tracking of all activity related to foundation fundraising—including pipeline management, deadlines, and performance metrics—within Raiser’s Edge and other internal systems.
• Lead and mentor junior team members, consultants, or cross-functional collaborators as needed to support foundation-related work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ABOUT YOU

You have a passion for building relationships, crafting compelling narratives, and securing transformative gifts that accelerate the pace of breast cancer research. You thrive in a collaborative team environment, have a high level of initiative and accountability, and take pride in delivering exceptional work that makes a difference.

In addition, you bring:

• 8–10 years of experience in progressively responsible foundation relations, grants management, or institutional partnerships, preferably in a healthcare, cancer, medical research, or science-driven nonprofit environment.
• Proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure grants from private and family foundations, corporate foundations, and/or public funders.
• Demonstrated success managing a complex portfolio, with the ability to drive both revenue growth and meaningful long-term partnerships.
• Outstanding writing, editing, and presentation skills—able to translate scientific and technical material into clear, persuasive content for philanthropic audiences.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, competing priorities, and input from diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with philanthropic trends in health, cancer research, and science funding.
• High attention to detail, excellent judgment, and a commitment to excellence in execution.
• Comfort working both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Management experience including the oversight of internal and external team members, grant writers, and partners.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms, preferably Raiser’s Edge, and strong command of Microsoft Office tools (especially Word and Excel).
• A donor-centric mindset, grace under pressure, and a roll-up-your-sleeves approach to your work.
• Willingness to occasionally lift or move materials up to 15 lbs.

Travel:

Limited travel is required for this role. In-person events may involve evening, overnight, or weekend time, always with advance notice.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time exempt role. The salary range for this role is $140,000 – $155,000. Our compensation package includes an exceptional benefits package focusing on employe physical, mental and financial wellness.

More specifically we offer:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage from the first day of employment; with the election of certain medical plans, BCRF helps significantly defray the cost of out-of-pocket expenses with contributions to a health reimbursement account or heath savings account.
• The opportunity to enroll in pre-tax Commuter Transit, Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account and Dependent Care Account from the first day of employment.
• 401K, with up to a 5% match each pay period; employee contributions and any match are immediately fully vested
• Paid parental leave offering 18 weeks 100% paid leave for a birthing parent and 12 weeks 100% paid leave for non-birthing parent
• Paid Time Off including
• 20 days of annual vacation time in first year of employment, increasing with length of service
• 7 days of annual paid sick time
• Paid holidays along with BCRF wide half days and summer Fridays

To Apply:

Please submit a CV and cover letter expressing your intention to apply for the role. After uploading your CV, please select the "upload attachment" option on the next screen to provide your cover letter.

Only candidates short-listed for an initial interview will be contacted. Please, no phone calls.

Our Commitments:

BCRF upholds an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all applicants, employees, consultants, third-party workers.