Executive Director

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to boardchair@texas4000.org

Summary

Texas 4000 for Cancer cultivates student leaders and engages communities in the fight against cancer. Through our multi-semester program, students train, fundraise, and ultimately complete a 4,500-mile bike ride from Austin, Texas, to Anchorage, Alaska—the longest annual charity ride in the world. Guided by the pillars of hope, knowledge, and charity, our riders inspire communities along the way and contribute to cancer research and support services.

Over 21 years, Texas 4000 has raised more than $13 million to support the fight against cancer. Texas 4000 continues to expand its reach, including the recent launch of a student chapter at UT Austin to create an opportunity for more students to engage in our mission.

Since the pandemic, Texas 4000 has had to navigate financial challenges, including rising ride costs and shifting donor expectations. The prior Texas 4000 ED has done significant work with support from staff and the Board of Directors to reduce overhead and increase program efficiencies, including:

• Cutting nearly $70k in overhead costs within the first year
• Developing a repeatable operational playbook with the ownership defined between roles and tasks between staff and students and a transparent accountability process established, communicated, and upheld across the ride team and student org.
• Developing, alongside cycling coaches, a structured and holistic training program focused on cardio, endurance, and strength.
• Establishing a ride readiness scorecard with input from medical professionals and coaches
• Launching Texas 4000’s first multi-platform alumni outreach campaign

We are seeking an Executive Director to lead Texas 4000 into its next phase of growth, establishing a fundraising strategy to drive financial stability as the top priority, while also building upon the operational and program efficiencies previously established with an $800,000 annual budget.

Key Responsibilities | Oversee all aspects of the Texas 4000, including, but not limited to:

Fundraising & Financial Stability (Top Priority)

• Lead and execute a fundraising strategy to secure corporate sponsors, major gifts, individual donors, events, and endowments.
• Strengthen donor engagement to ensure financial sustainability and work toward underwriting ride costs.
• Oversee budgeting, reporting, and compliance to maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Operational Efficiency

• Build on operational efficiencies established post-pandemic, optimizing staff and student roles.
• Maintain and refine Texas 4000’s operational playbook to ensure clarity, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors on governance, fundraising, and strategic growth.
• Hire up to two FTE and maintain a healthy and professional work environment with clear roles and responsibilities and consistent communication and reviews.

Program & Community Engagement

• Oversee rider safety, training, and leadership development, ensuring safety and program effectiveness.
• Strengthen alumni engagement and expand community outreach efforts.
• Represent Texas 4000 publicly, fostering donor, corporate, and community relationships.

Grantmaking & Mission Impact

• Lead the Grants Committee, ensuring effective funding of cancer research and support programs.
• Align all grantmaking decisions with Texas 4000’s mission and strategic goals.

Qualifications & Capabilities

• Strategic leader with experience managing operations, financial sustainability, and organizational growth.
• Proven success in fundraising, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and donor engagement.
• Team builder and motivator, passionate about mentoring young adults and college students.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, able to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Tech-savvy, comfortable using tools like Slack, Google Workspace, Gusto, Asana, and Zoom.
• Self-motivated and adaptable, with a strong work ethic and ability to work flexible hours.
• Moderate travel required for donor meetings, alumni events, and community engagement.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• 5+ years (7+ preferred) of leadership experience in a complex organization. Nonprofit experience is a plus.

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to boardchair@texas4000.org