Senior Philanthropy Officer (Major Gifts Officer)

ABOUT BCRF

Breast cancer is a complex disease with no simple solution. Research is the key to stopping it in its tracks. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. By investing in the best minds in science to examine every aspect of the disease from prevention to metastasis—and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration—BCRF is accelerating the entire field and moves us closer to the answers we urgently need to be the end of breast cancer.

ABOUT THE ROLE

BCRF is entering an exciting period of growth and momentum, fueled by an ambitious fundraising campaign and a bold vision for the future of breast cancer research. As we expand our community of philanthropic partners, we are seeking two exceptional Senior Philanthropy Officers to help inspire transformational giving and accelerate lifesaving discoveries.

Reporting to the Director, Major Gifts, the Senior Philanthropy Officer plays a critical role in advancing BCRF's mission by building meaningful relationships with philanthropists whose generosity fuels groundbreaking breast cancer research. The Senior Philanthropy Officer will secure leadership and major gifts, manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, identify donors with the potential for increased support, collaborate with colleagues and volunteer leaders in pursuit of this shared mission, and help elevate BCRF's individual philanthropy program during a pivotal period of growth.

Building on one of the nation's strongest individual giving programs and a portfolio of premier fundraising events, BCRF seeks innovative ways to increase philanthropic investment in cutting-edge breast cancer research around the world.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced frontline fundraiser who combines strategic thinking, entrepreneurial drive, and exceptional relationship-building skills.

You'll have the opportunity to make an immediate impact while working alongside talented colleagues in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

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

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and strategically grow a portfolio of approximately 150 current and prospective donors, deepening engagement and increasing philanthropic investment through personalized cultivation and stewardship.
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership, major, and legacy gift prospects, with a focus on gifts ranging from the mid-five figures to six and seven figures.
• Serve as a compelling ambassador for BCRF, communicating the impact of our research investments with clarity, passion, and credibility.
• Partner with colleagues across Development, Communications, and Research to create compelling proposals, impact reports, funding opportunities, and stewardship materials that inspire donor investment.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, board members, researchers, and colleagues to develop and execute sophisticated donor engagement strategies that maximize philanthropic impact.
• Serve as a trusted strategic partner to the Director of Major Gifts, contributing ideas, insights, and best practices that strengthen the overall major gifts program.
• Build strong partnerships across Development, Events, Communications, Research, and other teams to deliver an exceptional donor experience.
• Special development-related projects and other duties as assigned.

ABOUT YOU

You are an accomplished frontline fundraiser who thrives on building authentic relationships with donors and translating mission into meaningful philanthropic investment. You combine strategic discipline with entrepreneurial energy, bringing a proven ability to cultivate trusted partnerships, inspire transformational generosity, and achieve ambitious fundraising goals. Most importantly, you are energized by the opportunity to help accelerate the research that will end breast cancer.

In addition, you have the following qualifications and experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in frontline fundraising with at least 5 years primarily focused in frontline major gifts ($25k+) fundraising
• Demonstrated track record of soliciting and closing five, six and seven figure gifts
• Superior oral and written communication skills, able to express the mission and fundraising goals of BCRF with clarity, passion and persuasion
• Proven interpersonal skills to work effectively with senior leadership, donors, prospects and volunteer leadership
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and anticipate changes before they arise
• Demonstrated success in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects
• Executive presence, sound judgment, and exceptional discretion when working with ultra-high-net-worth donors, family offices, and trusted advisors
• Basic knowledge of legacy/planned giving
• Flexibility and strong sense of initiative and resourcefulness
• Attention to detail, strong organizational and project management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Proficiency with donor databases, Raiser’s Edge/NXT preferred

There will be the occasional need to work extra hours evenings and weekends to fulfill the requirements of the role.

Travel

Some travel is required for this role. In addition, on occasion, in-person events may require evening or weekend time.

This is a full-time exempt role. The salary range for this role is $120,000-130,000. Our compensation package includes an exceptional benefits package focusing on employee 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 of 100% paid leave for a birthing parent and 12 weeks 100% paid leave for non-birthing parent
• Paid Time Off including
  • 15 days of annual vacation time, increasing with length of service
  • 7 days of annual paid sick time
  • Paid holidays along with BCRF wide half days and summer Fridays