Major Gifts Director

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

The Lymphatic Education & Research Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit registered in New York State.

Its mission is to fight lymphatic diseases through education, research & advocacy. These include lymphedema, lipedema, and lymphatic anomalies. Up to 10 million Americans live with the incurable disease of lymphedema, including up to 30% of breast cancer survivors. An estimated 250 million people worldwide live with lymphedema. Up to 17 million women in the U.S. live with lipedema, and countless children are born with lymphatic malformation and anomalies.

LE&RN is a global leader in this field and seeks a Major Gifts Director to lead strategies focused on the organization's financial stability and growth. This includes financial support for programs through direct mail fundraising, major gifts, and planned gifts. The Development Office also identifies and solicits grants from private and corporate foundations.

The Major Gifts Director will also be responsible for setting and achieving annual fundraising targets and developing a long-term strategic fundraising plan. This would include ensuring that the internal and external resources required for success are in place and fully utilized.

The Major Gifts Director reports to the CEO and Deputy Director and collaborates with the Communications Director, Media Director, and Design Director in a team effort to produce results. The position seeks a trailblazer with original ideas and a passion for our mission. A qualified candidate must have a history of success with Major Donors, Corporate Giving, Major Gifts, and Foundation Grants. The position is remote and does not require living in any designated location in the United States; however, a residence in New York City is a plus. Weekly video conferencing meetings with the leadership team and daily contact with staff as needed.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

This is an exciting opportunity to serve on the senior leadership team in a field set for exponential growth. The winning candidate will be committed to showing results.

Primary responsibilities include:

Development Strategy

• Design and develop effective fundraising strategies for major gifts and planned gifts.
• Through direct donations and foundation gifts, secure corporate sponsorships among lymphatic industry leaders and national corporate entities.
• Seek out and draft grant proposals for foundation funding.
• Develop a strategy and nurture relationships among donors.
• Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, close, and steward gifts and pledges of $25,000 or more.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with an ability to write content that is actionable, informative, entertaining, and original
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team and to handle multiple projects, work well under pressure, prioritize work, meet deadlines, and produce quality results on schedule
• Ability to think creatively and brainstorm ideas
• Demonstrated competency in all areas of fundraising and success in implementing comprehensive fundraising programs with measurable results.
• Strong planning and analytical skills. Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a fundraising team.
• Fundraising software proficiency
• Competency with research systems or software products used in prospect cultivation, ideally with knowledge of online fundraising.
• Experience working with a medical non-profit organization is a plus
• Beyond remedial knowledge within the lymphatic disease community is also a plus

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on one’s actual or perceived race; color; religion; sex/gender (including gender identity); creed; sexual orientation; marital status; pregnancy; ethnicity; national origin; ancestry; age; disability; alienage/citizenship status; arrest or conviction record (consistent with the provisions of New York State’s Corrections Law); partnership status; familial status; military service; status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sex offenses; veteran status; genetic predisposition or carrier status; or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Employment decisions at LE&RN are made non-discriminatory and based on qualifications, abilities, and merit. LE&RN also prohibits and will not tolerate any form of retaliation or reprisal against any employee who reasonably and in good faith complains of discrimination or harassment or provides information in connection with any such complaint.