Executive Director

RSR is partnering with the Breast Cancer Alliance to identify and recruit an experienced Executive Director.

ABOUT BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE

Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA), founded 30 years ago, is one of the highest rated breast cancer charities in the United States. BCA’s mission is to improve outcomes for those diagnosed with breast cancer. BCA achieves this mission through the critical funding of early-stage innovative research, surgical fellowships and screening for underserved communities.

BCA has honed its mission to a three-pronged approach that uniquely fills gaps in the fight against breast cancer:

• BCA funds the challenging stage where a hypothesis has shown proof of concept but requires additional data to qualify for larger grants. To support these promising concepts, BCA funds studies at the leading cancer research centers and universities across the country through an open grant application process.
• BCA funds breast surgical fellowships, as outcomes are improved when treated by a specialized surgeon and BCA is the only non-profit to do so.
• In the geographic area surrounding BCA’s headquarters in Greenwich, CT, BCA funds screening for underserved communities, as early detection significantly improves survival rates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION

BCA is seeking an experienced and strategic Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization through its next pivotal growth stage. The ED will be a versatile leader, with a strong combination of business acumen, passion for the mission, and the ability to cultivate and develop the relationships necessary to increase and expand BCA’s grant programs with the highest level of integrity.

Along with this expected growth, the ED will play a key role in helping to position BCA for scale. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will provide comprehensive oversight of all organizational functions, including strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, financial management, reporting and compliance, volunteer outreach, staff development and supervision of external vendors. The role requires a balance of big-picture strategy with a detailed, hands-on workload. The ED will leverage a lean but talented team to streamline operations, improve processes, enhance data management and systems, and modernize reporting.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic and collaborative leader to help shape the future of BCA. A key focus will be the execution of a three-year strategic initiative to expand BCA's grant program through enhanced donor engagement and the cultivation of new opportunities in target markets and communities. The successful ED will be capable of a significant level of ambition and entrepreneurship, which harmonizes with the existing culture and core values of the BCA team.

The ED will act as the public ambassador for BCA and be central to BCA's public image. Additionally, the ED must be comfortable collaborating closely with a sophisticated constituency of stakeholders and partners and be able to effectively mobilize a committed Board of Directors and Medical Advisory Board.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning

• Ensure organizational plans are relevant and effective
• Set clear metrics for measuring results and evaluating progress
• Assess current activities and identify areas for improvement
• Optimize efficiency through appropriate outsourcing and management of vendors

Mission Execution

• Oversee the application and selection process for research, fellowship and screening grants
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with grant recipient organizations across the country
• Conduct site visits and manage grant utilization
• Ensure timely financial allocations to grant recipients and execute required legal agreements
• Build relationships and gain insight through networking with relevant professional organizations in both the non-profit and medical arenas
• Remain informed and monitor developments of relevant policies, research findings, and treatment options

Board Collaboration

• Act as liaison between the Board and organization, ensuring alignment with BCA’s mission
• Set agendas and prepare comprehensive board reports for informed decision making
• Leverage Board, Medical and Advisory Board Member expertise in furtherance of BCA’s mission
• Provide internal committees with appropriate support for execution of mission

Fundraising & Development

• Drive the strategic fundraising and donor management plan
• Foster and nurture relationships with BCA’s corporate and major donor base, sponsors, strategic partners, and other community organizations
• Develop and execute strategies to secure consistent funding while also seeking to diversify funding sources
• Monitor and control fundraising costs with an emphasis on maximizing the impact of dollars deployed with dollars raised
• Oversee all event planning and evaluate current mix of activities including the Annual Luncheon, 5K Walk/Run, Golf Outing, Medical Symposia, Retail/Shopping Partnerships and Teen Outreach
• Grow non-event revenue and annual appeal

Marketing & Communications

• Develop and execute a strategic marketing and communications plan
• Serve as visible leader, participating in speaking opportunities, media interviews, social media campaigns, and other public-facing activities
• Build upon BCA brand awareness and image, including charity ratings
• Ensure strategic alignment and brand consistency through the final approval of all marketing, public relations and communication materials

Financial Management & Compliance

• Ensure financial integrity, compliance and sustainability
• Manage P&L of the organization and its activities
• Establish and monitor organization and event budgets in collaboration with Board President and Treasurer

Administration & Operations

• Foster and promote a positive work environment based on respect and collaboration
• Architect and implement a strategic talent management framework, including recruitment, development, retention, and performance evaluation protocols
• Establish efficient office operations, including management of vendor contracts and bookkeeping and ensure timely processing of donations, tax letters and grant payments
• Ensure operational excellence by optimizing processes around employee benefits, payroll administration, IT infrastructure, donor databases, and payment platform operations

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 10 years’ experience either in nonprofit management and business/public administration or in a relevant pharmaceutical, medical, healthcare, or research field. Equivalent experience in related fields, particularly with cancer treatment knowledge, will be considered
• A demonstrated track record of success in the field of fundraising (including major gifts, annual campaigns, corporate partnerships and event-driven revenue generation)
• Firm understanding and comfort with financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
• Grant writing experience preferred
• Within driving distance to Greenwich, CT and willingness to be in BCA’s office five days a week
• Flexibility to participate in evening and weekend engagements
• Knowledge of Greenwich, Westchester and greater New York City areas and philanthropic communities
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners
• Experience in a supervisory role; ability to leverage resources and streamline tasks
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong public speaking and presentation skills, and the ability to build trust as a spokesperson
• Experience in designing, documenting and implementing processes and procedures ("systematizing"); and creating playbooks to support those processes and procedures
• Proven ability to influence and drive change
• Demonstrated familiarity with systems and technology; is tech savvy
• Shows flexibility and comfort with ambiguity; ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growing organization
• Is “hands-on” and capable of operating at both a high level and in the details
• A self-starter; highly adaptable and proactive; takes initiative
• Possesses impeccable integrity, is open and curious, emotionally intelligent, and compassionate
• A deep commitment to the organization's mission and a genuine desire to make a positive impact