Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is Louisiana’s leading cancer care organization, caring for more patients each year than any other facility in the region. And with strategic hospital and physician partnerships, we are delivering on our mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer.
Mary Bird Perkins and its partners work together to provide state-of-the-art treatments and unparalleled collaborative, comprehensive cancer services. This culture of innovation helps attract the best cancer minds in the country, from expert physicians and highly specialized scientists to forward-thinking leaders in supportive care and other disciplines.
Together, with our hospital and physician partners, we are one-hundred percent focused on cancer care.
Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.
Job Description:
SCOPE: The Director of Philanthropy is a key member of the Cancer Center's Office of Philanthropy team responsible for securing philanthropic support through endowment and planned giving initiatives across the organization's expanding geographic footprint. The Director leads all aspects of donor engagement for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation by developing and managing a robust, comprehensive portfolio of gift prospects throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South region, strategically guiding them toward investment in the endowment while also securing planned gift commitments in support of key mission-based programs and initiatives. This position holds primary responsibility for planning, implementing, and overseeing successful endowment fundraising and planned giving programs that advance the Cancer Center's mission to improve survivorship and lessen the burden of cancer. The Director establishes the vision and strategic direction for the Lipsey Legacy Society program, leading its growth and enhancing its prominence within the organization's philanthropic efforts across multiple communities and service areas. Additionally, the Director partners with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Cancer Center leadership and Foundation board leadership to drive endowment and planned giving initiatives including reporting, engagement, education, and stewardship. This position collaborates with fellow philanthropy team members on blended gift opportunities to maximize philanthropic impact across the organization's regional network through strategic partnerships
FUNCTIONS:
1. Leads strategic oversight of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation's endowment giving program by cultivating and stewarding a robust portfolio of high-capacity donors. Drives transformational investments through relationship management, compelling case development and targeted solicitation strategies that advance the Foundation's long-term financial sustainability and mission impact.
2. Develops, directs and oversees the sustainability of a comprehensive strategy to grow planned giving initiatives across the Cancer Center's expanding regional network. Establishes the vision and strategic direction for the Lipsey Legacy Society, including membership growth, recognition, and programming. Directs the creation of marketing collateral, communication and education tools to support fundraising efforts.
3. Partners with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Cancer Center leadership and Foundation board leadership to design and lead endowment growth and planned giving efforts. Coordinates education, cultivation, and solicitation activities/events with other Center staff and directors, including senior staff, board members, volunteers and development officers. Provides timely reports regarding the outcome of cultivation and solicitation activities.
4. Collaborates with fellow philanthropy team members to identify and secure blended gift opportunities, combining current and planned giving strategies to maximize donor impact and support. Serves as the planned giving and endowment expert for the philanthropy team, providing guidance and partnership on complex gift structures.
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
EXPERIENCE: 7-10 years of demonstrated success in fundraising in a complex development organization. Experience working in a healthcare environment or medical system preferred. Demonstrated experience soliciting and closing five and six-figure gifts and appreciation for the solicitation process. Experience in pipeline development, moves management, and the identification and management of volunteers.
CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE: CFRE preferred
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE: Deep understanding of and appreciation for the philanthropic process and individual giving behaviors combined with direct solicitation experience. Strong knowledge of planned giving vehicles, estate planning concepts, and endowment principles. Knowledge of community individuals and businesses throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Expertise in operating database, spreadsheet, and Web-based software applications in a complex computer information system environment. Database experience essential.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS/ABILITIES:
• Outstanding communication skills (verbal, listening, and written)
• Excellent project management skills with ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and to set priorities
• Strong organizational ability and attention to detail
• Ability to work with and command the respect of senior officers, faculty and administrators, and high-level volunteers
• Strong interpersonal skills, and adept at both negotiating and diplomacy
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team; self-motivated and proactive
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion; understand and follow HIPAA guidelines
• Forward thinker, deadline-oriented, and able to manage growth while working in a fast-paced environment where accuracy is essential
• Works cooperatively and strategically with development colleagues, board members and volunteers
• Demonstrates collaborative approach to complex gift opportunities, recognizing the value of cross-team partnerships
• Demonstrated supervisory experience and ability to mentor, coach, and develop staff
• Continuously stays abreast of the corporate and philanthropic climate of the region
• Ability to professionally interact with community volunteers across diverse geographic areas
• Strong volunteer management skills
• Ability to make decisions independently, anticipate needs, and take initiative
• Ability to travel approximately 30-40% of working days throughout the service region; some evening work required
• Ability to supervise interns, student workers, contract staff, and volunteers