Job Posting - Director, Corporate Alliances

Position Description

Director, Corporate Alliances

Job Title:                    Director, Corporate Alliances

Job Category:            Senior Management/Exempt

Division:                     AACR Foundation

Reports To:                Senior Director, Corporate Development

AACR’S Background:

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the oldest and largest cancer research organization in the world dedicated to the conquest of cancer. The mission of the AACR is to prevent and cure cancer at the earliest possible time through research, education, communication, and collaborations. Its membership includes over 34,000 of the most accomplished scientist in the world in laboratory, translational, clinical, and epidemiological research related to cancer. The scientific scope of the AACR and its members includes the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. AACR’s national and international scientific heft, prestige, and integrity make its work in cancer science all the more important in advancing cancer research and reducing cancer incidence and mortality.

AACR FOUNDATION:

The AACR Foundation was established in 2000 in recognition of the need for new funding of important initiatives in cancer research. The purpose of the Foundation is to raise funds for cancer research, for AACR’s programs and services, and for the overall promotion of the organization’s mission. This organization has the creativity, innovation, and flexibility to support AACR in making significant advances in the conquest of cancer. With the help of contributors from among the AACR membership, colleagues and friends in the national and international cancer community, and corporations and foundations, and the AACR Foundation is poised to help the AACR achieve important victories in the fight against cancer.

Development Highlights:

The Development Division at AACR was formed in 1997 with the hiring of a Director of Development. During the past thirteen years, the Division grew from a fundraising operation that raised $1.5 million in 1998 to a staff of twelve people raising approximately $13.2 million. Among the AACR Foundation’s programs are corporate contributions and sponsorships, foundation grants, major giving, the annual fund, and special events.

Corporate Contributions and Sponsorships: Approximately 85% of the revenues received by the AACR Foundation are from about 70 corporations, mostly pharmaceutical companies that underwrite or sponsor AACR’s major scientific and educational programs. These companies include pharmaceutical giants such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, and Eli Lilly, and large Biotech firms such as Genentech and Amgen. In addition, about 21 companies participate in AACR’s Sustaining Membership program and make annual donations at the major giving level of $20,000 or the sustaining giving level of $13,000.

Job Responsibilities:

The Director, Corporate Alliances is responsible for establishing new and strengthening existing revenue-generating partnerships with corporations in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and other related corporate sectors (i.e. imaging, diagnostics). Working closely with the Executive Director of the AACR Foundation, the Director will conceptualize, plan, and execute a corporate relations strategy that maximizes sponsorship and philanthropic revenue to the AACR. The Director will also work with other areas of the AACR Foundation, including Development Operations, and coordinate with other AACR Departments, including Program Administration, Marketing, Communications, and Continuing Medical Education, to guarantee high standards with regard to transaction processing, acknowledgements, and other critical processes, and to ensure a high degree of internal coordination in the AACR’s corporate outreach efforts. The Director will travel extensively to make personal visits with industry representatives. The Director will plan and execute various meetings and events that are designed to strengthen AACR’s relationships with industry, including the annual AACR-Industry Roundtable and site visits by industry representatives to AACR. The Director will oversee the work of a Corporate Relations Officer, who supports the Director in all matters relating to corporate sponsorship and philanthropy.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize, plan, and execute AACR’s corporate sponsorship and philanthropic strategies.
• Establish new and strengthen existing revenue-generating corporate partnerships in support of AACR meetings, conferences, grant making, and other programmatic priorities.
• Oversee the process of identifying, qualifying, and cultivating corporate prospects for sponsorship and gift solicitation.
• Assist the Senior Director, Corporate Development in the utilization of AACR volunteer leaders, including members of the Board of Directors, to advance funding relationships with corporations.
• Build productive working relationships with leaders at current and prospective sponsoring and/or donor corporations.
• Prepare high-quality written sponsorship and funding proposals.
• Contribute, as requested, to achieving the overall sponsorship and fundraising objectives of the AACR.

Essential Skills and Knowledge:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels with diverse individuals
• Exceptionally high level of interpersonal skills and relationship building ability
• Attention to detail, follow-up, and timelines
• Demonstrated ability to make complex decisions, problem solve, practice hands-on management, and work with volunteers
• Passion for AACR’s mission to prevent and cure cancer

Education and Training:

• Master’s degree required; Ph.D. in Life Sciences or related field preferred

Specialized Knowledge & Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and related corporate sectors.
• Experience in leading a corporate sponsorship and philanthropic funding program for a health-related non-profit organization.
• Working knowledge of rules and regulations affecting pharmaceutical and related industries, including ACCME Standards for Commercial Support and the PhRMA Code, and their impact on revenue generating strategies for non-profit organizations.

Computer Knowledge:

• Proficient in all Microsoft Office Products

Work Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in corporate relations including a demonstrated track record of success in corporate sponsorship and fundraising, or related work in industry (e.g., pharma marketing/business development, corporate philanthropy in a pharma setting, etc.)

How To Apply:

Please submit your cover letter and resume (including salary history) to:

Human Resources

P.O. Box 40138

Philadelphia, PA 19106

E-mail: humanresources@aacr.org

Fax: (215) 440-1045

      Equal Opportunity Employer