Posted on January 10, 2013

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Executive Director

Founded in 2005 by Laurie C. Carson, a pioneer in fundraising and advocating for the disease, the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) seeks to give lung cancer a stronger voice, to help advance the pace of research, and to serve those whose lives have been affected by this life-threatening disease.

Responsible for almost one third of all cancer deaths in the United States, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in both men and women worldwide, with 1.3 million people dying from the disease each year. Despite these statistics, United States lung cancer research investment lags dramatically behind funding for other cancers. As a result, LCRF works to help advance and develop new scientific approaches and clinical treatments, as well as to expand awareness to ensure that lung cancer becomes a central health care priority for the 21st Century.

LCRF boasts an active and passionate ten-member board, including Board President and founder Laurie Carson. From its inception, LCRF has also been privileged to have a Medical Advisory Board comprised of renowned, multi-disciplinary scientists and physicians, each affiliated with a major cancer center, who unite all lung cancer specialties and can apply their knowledge in identifying and peer-reviewing the cutting-edge proposals and grant program that in future years will make major contributions in preventing, screening for and treating lung cancer.

Based in New York City, with a small, talented staff and an operating budget of $500,000, LCRF last year awarded $1 million in grants to twenty institutions conducting promising and innovative research studies focused on developing innovative strategies for better treatments, screening and prevention of all cancers of the lung. The Foundation also awards an annual LCRF Scientific Merit Award acknowledging the scientific investigator whose proposal was selected for outstanding overall merit by the LCRF Medical Advisory peer review.

LCRF hosts several fundraising and awareness-raising events, including the Annual Strides for Life 3-mile run/walk in Southampton, New York, an event that has attracted more than 1,000 participants and raised close to half a million dollars annually since its inception. In addition, LCRF has recently expanded its successful annual Lung Cancer Awareness Luncheon to include a Public Symposium, a venue for members of the public to learn about the latest treatments and innovations in lung cancer research directly from leading medical experts in the field.

POSITION

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation is seeking a new Executive Director to play a leadership role at this pivotal point of growth for the organization. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for Lung Cancer Research Foundation’s staff and for the expansion and execution of its mission. The board is eager to work with an experienced non-profit professional who comes with expertise in building organizations, cultivating relationships and securing funding. This highly visible and "hands on" executive will be responsible for developing a strategic plan, raising future dollars and awareness and increasing the successful grant program. Working with the Board, the Executive Director will have the opportunity to design a strategic direction, build infrastructure and staff to move the organization to a new level of prominence and impact. The successful candidates will be entrepreneurial in spirit, a collaborator among people and leaders and flexible in combating the challenges of a growing organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Management

• Create a strategic plan that includes the organization’s strategic and operational goals, funding plans and grants cycles, and that aligns with LCRF’s mission.
• Oversee and manage all aspects of day-to-day operations including oversight of office administration, finance, and human resources.
• Manage and direct the Foundation, including financial and grant management, marketing and public relations, personnel and volunteer management and all aspects of development.
• Provide leadership, direction, motivation, management and training for staff.
• Work with staff, the Finance Committee and the board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines.

Fundraising/ Development

• Identify and cultivate individual, foundation and corporate donors and expand the donor base.
• Implement fundraising initiatives through events, annual solicitations and social media.
• Work closely with the Board to recruit members and provide guidance on board policy, strategic planning and fundraising initiatives.
• Oversee special events for LCRF.
• Act as a public spokesperson for the Lung Cancer Research Foundation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• The Executive Director will be thoroughly committed to the mission of LCRF’s mission. The successful candidate will have proven leadership and a successful track record in securing major gifts. Concrete demonstrable experience and other qualities include:
• Excellent record of academic achievement; bachelors degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Proven track record in non-profit management.
• Proven experience in an entrepreneurial environment and building an organization; ability to point to specific examples of having developed strategies that have taken an organization to the next stage of growth.
• Experience working with boards and committees.
• Proven track record of fundraising and securing major gifts, developing and maintaining relationships with key donors.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including media relations experience.
• Past success working with boards and committees with an emphasis cultivating existing board member relations.
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to analyze situations and make critical decisions.
• Passion, high energy, mission-driven focus, persuasive communications and creative thinking.

Application Instructions

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

Sue Waterbury, Senior Consultant
DRG, Inc.
130 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016
Tel: (212) 983-1600 – Fax: (212) 983-1687
E-mail: swaterbury@drgnyc.com

Visit us at: www.drgnyc.com

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.