The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), located in Rolling Meadows, IL, seeks a Chief Development Officer to direct the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF), a 501c3 organization dedicated to providing education to neurosurgeons at all stages of their careers. The CDO will also support the NeuroPoint Alliance (NPA) in funding research into new and existing neurosurgical treatments in order to identify links between best practices and improved outcomes in patient care.

The CDO works with the NREF Board of Directors and the AANS Executive Director (CEO) to develop and direct strategy to advance the Foundation’s mission. This individual is responsible for all fundraising activities including strategic and tactical plans, annual campaign, corporate development, major gifts, stewardship of existing donors, cultivation of new prospects and ensuring budgeted goals are achieved. The Foundation has a $4 million annual budget and $10 million in net assets.

Job purpose

Fosters a culture of philanthropy within the organizations. Assures that the organizations’ culture, systems and procedures support fund development and vice versa. Leads staff and volunteers to institutionalize philanthropy and fund development within the organization.

Plans, coordinates and assures implementation of coordinated strategies to develop donors and contributions to support NREF, AANS and NPA. Institutes and maintains appropriate systems to fund development including but not limited to volunteer and donor management, research, prospecting and cultivation, gift processing and recognition. Maintains accountability and compliance standards for donors and funding sources.

Essential Functions

1. Ensures that philanthropy and fund development are carried out in alignment with the Organizations’ values, mission, vision and plans. Directs the collaborative effort to meet the funding needs of all related NREF, AANS and NPA functions through an integrated development strategy.
2. Works with the NREF Board of Directors and CEO to establish and maintain strategic direction, aligned with education and research goals. Helps leadership identify and resolve organizational development issues that challenge and support effectiveness. Translate Board goals into measurable, achievable success.
3. Identifies and assesses NREF’s short-term and long-term funding goals and develops specific objectives to achieve those goals, including building and cultivating sustainable relationships.
4. Together with CEO, establishes performance measures, monitor results and evaluate the effectiveness of development/fundraising activities and development programs.
5. Develops and expands the NREF donor base through major gifts, other foundations, corporations, affiliated neurosurgery organizations, and individual giving (including the general public).
6. Creates and directs all fundraising and development opportunities, such as honor/memorials, major individual donor programs (Cushing Circle), corporate giving/recognition programs, events/fundraisers, and planned giving programs.
7. Researches, contacts, and stewards relationships with funding sources.
8. Stays abreast of developments in philanthropy as well as the general fields of management and the not-for-profit sector; advises on current trends and issues to facilitate policy making and inform strategic direction. Recommends policy positions concerning fund development.
9. Manages a comprehensive tracking/profiling system of each corporate/group’s and donor’s total financial contributions for prospect/donor relations that is integrated with organizations’ profiling and prospecting.
10. Prepares specific campaigns, including strategies, materials, proposals, acknowledgment process, etc., to increase overall support. Directs promotional plans for all fundraising and development activities.
11. Develops annual budgets and routinely monitor to ensure that programs meet revenue and expense goals.
12. Adheres to the highest ethical standards in management, governance, and fund development. Conveys a professional and positive image and attitude regarding the organization and the not-for-profit sector. Demonstrates commitment to continued professional growth and development.
13. Manages governance for NREF Board of Directors and all committees/task forces/work groups.
14. Represents the NREF/AANS/NPA at meetings, conferences and courses when required.
15. Participates in other daily administrative and support functions, including responding to telephone calls and requests and other general administrative tasks.
16. Performs other job-related duties, as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises and mentors two (2) direct reports, providing guidance and direction to ensure that projects are prioritized appropriately, and tracking toward goals and deadlines. Develops staff to enhance their skills and assists them with reaching their potential as specialists in their field.