Description
Position Title: Director of Individual Philanthropy
Location: Preferred locations are Washington, DC, New York City, or Chicago. Other locations will be considered. Position is remote although hybrid option is available to applicants based in the Washington, DC or Chicago areas. National travel for donor meetings and events is required.
About LUNGevity Foundation
LUNGevity is the nation’s leading lung cancer nonprofit, transforming what it means to live with lung cancer through research, education, advocacy, and support. Our vision is a world where no one dies of lung cancer. We fund cutting-edge research, foster collaborative science, and empower people affected by the disease.
Position Overview
LUNGevity Foundation is seeking a strategic and committed fundraiser to serve as our Director of Individual Philanthropy. The position reports to the Vice President of Philanthropy. The Director will be responsible for developing a portfolio and growing individual giving at all levels including annual, major, and planned giving.
The Director of Individual Philanthropy should be able to translate LUNGevity’s bold vision into compelling funding opportunities that engage individuals and family foundations as long-term partners with LUNGevity. The successful candidate will have a track record as a frontline fundraiser and a deep understanding of major gift fundraising strategies including donor engagement, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and portfolio management. The Director will work in close collaboration with other members of the Development team to build funding for annual financial targets and multi-year initiatives, aligned with LUNGevity’s ambitious research agenda and patient and community program priorities across early detection, precision medicine, treatment breakthroughs, patient education, advocacy and public policy, and health equity initiatives.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
- Qualify and build a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and family foundations, and be accountable for securing five- and six- figure gifts
- Collaborate with the VP of Philanthropy to identify new major gift prospects from the current database and the broader philanthropic community, and to also move current mid-level donors into the major gift pipeline
- Partner with peer-to-peer fundraising team to leverage programs such as Team LUNGevity endurance events and Breathe Deep walks as ways to deepen and grow donor affinity
- Identify and cultivate donor prospects, through 1:1 meetings, strategic events, scientific briefings, and other creative engagement strategies to achieve fundraising targets
- Work on annual Celebration of Hope gala to ensure that the event strategy aligns with fundraising goals; leverage event to bring in new prospects and renew or upgrade current donors, cultivating their interest beyond event-based giving and toward sustained philanthropic investment
- Develop ideas for and oversee other strategic events, in collaboration with development team members, that can be used to further cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies. Events may target supporters nationally as well as in major regions including but not limited to Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, Florida and California
- Work in conjunction with LUNGevity senior leadership and content experts to develop program-specific fundraising strategies and collaborate with them on relationship-building with donors
- Stay informed about programs and research activities, maintaining the capacity to converse with donors regarding our work as well as develop written work including proposals, impact reports and appeals, tailored to high-net-worth individuals and that clearly articulate LUNGevity’s research impact and leadership in lung cancer innovation
- Monitor philanthropic trends and best practices to align donor interests with organizational needs, ensuring strategies remain innovative and relevant
- Maintain high-integrity donor data within Salesforce, utilizing the database to track donor progress, accurately project annual revenue, and manage a portfolio
- Represent the organization at donor meetings, events, and community activities
Qualifications
- 5+ years in fundraising and development in a nonprofit environment, with progressive responsibility and experience working with individual and major gifts
- Demonstrated track record of securing five- to six-figure gifts from high net-worth individuals and family foundations, including research-focused funding
- Working knowledge of and experience with the principles and practices of fundraising within a multi-faceted and multi-program organization
- Demonstrated experience in the full spectrum of development including operations, solicitations, volunteer engagement, and event and campaign management
- Passion for science, research, and improving outcomes and changing lives for people with cancer
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to distill complex scientific concepts into compelling philanthropic narratives
- CRM proficiency (Salesforce preferred) and strong data-driven decision-making capabilities
- Exceptional organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines and goals
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred
- Willingness to travel 10–20% annually for donor engagement
Benefits and Compensation
This is a full-time position, with opportunities for health, dental, and vision insurance, Flexible PTO, and employer-augmented retirement savings.
Location
Candidates must reside in the continental United States
Salary
Salary range is $80,000-$105,000. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, geographic location, and other relevant factors.
Application Process
Please submit a cover letter and resume to: Careers@lungevity.org
LUNGevity is an equal opportunity employer. LUNGevity will not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical condition), disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, citizenship, or any other class protected by applicable law.
