Executive Director

Dear Jack Foundation Executive Director Position Summary

The Executive Director of the Dear Jack Foundation is a strategic leader who spearheads the organization’s programs, fundraising strategies, and community outreach initiatives. This role is for a dynamic leader and requires astute and effective management of the foundation’s human and financial resources. The Executive Director ensures the seamless creation & implementation of the strategic plan by the team while upholding DJF’s operational policies and procedures.

The Executive Director is a power fundraiser, driving critical fundraising efforts and forging strategic partnerships. The board seeks a candidate with proven Executive Director experience in a similar realm, renowned for scaling growth effectively. Beyond experience, we value an unwavering passion for our cause, as the Executive Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the Dear Jack Foundation’s trajectory as the premier cancer foundation for the AYA community. The Executive Director creates and fosters a culture and environment that the team and board are excited to support while bringing joy, creativity, and fun to the role and the foundation as a whole.

Reports to: Board of Directors

Location: Denver, CO or Remote

Supervises: Directly manages a team of 4 employees within the foundation.

Current Direct Reports:

• Director of Programs
• Senior Manager of Programs & Community
• Marketing & Operations Manager
• Event Consultant (Contractor)

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Vision:
• Chart the course for short- and long-term strategies, encompassing fundraising, patient-facing programs, community engagement, and nationwide mission enhancement.
• Collaborate closely with the Board Chair and the team to craft an annual budget aligned with revenue growth aspirations across all funding channels.
• Drive the creation of a rolling 3-year strategic plan in conjunction with the founder and strategic planning committee, with regular quarterly reviews.
• Elevate the organization’s trajectory by setting, tracking, and adapting key performance indicators to refine strategies and tactics.
• Offer expert guidance to the team, steering operational and strategic plans with finesse.
• Power Fundraising & Strategic Development:
• Lead, orchestrate, and oversee the full spectrum of foundation fundraising endeavors.
• Assess and capitalize on the income growth potential of development activities, formulating strategies for stable and exponential income expansion.
• Forge an annual donor cultivation blueprint encompassing prospecting, cultivation, retention, and recognition.
• Forge a dynamic partnership with the Board Chair to spearhead Board-level fundraising initiatives, provide monthly Board updates, and orchestrate quarterly board meetings.
• Directly oversee the cultivation and acquisition of major donors, foundation and corporate contributions through individual contributions, event sponsorships, and program sponsorship.
• Collaborate with the team to secure tangible and in-kind support from corporate partners/sponsors.
• Act as the pivotal liaison between the founder’s management team and DJF, effectively navigating annual benefit logistics, contracts, and novel business prospects.
• Plan and execute successful fundraising and publicity events in coordination with the team.
• Strategic Programs Stewardship:
• Cultivate a current and comprehensive understanding of patient-facing programs, integrating them seamlessly into campaigns, corporate pitches, and donor engagement strategies.
• Collaborate hand in hand with the Program Director and Marketing & Operations Manager to ensure swift approval of all contracts (program and event).
• Support high level execution of programs to remain within allocated budgets and to continue remarkable participant experiences.
• Daily Leadership:

o Set and monitor key performance indicators, adapting strategies and tactics accordingly for optimal results.

o Provide clear direction and oversee team members’ execution of operational and strategic plans, including budget management.

o Conduct regular weekly team and 1:1 direct report meetings, offering guidance and support to foster a cohesive and focused team environment.

o Guide the Board of Directors through leadership, fostering engagement, acknowledging contributions, and assisting in committee-level action item implementation.

o Represent the team as a spokesperson, promoting a deep understanding of DJF’s mission at community and fundraising events.

o Collaborate with the bookkeeper and business manager to ensure sound accounting practices, accurate fiscal record-keeping, and timely financial and regulatory report preparation.

o Prepare requested reports and documentation showcasing the organization’s progress and status, ensuring budget reconciliation on a monthly and year-end basis.

o Foster strong working relationships between the team and DJF’s Board of Directors, instilling confidence and effective collaboration.

Organization Values:

· INTEGRITY – We take responsibility for our actions through respect and accountability in all that we do.

· COMMUNITY – Community is at our core. Together we are stronger and strive to embody this in our programs, fundraising, relationships and in our communication.

· INCLUSIVITY – Our commitment to diversity and inclusion builds a stronger and more powerful community. We support and advocate for all young adults with cancer regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or veteran status.

· COMPASSION – We provide our services with the utmost empathy and kindness. We take pride in creating moments of joy or relief during a time that can often bring stress or fear.

Dear Jack Foundation