Chief Philanthropy Officer

Do you want to create a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy?

Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation raises funds to accelerate breakthrough research for every type of cancer, while sharing and supporting the vision of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the world's largest professional society for people who work in cancer care. Conquer Cancer's community of staff, donors, and affiliate organizations work to support research that delivers better treatments and cures and provides the vital resources and programs needed to deliver the highest quality care around the world.

ASCO is a flexible, high-performance membership organization where employees collaborate to support our mission through evidence, care, and impact. Together with Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, we foster a culture that prioritizes customer-centricity, emphasizes teamwork, and commits to quality. Our culture, ASCO Works - Our Way of Working, has long enabled workplace flexibility and embraced technology to help us achieve balance.

ASCO offers competitive salaries, an excellent benefits package, and opportunities to participate in professional development programs. To learn more about Conquer Cancer, click here. To learn what it's like to work at ASCO and Conquer Cancer, click here.

Who we are looking for:

Purpose of the Position

The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) will be a strategic and relationship-driven fundraising leader, deeply aligned with the mission of Conquer Cancer. They will bring a successful track record in securing major gifts and cultivating high-net-worth individuals, board members, and institutional partners. With a relationship-first approach to philanthropy, this leader will understand how to inspire donor trust and connect philanthropic passion with Conquer Cancer's mission to advance global cancer research and improve patient outcomes.

This individual will possess a deep understanding of the medical and scientific landscape-particularly the value of supporting clinical and translational research conducted by physician-scientists. They will be comfortable translating complex scientific concepts into compelling philanthropic opportunities and be energized by work that bridges science, education, and impact. A background in medical advancement, research foundations, or health-focused institutions will serve them well in understanding the unique needs and potential of this sector.

As a key organizational leader, the CPO will bring structure and discipline to the fundraising function. They will be adept at building and managing high-performing teams and using data and performance metrics to drive strategic growth. Experience implementing call targets, gift goals, and team accountability systems-while maintaining a strong donor-centric ethos-will be essential.

The ideal CPO will understand the complexities of fundraising within a unique professional medical association fundraising environment. They should be familiar with navigating regulatory and compliance and must be comfortable working within a membership-based structure where physician donors often serve as both contributors and stakeholders. Prior experience with national medical associations, academic medical centers, or federated nonprofit models will position them to succeed in this role.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Philanthropy Officer will join Conquer Cancer at a pivotal moment, as it enters a new era of strategic alignment and navigates a rapidly evolving philanthropic landscape. While Conquer Cancer has a strong mission and proven impact, shifts in the market have made fundraising more complex, requiring innovative strategies and deeper engagement with high-net-worth individuals.

The CPO provides leadership and strategic direction to the Philanthropy Division, in support of Conquer Cancer's five-year strategic plan and organizational goals. This leader will also play a key role in partnering with the Conquer Cancer Board to maximize fundraising potential-securing both endowed support for early-career investigators and funding for critical ASCO programs. Success in this role will require someone with deep sector knowledge and strong relationship-building skills-an insightful leader who can read the organizational landscape, drive change when needed, and leverage Conquer Cancer's existing talent, respected brand, and track record of impact to achieve new levels of philanthropic success.

Additional primary responsibilities include:

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to overall organizational strategy and decision-making.
• With a focus on six-, seven- and eight-figure gifts, effectively communicate the case for support and actively engage and train the Board and other high-level volunteers in fundraising, developing a donor portfolio for each Board member.
• Manage the donor prospect work of the CEO and Vice Chair, and qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major/principal gift prospects.
• Develop, manage and oversee the philanthropy annual budget, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of fundraising professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear performance metrics and provide regular feedback to direct reports.
• Use the fundraising database to record all pertinent plans, strategies, contact reports, and other work related to donors.
• Oversee relationship managers for Board members, select Committee members and high-level volunteers, and play a leadership role in the next Conquer Cancer Campaign or major multi-year fundraising initiative.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• 15+ years of increasing responsibility and goal-achievement in non-profit fundraising organizations, with proven success in strategic planning and management of fundraising teams to achieve or surpass increasing fundraising and other goals.
• 10+ years of experience supervising Major Gift Officers and support positions.
• Proven success in cultivating, soliciting, negotiating, closing, and stewarding philanthropic gifts at all levels, including among high-net-worth individuals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint...) and fundraising software

Competencies

The ideal Chief Philanthropy Officer will be a mission-driven leader with a deep appreciation for the medical and scientific landscape. They will speak credibly and passionately about cancer research, advocate for physician-scientists, and translate complex scientific concepts into compelling narratives for donors. Thriving in a community of clinicians and researchers, this individual will be inspired by science and bring authenticity and clarity to conversations that connect donors directly to the impact of their giving.

Equally important, the CPO must be a strategic and metrics-oriented team builder who brings discipline and structure to the fundraising function. This includes setting clear goals, establishing measurable activity benchmarks, and ensuring alignment across the team to drive performance. The successful candidate will balance a results-driven mindset with a relational approach to philanthropy-fostering a culture of accountability while maintaining trust and care that are essential to lasting donor relationships.

Key competencies include:

• Ability to manage priorities in a complex, fast-paced environment with excellent follow-through.
• Collaboration and leadership/managerial skills with the ability to delegate, motivate, and develop staff.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to determine goals and priorities and to assess the actions, time and resources needed to achieve those goals.
• Time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines, prioritize, and multi-task.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to strategize, develop and implement.
• The ability to collect and analyze information, problem-solve, and make decisions with sound judgment.
• Strong project management and change management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills

Other Requirements

• Fast-paced office environment with extended periods seated or standing at a desk.
• High use of computer and other office technology equipment
• Staff are expected to perform work in-person at ASCO HQ as responsibilities dictate and/or upon their manager's request.
• Travel 30% of time or more, including 4-8 on-site visits per year.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, and religion.

***Korn Ferry is assisting ASCO with this important recruitment. To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted electronically online via https://jobs.candidate.kornferry.com/job/Korn-Ferry-Executive-Search-Alexandria-Chief-Philanthropy-Officer-Conquer-Cancer-Virginia/244085208.