Associate Director, Corporate Alliances

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), with more than 58,000 members residing in 141 countries, is the first and largest organization in the world dedicated to advances in all areas of high-quality, innovative cancer research.  Its mission is to prevent and cure all cancers.  The programs and activities of the AACR foster the exchange of new knowledge among scientists and physicians in cancer research as well as in related sciences.  The AACR publishes ten peer-reviewed scientific journals and an award-winning magazine for cancer patients and their loved ones; convenes topical scientific conferences and an annual meeting that draws more than 22,500 participants; offers educational workshops that train young investigators in a variety of scientific and clinical areas; funds research fellowships, career development awards, and research grants for both senior and junior investigators; raises public awareness of the progress in the biology, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer; engages actively in advocacy for increased federal research funding and other national policies that accelerate progress against cancer; and interacts with regulatory agencies to support regulatory science and policy.

The fundraising arm of the AACR, the AACR Foundation, seeks an accomplished, energetic, and results-oriented professional focused on developing relationships that will result in six- and seven-figure gifts from targeted industry partners (pharma, biotech, diagnostics companies) for a range of AACR programs and activities (scientific grants/meritorious awards, conferences, scientific projects, patient advocacy initiatives, etc.). Candidates will be innovative strategists working to maximize and secure industry support, while creatively and meaningfully engaging industry clients in a long-term, synergistic partnership with the AACR.

The Associate Director of Corporate Alliances will apply their development skills, scientific knowledge, and familiarity with the pharmaceutical/biotech industry to identify, develop, and maintain relationships with key industry organizations and leaders in support of the AACR mission. In addition to managing existing relationships, this individual will be responsible for conceptualizing and managing new strategic alliances. The Associate Director will interface regularly with colleagues across the organization to gain ongoing knowledge of AACR initiatives and to leverage synergies wherever possible. Working with the Director of Corporate Alliances, they will manage a portfolio of accounts and work to develop collaterals and programs aimed at engaging the interests of the AACR’s industry partners.

The Associate Director will travel locally and nationally on a regular basis, often to attend leading scientific meetings and to engage industry clients in productive, face-to-face visits. The successful candidate will serve as a managerial-level staff member of the AACR Foundation, acting as a valued mentor for direct reports and modeling a positive and professional demeanor. As an ambassador for the AACR, the Associate Director will be expected to exude professionalism, competence, and dedication to the field for the benefit of cancer patients.

• Maintains an excellent relationship with various AACR industry partners, mapping out all relevant funding channels and contacts for each account. Translates this understanding into actionable partnerships and solicitations leading to substantial growth in AACR
• Performs the role of primary account manager across multiple accounts, taking a professional, timely, and proactive approach to communicati Stewards clients successfully with minimal direction, while proactively seeking regular review and input from the Director.
• Utilizes business development skills and expertise to establish new, and strengthen, existing revenue-generating corporate partnerships in support of AACR meetings, conferences, grants, awards, scientific projects, patient advocacy programs, and other key scientific priori
• Remains abreast of oncology market trends for S. and global markets, particularly as they impact clients.
• Plans and executes various meetings and events, such as the AACR Industry Roundtable, designed to strengthen AACR’s relationships with industr Drives meeting outcomes and identifies next steps and follow-through to maximize fundraising opportunities for AACR.
• Pursues and forms productive and collegial relationships with various AACR divisions and departments to remain informed about organizational priorities and sustains the flow of information about programs, budgets, et, required to complete proposals.
• Works thoroughly, quickly, and efficiently, and is mindful of deadlines and the high volume of requests demanding timely completi
• Pursues information directly from prospective funding sources, as appropriate, to inform the preparation of grant requests.
• Documents follow-up communications related to each proposal initiative for specific donors/prospects in shared files and database, which are accessible to other AACR Foundation staff members to inform related strategies and interactions with prospects.
• Effectively manages a high volume of unique support requests and proposal
• Acts as a liaison between AACR, AACR Foundation, and certain external agencies, companies, and volunte
• Tracks and manages grant deliverables, including interim and final reports, working with program staff to develop content, budgets, and financial report
• Performs the essential functions of the position and other tasks as may be assigned and required.

• At least 5 years of relevant experience, including fundraising or business development experience, preferably in an oncology or related scientific area,, or experience in a setting with direct contact with the pharmaceutical/biotech/diagnostics industries
• Familiarity with the oncology marketplace, including knowledge of drug development, therapeutics, and clinical research
• Familiarity with the non-profit sector
• Mastery at handling a large volume of projects efficiently and quickly in a deadline driven environment, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Demonstrated skills in developing business partnerships, fundraising experience a plus
• Experience in building strong external and internal relationships
• Excellent time management, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels with diverse audiences
• Passion for AACR’s mission to prevent and cure all cancers

Education Requirements:

 Advanced scientific degree, such as PhD, DSc, or equivalent, in biological sciences a plus

Technical Competencies & Special Skills: 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Experience using CRM software to track proposals and information related to prospects