[Hiring] Director of Strategic Partnerships @The Max Foundation

Role Description

The Director of Strategic Partnerships will lead the strategy and execution of The Max Foundation’s Major Gifts program. This individual will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-value individual donors and prospects to sustain and expand The Max Foundation’s mission of accelerating global health equity.

This is a relationship-driven role for an advancement professional who combines strategic vision with strong frontline fundraising expertise. Working closely with the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, the Director will develop and manage a robust pipeline of major gift prospects while building the systems, strategies, and culture necessary to significantly increase Major Gifts revenue and long-term donor engagement.

Responsibilities

• Major Gifts Strategy and Revenue Growth
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive Major Gifts strategy aligned with organizational priorities and revenue goals.
  • Establish and manage annual and multi-year revenue targets and performance metrics.
  • Build and oversee a strong donor pipeline through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Implement disciplined portfolio and moves management practices to maximize donor engagement and giving outcomes.
  • Develop strategies to increase donor retention, upgrade giving levels, and secure larger, multi-year commitments.
  • Monitor pipeline health, forecast revenue, and report progress against fundraising goals.
• Leadership and Cross-Functional Partnerships
  • Serve as a strategic fundraising partner to the CEO, VP of Strategic Partnerships, Board members, and senior leadership.
  • Partner cross-functionally across stakeholders to translate organizational impact into compelling philanthropic opportunities and donor communications.
  • Prepare and support organizational leaders and Board members for donor meetings, cultivation activities, and solicitations.
  • Foster a culture in which fundraising is viewed as a shared organizational responsibility.
  • Collaborate across the Strategic Partnerships team to ensure coordinated donor engagement and stewardship.
• Board Engagement and Relationship Development
  • Partner with the VP and Board members to advance fundraising and strategic engagement priorities.
  • Leverage Board networks to identify and cultivate relationships with prospective donors and strategic stakeholders.
  • Prepare Board-facing fundraising updates, briefing materials, and information on engagement opportunities.
  • Support Board members in serving as effective ambassadors through outreach, stewardship, and relationship management.
  • Track and coordinate Board-driven opportunities and outcomes to strengthen fundraising and organizational visibility.
• External Relations and Representation
  • Represent The Max Foundation at key global health, philanthropy, and stakeholder engagement events.
  • Develop and strengthen relationships with philanthropic collaboratives, family foundations, and strategic partners.
  • Help position the organization as a globally recognized leader in expanding equitable access to cancer treatment and care.
  • Partner with Communications to identify opportunities for leadership visibility through speaking engagements, publications, and external forums.
  • Leverage organizational impact, evidence, and success stories to strengthen partnerships, influence, and fundraising outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or relevant certification in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, advancement, business development, strategic partnerships, or related fields, preferably within global health, international development, or other mission-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated success securing and stewarding major gifts, including experience cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals, families, and philanthropic partners; experience securing six-figure gifts required, with gifts of $500,000+ strongly preferred.
• Proven experience building, leading, or significantly expanding a Major Gifts program, including developing and managing donor pipelines from identification and cultivation through solicitation and stewardship.
• Strong ability to partner with CEOs, Board members, senior leaders, and other influential stakeholders to advance fundraising and organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated success in investor relationship building, communication, presentation, and interpersonal engagement, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and inspire philanthropic investment.
• Strategic and analytical mindset with experience using data, donor insights, and CRM systems to manage portfolios, forecast revenue, prioritize opportunities, and inform decision-making.
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects and initiatives, exercising sound judgment, discretion, organization, and follow-through in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working in global, multicultural environments across time zones; familiarity with global health, cancer, health equity, or international nonprofit sectors preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and donor management systems; additional language skills, experience with family offices or donor-advised funds, and experience mentoring fundraising professionals strongly preferred.

Skills and Attributes

• Passionate about The Max Foundation’s mission and vision, and determined to lead and accomplish all goals related to current and future strategic plans.
• An open, innovative, growth mindset with the ability to visualize and implement novel revenue models in alignment with the organization’s innovative approach.
• High attention to detail and a high standard for quality work product.
• Deep understanding of and comfortable in a global environment, with an emphasis on low and middle-income countries.
• Passion for exceptional collaboration and flexibility to elevate positive culture.
• Comfort working in a complex and fast-paced environment.
• Caring, humble, and people-oriented servant leader.
• Team-oriented, with the ability to listen and to engage internal and external stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives.
• Resourceful, decisive, and comfortable with ambiguity with the ability to drive solutions using available data and insights to overcome challenges impacting the organization.

Benefits

• Employer-sponsored benefits include:
  • 100% medical, dental, and vision premium coverage for employees; 50% premium coverage for spouse and/or dependents.
  • Annual vacation accrual 80 hours (increases over time), personal time accrual of 104 hours, 12 paid company holidays, and 2 floating holidays per year.
  • $10,000 Basic Life and AD&D insurance coverage; Short-term disability insurance.
• Additional benefits include:
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
  • Optional employee covered Long Term Disability and Supplemental Life Insurance.
  • Eligibility for our Safe Harbor 401k plan participation after 3 months of employment, including Max-paid 3% non-elective contribution regardless of participation.
  • Monthly wellness benefit (earn up to $70/month), Costco membership, and WFH/Commuter Stipend ($1,800/year).

Compensation

Typical hiring range for this role is $134,475 – $161,370 USD. Offers will factor in relevant candidate qualifications, cost of labor, pay equity, and geographical location. No relocation provided; remote location possible.

To Apply

Visit our website at https://www.themaxfoundation.org/careers to apply. Please include résumé and cover letter.

The Max Foundation is dedicated to diversity in staff and is an equal opportunity employer.