Director of Philanthropy, Major Gifts

Reports To: Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Date: February 2026

National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) unrelentingly invests in, mobilizes, and unites our community to discover a cure, deliver effective treatments, and advocate for patients and their care partners. NBTS is a leading policy advocacy and research organization as well as a convener of brain tumor research leaders including industry, regulators, funders, clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates. We also provide resources and personalized support to patients and families, and we bring all members of the brain tumor community together each year through our walks, races, community events and Gray Nation Endurance programs.

Our results include paradigm-shifting research discoveries, the development of new treatments, increased federal funding for brain tumor research, innovative new clinical trials, and opportunities for entrepreneurship and venture philanthropy to benefit brain tumor research and health care delivery.

While we have seen significant progress in terms of scientific understanding of brain tumor biology, we are unsatisfied with the status quo of today’s treatment options. NBTS continues to invest in new ideas and research poised to incent the development and realization of treatments that dramatically increase survival and quality of life for patients.

The Director of Philanthropy will collaborate with the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Philanthropy to identify, cultivate and steward a portfolio of $10K+ donors for the National Brain Tumor Society.

Additionally, they will drive high-level philanthropic investment for the NBTS Brain Tumor Investment Fund (BTIF). This role is designed for a strategic, independent fundraiser capable of navigating complex gift discussions and engaging executive leadership to secure transformative support for brain tumor research and treatments. This is a front-facing role and the candidate will thrive in building relationships and making solicitations in a direct, face-to-face manner.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to exercise good judgment and professionalism in a variety of situations, with strong written and verbal communication, organizational and people skills, and the ability to balance multiple priorities. The individual must have the ability to work independently and collaboratively on projects, from conception to completion, and work under pressure to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion.

The Director of Philanthropy, Major Gifts will have the opportunity to work with a fiercely dedicated and supportive team of development professionals, committed to improving the lives of brain tumor patients.

• Revenue Generation: Support the AVP of Philanthropy to identify and close funding opportunities that meet or exceed annual fundraising goals.
• Portfolio Ownership: Manage a select portfolio of high-net-worth individuals with the capacity for 5 and 6-figure gifts.
• Executive Liaison: Act as the bridge between prospective donors and NBTS leadership ahead of key solicitations.
• Mission Advocacy: Translate complex programmatic goals into compelling philanthropic opportunities while exercising the ability to represent NBTS’s values and mission.
• Stewardship: Design and execute personalized stewardship plans for assigned portfolio to ensure donors are informed of the impact of their philanthropy.
• Prospecting and Cultivation: Identify, research and cultivate new prospects for consideration, building out sophisticated moves management plans that engage NBTS leadership or cross-departmental collaboration as needed.
• Proposal Leadership: Independently facilitate the end-to-end proposal development process, inclusive of collaborating with colleague departments as needed, and lead solicitations for funding.
• Donor Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with current and new donors, inclusive of effective communication, stewardship, and donor recognition.
• Mission Embodiment: A deep commitment to and belief in NBTS’s mission, values, and community is essential for motivating donors and…