Area Executive Director

Role Overview

• Responsible for leading, developing, and driving the comprehensive vision, fundraising, and growth strategies to secure funding (annually $25M to $100M) within a specific area, aligned with the territory strategy.
• Partners with the territory to identify, cultivate, solicit/close, and steward high-wealth donors, corporations, partnerships, individual volunteers, donors, and supporters with the purpose of growing existing revenue sources and creating new opportunities.
• Leads and drives results through an integrated cross-divisional team for one of ALSAC’s thirty-one areas, while attracting, developing, and retaining top talent to achieve organizational goals.
• Leads strategic teams responsible for raising $25–$100M annually through diverse channels (annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate donations, events, sponsorships, etc.).
• Monitors, evaluates, and optimizes resources to meet area revenue goals and KPIs aligned with strategic direction.
• Serves as the primary strategist for the area, aligning area goals with fundraising programs including market, area, and national campaigns.
• Develops and implements innovative strategies to drive growth and ensure achievement of fiscal goals efficiently.
• Provides strategic direction for cultivating and managing relationships with high-wealth donors, volunteers, and corporate partners.
• Expands existing programs and creates new initiatives to maximize total fundraising revenue.
• Builds and sustains a high-performing leadership team.
• Actively recruits, attracts, and retains top talent, ensuring diversity and inclusion across all dimensions.
• Mentors and coaches leaders to foster growth, engagement, and succession planning.
• Models organizational culture pillars and demonstrates servant leadership.
• Oversees all offices within the assigned area, setting strategic direction and expectations.
• Tracks performance, analyzes metrics, and provides recommendations to territory leadership.
• Implements measurable performance indicators to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of fundraising programs.
• Establishes and enforces policies and procedures to improve operational effectiveness.
• Prepares and manages area budgets within established parameters.
• Utilizes strong problem-solving skills to proactively address challenges and develop solutions collaboratively.
• Maintains positive relationships and ongoing communication with board members, donors, third-party organizations, and volunteers.
• Represents ALSAC-St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in a manner that reflects positively on the organization.
• Develops, maintains, and grows a portfolio of principal and major-level donors and partners within the area.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum six years in fundraising with progressive leadership responsibilities, including supervision, budgeting, strategic planning, and organizational development.
• Ability to travel within the assigned region, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Periodic travel to Memphis, TN for enterprise events.
• Proven success in attracting and retaining top talent.
• Strong diplomacy and relationship-building skills with high-wealth individuals and corporate partners.
• Knowledge of philanthropic communities and community development best practices.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity and adapt to unexpected challenges.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• A valid driver's license is required for this role.

Benefits

• Core Medical Coverage: (low cost low deductible Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans)
• 401K Retirement Plan with 7% Employer Contribution
• Exceptional Paid Time Off
• Maternity / Paternity Leave
• Infertility Treatment Program
• Adoption Assistance
• Education Assistance
• Enterprise Learning and Development
• And more