The Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation (HEEF) is committed to gastrointestinal (GI) cancer research and providing real estate education opportunities to graduate, undergraduate, and high school students. HEEF aims to advance cancer medicine and increase survivorship by fighting GI cancers in partnership with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Since 2001, HEEF has committed over $3 million to advancing GI cancer research and patient care and has awarded over $400,000 in scholarships, impacting thousands of students.
HEEF seeks a visionary leader to guide the Foundation as its third Executive Director. This highly motivated individual will advance the mission of the Foundation by managing and growing a $1M annual fundraising program. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and supervises a Director of Development, Program and Event Associate, and Office Coordinator. The ideal candidate is an established professional with a minimum of 10 years of leadership experience.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Foundation, including all programs, events, staff, initiatives, board communications, and annual budget preparation.
- Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Board of Directors, engaging board members in the Foundation's work.
- Oversee all Foundation communications, community outreach efforts, marketing and messaging development, and online presence.
- Work in partnership with the Director of Development to cultivate relationships with donors who prioritize cancer research and real estate education.
- Utilize the Foundation's special events programming, board meetings, and key initiatives as opportunities to build and strengthen strategic relationships.
- Partner with the Board of Directors to draft and implement a strategic plan for long-term sustainability and growth.
- Serve as the chief public advocate and spokesperson for HEEF.
Qualifications & Skills
- Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree in related field preferred.
- 10+ years of experience working with foundations, nonprofit organizations, or public sector institutions.
- Ability to motivate board members and volunteers to cultivate, steward, and solicit donors.
- Experience managing multiple boards, committees, volunteers, events, and educational programs.
- Experience and comfort working with high-level donors, medical, real estate, and business leaders.
- Knowledge of the Chicago philanthropic community; familiarity with the real estate and/or healthcare sector a plus.
- Passion for HEEF's mission and ability to promote and communicate the mission to stakeholders.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and proven ability to manage and motivate teams.
- Goal-oriented and strategic with strong multi-tasking and follow-through skills.
- High level of comfort working with data and business technology.