Senior Director, Corporate and Individual Giving

Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused on helping patients with neurological disorders, cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases, through cutting edge translational research (the process of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial contribution to help our patients through efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process.

In 2016, TGen joined forces with the City of Hope to accelerate the speed with which scientists and medical staff convert research discoveries into cures for patients. The alliance is based on a simple premise: City of Hope provides a state-of-the-art clinical setting in which to advance genomic breakthroughs made by TGen. It is a collaboration that plays to the strengths of each organization. City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation, hematologic malignancies, select solid tumors, and diabetes. TGen, meanwhile, is a leader in applying genomic analysis and bioinformatics to cancer drug development. Together, they are transforming the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Raising the philanthropic resources to fuel this leading-edge research, exquisite and compassionate clinical care, and the advancement of biomedical education and training, is a vital component of the TGen/City of Hope model of success. The two philanthropic foundations collaborate on philanthropic goals, and the Chief Development Officer of TGen Foundation reports to the Chief Philanthropy Officer at City of Hope. The shared culture is one of collaboration, accountability, and activation.

The TGen Foundation’s vision, as part of the Office of Philanthropy (OOP) and City of Hope team, is to support this life-saving work by being known institutionally and nationally as a model of excellence among elite fundraising programs. Each member of the OOP is a stakeholder in City of Hope’s work, with personal accountability for their role in building a successful future of delivering new cures, treatments, and education.

As TGen grows and aspires to improve the clinical outcomes of translational research, TGen leadership recognizes the need to develop new models of financial sustainability that include augmentation and diversification of philanthropic revenue streams. To this end, the development team is looking forward to growing with the creation of the Senior Director of Corporate and Individual Giving role.

The Senior Director of Corporate and Individual Giving (SD-CIG) will advance this vision by bringing an institution-wide perspective in contributing to the creation of programs and strategies to drive institutional success. In this strongly self-driven role, the SD-CIG will share responsibility for cultivating and instilling a culture of excellence throughout TGen Foundation and the OOP, as well as creating and perpetuating key processes and programs that support an office-wide focus on collaboration, efficiencies, and metrics-based performance outcomes. The SD-CIG will actively support a donor experience model and work collaboratively across the TGen Foundation-OOP to ensure a positive donor-centric culture. By providing expertise and serving as a leader for key TGen corporate and individual giving efforts, the SDCIG will be a partner in creating our vision of being known institutionally and nationally as a model of excellence among elite fundraising programs. Further, the SD-CIG will work closely with leadership and faculty at TGen to build meaningful relationships with corporate and individual donors, telling the story of TGen’s success in advancing innovative research that leads to treatment developments for complex, rare, and life-threatening diseases while also contributing to community engagement and educational programming.

The SD-CIG will possess five to seven years of experience in corporate relations, development, marketing and communications, or a related field in a non-profit environment. A demonstrated track record of successfully engaging and advancing relationships with local and national corporations, and in securing major gifts from individual donors is required. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to hire, train, manage, mentor, and motivate staff, as well as set priorities to drive the work of the team in maintaining established high standards of productivity and ethics. A proven ability to work with investigators and physicians, as well as foundations that engage in peer-review funding is critical. The SDCIG will have expert organizational, analytical, and project/program management skills, including skills in setting and meeting goals and objectives within budget and time constraints. The successful candidate will possess superb written and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen, and an ability to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies. The successful candidate will ideally have experience working within a complex medical, scientific, or academic development setting. A bachelor’s degree is strongly desired; an advanced degree is preferred; and experience could substitute for degree or subject area requirements. The position is expected to be primarily in-person with some travel required.

Rachel Ellenport is leading the search with Sofia Vargas and Megan Gorman. For more information about this opportunity and the desired qualifications, to submit a nomination, or apply for this position, please see below.


TGen considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with federal law and other state and local requirements. TGen complies with applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws.