Executive Director, Cancer Development

Yale School of Medicine (YSM) is one of the world’s leading centers for biomedical research, advanced clinical care, and medical education. It ranks third among medical schools receiving funds from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and fourth in NIH dollars per faculty member. Yale Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer center for over 45 years, stands at the forefront of cancer research and care. Together, the Yale Cancer Center and the Smilow Cancer Hospital, are home to esteemed scientists and physicians, enabling cutting-edge approaches in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Under the leadership of Dr. Eric Winer, Director of the Yale Cancer Center and Physician-in-Chief of Smilow Cancer Network, the institutions are together poised for a transformative future.

Philanthropy will play a critical role in securing that future, and to that end, Yale seeks a sophisticated, mission-driven, and deeply experienced development leader to serve as the executive director of cancer development (ED). The ED will lead a comprehensive fundraising program and cultivate and steward a portfolio of dedicated donors who share the vision of a cancer-free world. The funds raised will fuel groundbreaking research, clinical trials, and advancements in cancer treatments, ultimately saving lives and enhancing the patient experience. As Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center solidify their position as leading institutions in cancer care and research, the ED will have the opportunity to strengthen the fundraising team and expand the overall fundraising operation, ensuring continued success in achieving its mission.

Jointly reporting to Dr. Winer and the assistant vice president of individual giving at YSM, the ED will build and supervise a team of fundraisers and oversee philanthropic efforts at both the Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital, aligning their work with the vision set by the director. The ED will participate in strategic planning, ensuring that fundraising efforts align with the center's strategic priorities. They will bring sophisticated development expertise, employing philanthropic and stewardship strategies to engage grateful patients, friends, and alumni in supporting the center's research, teaching, and clinical programs. This individual must also inspire trust, foster collaboration, and advocate for staff while serving as a thought leader in fundraising.

The ideal candidate has at least ten years of relevant development experience in a complex educational setting, including comfort with and prior leadership in a medical or research environment. Also crucial to success will be strong managerial, strategic planning, and motivational skills; a track record of success growing fundraising programs, partnering with development colleagues, and personally securing significant gifts; the aptitude and desire to build bridges and strong collaborative relationships across a highly complex matrixed university and health system environment; and the exceptional interpersonal skills required to effectively engage key academic and administrative leaders in the fundraising process. A bachelor’s degree is required.

Jack Gorman is leading this search with Grace Zakim and Lisa Clayton.