Director, Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), located in Rolling Meadows, IL, seeks a fundraising professional to serve as Director, Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation, a 501c3 organization dedicated to providing education to neurosurgeons at all stages of their careers, as well as funding research into new and existing neurosurgical treatments, in order to identify links between best practices and improved outcomes in patient care.

The Director works with the NREF Board of Directors and the AANS Executive Director to develop and direct strategy to advance the Foundation’s mission. This individual is responsible for all fundraising activities including strategic and tactical plans, annual campaign, stewardship of existing donors, and cultivation of new prospects and insuring budgeted goals are achieved.  The Foundation of has a $3million budget and $10 million in assets.  Candidate chosen will work with the Board to establish annual fundraising goals.

Specific duties of the Director include:

1. Work with the NREF Board of Directors to establish and maintain strategic direction, aligned with AANS’ education and research goals.
2. Work with the NREF Board of Directors and AANS senior management to create and implement fundraising and development strategies consistent with the Foundation’s goals and revenue objectives.
3. Develop and expand the NREF donor base through annual and ad hoc appeals to AANS members, foundations, corporations, affiliated neurosurgery organizations, interested individuals and the general public.
4. Identify and assess NREF’s short-term and long-term funding goals and develop specific objectives to achieve those goals, including building sustainable relationships.
5. Create and direct all fundraising and development opportunities, such as honor/memorials, major individual donor programs (Cushing Circle), corporate giving/recognition programs, events/fundraisers, and planned giving programs.
6. Research, contact, and steward relationships with funding sources for NREF’s needs including but not limited to corporate partners, individuals, groups, foundations, etc.
7. Direct the collaborative effort to meet the corporate funding needs of all related AANS and NPA functions; develop and implement a coordinated, integrated development strategy.
8. Manage a comprehensive tracking/profiling system of each corporate/group’s total financial contributions for prospect/donor relations that is integrated with AANS’ company profiling and prospecting.
9. Annually reassess, coordinate, and achieve the goals of the corporate giving program.
10. Prepare specific campaigns, including strategies, materials, proposals, acknowledgment process, etc., to increase overall support. Direct promotional plans for all fundraising and development activities.
11. Develop annual budgets and routinely monitor to ensure that programs meet revenue and expense goals.
12. Provide administrative support for assigned committees and attend committee meetings as needed.
13. Represent the NREF/AANS/NPA at meetings, conferences and courses when required.
14. Participate in other daily administrative and support functions, including responding to telephone calls and requests and other general administrative tasks.
15. Performs other job-related duties, as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises and mentors two (2) direct reports, providing guidance and direction to ensure that projects are prioritized appropriately, and tracking toward goals and deadlines. Develops staff to enhance their skills and assists them with reaching their potential as specialists in their field.