Executive Search
Vice President of Development
Client Overview
Our client, LUNGevity Foundation, is seeking a Vice President of Development. LUNGevity
moves forward firmly resolved to provide the energy, inspiration, and resources that are critical
to making lung cancer a national priority. LUNGevity is a responsible steward of all donations,
spending them wisely to achieve the organization’s goal to Stop Lung Cancer Now. LUNGevity
Foundation is firmly committed to making an immediate impact on increasing quality-of-life
and survivorship of people with lung cancer by accelerating research into early detection and
more effective treatments, as well as providing community, support and education for all those
affected by the disease.
In order to accomplish its mission, LUNGevity funds the most promising research into the early
detection and successful treatment of lung cancer. LUNGevity also supports the largest national
grassroots lung cancer network, as well as the largest online support community for those
affected by lung cancer.
LUNGevity’s vision is a world where no one dies of lung cancer – a world that LUNGevity helped
to create by bringing together world-class scientific minds, passionate advocates, and an
efficient and effective organization. LUNGevity’s vision is to unite the country in one movement
to end lung cancer now.
LUNGevity Foundation’s budget is currently in the $6.4 million range. The organization is
governed by a thirteen-member Board of Directors that brings expertise in law, finance,
marketing and communications, organizational best practices, and strategic planning to its
governance activities. An 18-member volunteer Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) advises the
organization on the best strategic direction for LUNGevity’s research investments. The SAB also
guides the Foundation on key issues within the early detection and therapeutic arenas.
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LUNGevity | Vice President of Development
LUNGevity’s professional staff numbers 24, including six development professionals. For more
information, please visit www.lungevity.org.
Vice President of Development
Reporting directly to the President of LUNGevity Foundation, the Vice President of
Development is part of the senior management team that drives the overall strategy for the
organization and represents LUNGevity Foundation on a local, regional, and national basis. In
partnership with the President, this position is responsible for all fundraising and development
activities. The successful candidate will help forge new relationships to build LUNGevity’s
visibility, impact, and financial resources. The Vice President of Development also will design
and implement a comprehensive plan for developing key external alliances by cultivating
individual and philanthropic support.
The Vice President of Development will have primary responsibility for establishing and
implementing the vision and strategy needed to grow a $6.4MM budget through the
solicitation of major gifts, special events, and corporate and foundation support. He or she will
expand and diversify LUNGevity’s donor base/pipeline and work closely with other team
members to secure funding for new initiatives. In addition, the Vice President of Development
will work closely with the Board of Directors and support Board members as they take on a
more active fundraising role.
It is expected that the amount raised by LUNGevity Foundation will increase in future years as
the Vice President of Development systematically and effectively strengthens the organization's
overall fundraising capacity. The position is based in the Bethesda, MD office.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Under the broad direction of the President of LUNGevity Foundation, the Vice President of
Development will:
 Develop, cultivate, and successfully solicit major gifts from individuals and a portfolio of
corporate donors that generates new revenue.
 Support and partner with the President and board members on all major fundraising
initiatives.
 Collaborate with the Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement LUNGevity’s
financial strategy.
 Actively work with the President and senior staff to develop and implement a
comprehensive development strategy to include sources of funding (individuals,
corporations, foundations, government grants, etc.).
 Manage the development and execution of all proposals; ensure that all proposals are
written and archived with a long-term relationship-management approach.
 Oversee research funding sources and trends, with foresight, to help position LUNGevity
ahead of major funding changes or trends.
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LUNGevity | Vice President of Development
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Monitor all donor information; provide and present statistical analysis to board and
senior leaders.
Develop and implement a stewardship program aimed at cultivating deeper ties with
donors.
Monitor and report regularly on the progress of the development program.
Identify, develop, and mentor the development team.
Qualifications and Desired Characteristics
At a minimum, qualified candidates will present the following:
 Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred.
 CFRE or ACFRE designation a plus.
 Ten-plus years of professional development experience in a nonprofit organization.
 Demonstrated success in a development function (managing and forging relationships
with multiple donor sources).
 Tangible experience of having expanded and cultivated existing donor relationships over
time.
 Excellent communication skills, both written and oral – ability to influence and engage a
wide range of donors and build long-term relationships.
 Demonstrated strong management skills.
 Flexible and adaptable style – a leader who can positively impact both strategic and
tactical fundraising initiatives.
 Ability to work both independently without close oversight but also a team player who
will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside
LUNGevity.
 High energy and passion for LUNGevity Foundation’s mission is essential.
 Ability to construct, articulate, and implement an annual strategic development plan.
 Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
 Customer focus.
 Superior verbal and written communication skills.
 A professional and resourceful style – the ability to work independently and as a team
player, to take initiative, and to manage multiple tasks and projects at a time.
Compensation, Availability, and Benefits
A competitive compensation package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate. The
position is full-time and available immediately.
LUNGevity is an equal opportunity | affirmative action employer and is committed to inclusion
and cultural diversity in the workplace.
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LUNGevity | Vice President of Development
For more information, please contact:
David Martin
Managing Partner
lungevity@smartinsearch.com
202.327.5485
Ron Some
Client Partner
lungevity@smartinsearch.com
510.469.8691
1025 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1000 · Washington, DC 20036
www.smartinsearch.com
Sterling Martin Associates is an executive search firm with locations in Washington, DC, New
York, NY, San Francisco, Ca, and Irvine, CA.
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LUNGevity | Vice President of Development