The Opportunity
The West Virginia University Foundation is searching for a skilled and highly motivated development professional to assist in its endeavors and take on the role of Executive Director of Development for the WVU Cancer Institute. This position is ideally suited for a forward-looking, imaginative, and dynamic fundraiser keen on guiding a growing team as they commence a significant building campaign.
The WVU Cancer Institute is deeply committed to providing advanced, innovative, and compassionate cancer care. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combines leading-edge technology with groundbreaking research, the Institute offers personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient. The success of pioneering programs such as the LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit and Bonnie's Bus-which brings lifesaving mammography services to underserved communities-demonstrates the Institute's leadership in both innovation and outreach. These programs have become national models, highlighting the WVU Cancer Institute's mission to make high-quality care accessible to all.
As Executive Director of Development, the successful candidate will join a team of motivated, passionate, and highly experienced fundraising professionals. This team has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to WVU and its regional mission of advancing education and healthcare. Many of the fundraising professionals have long tenures at the University. The incoming Executive Director will be welcomed into a collaborative and knowledgeable group dedicated to maximizing the philanthropic potential of the Institute and making a tangible difference in cancer care.
The WVU Foundation's fundraising team has a proven track record of success, and the Executive Director will benefit from this strong foundation while helping the team achieve new heights. Additionally, the role will work alongside Jamie Cooper Moales, MA, CFRE, the newly appointed Associate Vice President of Medical Development, Clinical Programs. Jamie, with nearly two decades of experience in healthcare and academic medical fundraising, adds fresh leadership to an already dynamic and mission-driven team.
Recognizing the necessity to mitigate further the impact of cancer in West Virginia, the WVU Health System is vigorously investing in cancer treatment, research, and education to secure the state's first National Cancer Institute designation. Recently, the state allocated $50 million to support this ambitious objective, with the next goal being to construct a new cancer center.
The broader WVU Medicine health system, encompassing 24 hospitals across four states-West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio-maintains a family-like atmosphere despite its expansion. Employees across the three entities-the WVU Cancer Institute, WVU Medicine, and the WVU Foundation-are collectively committed to providing the highest quality of care for communities in the heart of Mountaineer Country.
Located in Morgantown, the flagship site of the WVU Cancer Institute is nestled in a growing community that retains a small-town ambiance while being close to major urban centers. Morgantown houses around 30,000 permanent residents and approximately 24,000 WVU students during the academic year. Major cities such as Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Washington, D.C., are within a manageable driving distance. Moreover, West Virginia boasts unparalleled natural beauty, offering numerous opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, whitewater rafting, camping, and sightseeing, all within the state's backyard.
This ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree and 7-10 years of direct fundraising experience, with a preference for previous work in an academic medical center or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Healthcare philanthropy experience is preferred, but those with diverse fundraising leadership backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Position Summary
The Executive Director of Development is the Chief Development Officer for the WVU Cancer Institute (WVUCI) and a key fundraiser for the WVU Foundation in the Medical and Health Sciences Office of Philanthropy.
As the Chief Development Officer, this position exerts strategic leadership in engaging high-potential prospects and volunteers to support the Cancer Institute’s priority funding objectives. WVUCI is the region's most comprehensive cancer treatment, research, and education facility. Priority objectives include offering a multidisciplinary approach and state-of-the-art treatment options, access to current clinical trials, a variety of education and prevention outreach programs, and some of the top medical researchers in the country. The WVUCI is striving to become an NCI-Designated Cancer Center.
Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President of Medical and Health Sciences Development, the Executive Director will lead a comprehensive, integrated development program to an unparalleled level of accomplishment in support of the WVU Cancer Institute’s mission. The Executive Director will lead a team of three dedicated professionals and represent the WVU Cancer Institute in various venues and activities. This position will have a strong working partnership with the Director and leadership of the Cancer Institute and other members of the Hospital leadership team.
The Medical and Health Sciences Office of Philanthropy and the West Virginia University Foundation's central office provide key support in prospect management, communications, donor engagement, corporation and foundation relations, annual giving, planned giving, and regional major gifts.
Responsibilities and Objectives
WVU Foundation - Executive DoD, WVU CI - Job Description (PDF Download)
