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• Executive Director

  Mersky, Jaffe & Associates, a national executive search and consulting firm, has been engaged to conduct a search for an Executive Director of the Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF).
  
  ICRF was founded in 1975 by a group of American and Canadian medical researchers, oncologists, and lay people who were committed to the growth and development of Israel as a leading center for cancer research. These visionaries were determined to harness Israel's educational and scientific resources in the fight against cancer, while stemming the "brain drain" of Israel's best and brightest scientists. Their solution: providing funds for the most promising cancer research conducted in Israel with particular emphasis on supporting young Israeli M.D.’s and Ph. D.’s in the early stages of their careers.
  
  Their solution worked. It has led to a record number of achievements by ICRF funded scientists. Israeli cancer research continues to expand, led in large part by scientists currently and formerly supported by ICRF. The medical breakthroughs by ICRF-supported scientists have influenced cancer research around the world. ICRF now has operating chapters in six cities in three countries—the United States, Canada and Israel—with its international headquarters in New York City.
  
  Two ICRF-supported scientists (Professors Avram Hershko and Aaron Ciechanover of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology) received the 2004 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This represents the kind of news that the founders of ICRF dreamed about in 1975 -- an extraordinary achievement for ICRF-funded scientists, for ICRF and for the State of Israel by any measure.
  
  To participate in the further growth of ICRF, the organization is now seeking an Executive Director, the chief professional officer of ICRF. The Executive Director reports to the Executive Committee of the International Board of Trustees and is responsible for directing and managing the operations and activities of the New York office. In addition to the management of the New York office operations, the Executive Director also oversees the professionals serving ICRF Chapter offices in consultation with the local Chapter Boards and coordinates the overall operations of ICRF.
  
  A primary responsibility of the Executive Director is to develop and execute a strategy to increase significantly ICRF's fund raising capability as well as raise its profile and visibility to help ICRF achieve its mission. The Executive Director works closely with board members, current donors and other ICRF professionals, both in New York, and at each ICRF Chapter, to prospect, cultivate, steward and solicit new donors. He works with donors and potential donors to identify and understand donor interests and develop opportunities to facilitate their support of ICRF's mission and work.
  
  Current annual revenue for ICRF’s mission to support cancer research by Israeli scientists, is $3 million. The near-term objectives are to define its brand profile more clearly, and significantly raise visibility and fund raising capability to achieve that mission.  It is anticipated that 2010 revenue would represent a significant increase from current levels and would position the ICRF to more than double its income in the shortest period of time.
  
  Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership and management direction for the New York and Chapter offices.
  • Directly supervise all New York-based staff, and provide top-level supervision and guidance to direct reports at the Chapter level. Evaluate staff roles and duties to determine and set appropriate positions and responsibilities. Work with staff to set annual team and individual goals. Monitor and evaluate individual staff performance.
  • Develop and execute overall fund raising strategy, in coordination with Chapter professionals, to increase ICRF's fundraising success. Work with appropriate lay leaders to identify new opportunities and strategies to increase funds raised by ICRF and the success of special events.
  • Work closely with board and volunteer leadership to retain existing donors and increase the commitment and engagement of those donors.
  • Utilize current contacts, donor research and the resources and contacts of the board, volunteer leadership and current donors to identify, cultivate and solicit potential new major donors.
  • Actively collaborate with lay leadership to identify and develop new volunteer leadership and future board members.
  • Coordinate with the Directors of the ICRF Chapters to improve organizational efficiency, share resources, create materials and brochures for fund raising and increased profile and visibility purposes.
  • Maintain relationships with grant recipients and donors in Israel through periodic visits.
  • Ensure proper office operations, communications, and donor acknowledgements and database management.
  • Create annual budget for the New York office and present to the Executive Committee for approval. Regularly monitor budget to maintain proper and responsible fiscal management of ICRF.
  • Supervise preparations for annual scientific review meeting and grant process.
  • Attend meetings of the Executive Committee and International Board of Trustees and provide periodic progress reports on organizational goals and objectives.
  • Perform such other responsibilities and duties as may be assigned by the Executive Committee of the International Board of Trustees, from time to time, which are consistent with the position of Executive Director.

  The successful candidate will have:

  • a minimum of ten years of experience in non-profit fundraising, including experience as a senior manager and one-on-one solicitation;
  • a  minimum of five years experience in supervising a staff of five or more individuals;
  • experience with fundraising for research or science-based institutions and Jewish philanthropic organizations.
  • a proven track record in the solicitation and closing of gifts at the six-figure level and higher. Prior experience in and knowledge of contemporary fund raising strategies such as Moves Management.
  • experience with all development vehicles so as to comfortably engage potential donors in discussions about major and planned gifts to ICRF.
  • .computer literacy, with ability to implement, with consultation if needed, organization wide, standardized computerized records.  Familiarity with websites and website-based fund raising programs.
  • a demonstrated ability to work, and the potential to lead, in a highly collegial manner within a complex, national and international organizational culture.
  • a passion for the work of ICRF and the ability to effectively translate that to prospects and donors.
  • a demonstrated understanding of the Jewish philanthropic community.
  • be a self-starter with the confidence to express opinions, forge ahead when appropriate and hold back when necessary, with sensitivity to the feelings and opinions of others.
  • the ability to travel and work evenings and weekends
  • high integrity, and be a good listener and a proactive communicator, with a charismatic and energetic demeanor of personal engagement and the ability to persuade.
  • adaptability and a sense of humor are considered assets.
  • a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is required. A graduate degree is preferred.

If you, or anyone you know, might be a suitable candidate for this unique position, please forward the person’s name, cover letter, resume and contact information to Lori Fainblatt Fodale at lori@merskyjaffe.com.

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