Description

The rise in breast cancer, particularly among younger people, is a cause for deep concern. One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and the racial disparities in death rates is significant. 

In Connecticut, nearly 4,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone. The state has the second highest breast cancer rate in the nation, and it remains the second highest cause of cancer deaths in Connecticut women.

Fortunately, with advances in detection and treatment, the survival rate is improving. Robust education programs and research are critical to making medical advances, saving lives, and finding a cure.

The Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CT BHI) is a 23-year-old statewide organization whose mission is to make a difference locally in the fight against breast cancer through education and research.

With the support of dedicated, mission-driven volunteers and donors, CT BHI has awarded millions to invest in these life-changing, life-saving programs. 

CT BHI supports innovation and prioritizes programs that have not yet qualified for federal grants. Early financial support helps researchers collect initial data and prove a concept, which can then lead to larger funding opportunities. Research is revolutionizing our understanding of breast cancer; the research of today will save lives tomorrow.

Since its inception in 2004, CT BHI has awarded $4.9 million in 119 grants to Connecticut’s leading institutions. Every dollar raised has stayed right here in Connecticut to support research breakthroughs, education programs, and the enhancement of survivor quality of life.

THE ROLE

CT BHI seeks a passionate, talented Executive Director to build upon two decades of success and guide the organization into its next chapter.

The Executive Director will hold overall fundraising and operational responsibility for CT BHI’s achievement of its mission, growth, and sustainability. The Executive closely collaborate with board members and volunteers and manage a small team of staff and consultants.

The next leader will bring substantial experience in fundraising and a proven track record in developing relationships with donors and corporate sponsors, nurturing existing relationships, and cultivating new funding sources.

The Executive Director will be an exceptional communicator with a talent for inspiring audiences, enhancing an organization’s profile, and sharing the stories of those impacted by breast cancer and the innovative work of our Connecticut researchers.

The Executive Director will possess exceptional interpersonal skills and will be adept at forging authentic relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and understands how to manage a volunteer-driven organization.

The Executive Director will further professionalize the organization by developing and implementing systems, processes, and procedures for grant administration, fundraising, finances, and human resources.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, dynamic leader and exceptional fundraiser who inspires audiences and values relationships. The Executive Director brings a command of nonprofit fundraising, is a skilled communicator, and has a passion for finding a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Vision

• Provide the overall strategic direction for the organization
• Voice a clear, compelling vision for the organization that galvanizes donors, volunteers, and community members
• Embody a passion for CT BHI’s mission

Fundraising

• Lead CT BHI’s fundraising to grow the organization's capacity and sustainability
• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan that diversifies funding sources, including exploring new geographies
• Build new and expand existing relationships and create engagement opportunities with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations
• Responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising events in collaboration with volunteers and staff
• Inspire confidence in CT BHI’s work and create a network of committed, engaged supporters

Communications and External Affairs

• Raise the profile of CT BHI and the importance of funding breast cancer education and research
• Oversee communications and marketing strategies to drive effective, compelling messaging for media and public engagement
• Build partnerships and relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including volunteers, community members impacted by breast cancer, business leaders, donors, community partners, advocates, universities, hospitals, and research community.

Organizational and People Management

• Manage and support a dedicated base of volunteers; supervise part-time staff and vendors
• Develop, support, and collaborate with the Board of Directors; seek and build board engagement with strategy, governance, financial oversight, and resource development
• Oversee the financial management of the organization, ensuring CT BHI is financially sound
• Develop and oversee the organization's internal operations, policies, and procedures
• Promote collaboration amongst all parts of the organization, including fostering open communication and building a culture of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity

LOCATION

This position is based in New Britain, CT. The Executive Director should expect to travel throughout the state as necessary.

Requirements

CT BHI recognizes that the Executive Director could bring various experiences and backgrounds to the role. We are seeking candidates who will bring a majority of the following to the role:

• A passion for CT BHI’s mission
• Proven, enthusiastic fundraiser with 7+ years of experience; nonprofit experience strongly preferred
• Ability to provide visionary and aspirational leadership to advance the mission of CT BHI
• Outstanding communications skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and serve as the face of the organization
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with an impressive history of forging authentic relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborative, inclusive leader who values a diversity of ideas and voices
• Excellent people manager who supports and empowers volunteers and staff
• Financial management experience, including developing, managing, and monitoring an annual budget that aligns with organizational goals
• Organizational management skills with the ability to develop and implement systems, policies, and procedures
• Organized and solutions-oriented with strong project management skills
• Self-sufficient and resourceful leader who understands the opportunities and challenges of working in a nonprofit
• Ability to develop, support, and collaborate with an active Board of Directors

CT Breast Health Initiative is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a healthy and inclusive environment for our workplace and community.