The University of Cincinnati Foundation seeks an accomplished, strategic advancement leader to serve as the Executive Director of Development for the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. This role presents a significant opportunity to advance philanthropy in support of a rapidly growing academic cancer enterprise dedicated to research, education, and patient-centered care across the University of Cincinnati’s Academic Health Enterprise.
The University of Cincinnati Foundation is the philanthropic and alumni engagement partner for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health and, following the successful conclusion of the Next, Now campaign, ranks among the nation’s leading public university advancement organizations.
Established in 2020, the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center is the region’s only academic cancer program and serves as a unified enterprise aligning cancer-related research, clinical care, and education across UC, UC Health, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. This integrated model supports multidisciplinary collaboration, accelerates the translation of discovery into clinical impact, and strengthens access to advanced therapies and clinical trials for patients across the region.
The Cancer Center is advancing an ambitious agenda focused on expanding translational research, growing its clinical trials enterprise, recruiting and retaining exceptional physician-scientists, enhancing patient-centered care models, and progressing toward National Cancer Institute designation. Philanthropy plays a critical role in enabling these priorities by providing flexible resources that support innovation, early-stage research, clinical infrastructure, and comprehensive survivorship programs.
The Executive Director of Development will serve as the principal advancement partner for Cancer Center’s leadership, faculty, and key stakeholders. Reporting to the Vice President for Development, Academic Health Enterprise, this leader is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive major and principal gifts strategy, personally managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors, and leading a team of development professionals dedicated to advancing cancer philanthropy.
Working in close collaboration with colleagues across the University of Cincinnati Foundation—including prospect development, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, and stewardship—the Executive Director will translate institutional and clinical priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities with transformational potential. As the Cancer Center builds its early momentum and continues to grow in scale and national visibility, this leader will play a central role in sustaining philanthropic success and positioning the enterprise for its next phase of advancement.
The ideal candidate will bring significant experience securing major gifts at the $100,000 level and above, a strong track record of collaboration with senior academic and clinical leaders, and a clear understanding of the role philanthropy plays in advancing complex academic health missions. The successful Executive Director will be a strategic thinker, trusted partner, and visible ambassador who is deeply committed to advancing the mission and impact of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center.
Expressions of interest, nominations, and applications are welcome and can be made via the WittKieffer Candidate Portal by using the buttons below. The Candidate Portal is a secure, easy way to nominate a colleague, express interest, or apply for a position. If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Ashley Buderus, Mercedes Vance, and Jess Cummings, preferably via email at [email protected].
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