LEADERSHIP PROFILE Vice President of Development and Membership Research!America Alexandria, Virginia Making research to improve health a higher national priority. --Mission of Research!America THE OPPORTUNITY Research!America is the nation s largest nonprofit public education and advocacy alliance working to accelerate medical progress and strengthen our nation s public health system. A highly respected force, with over 400 member organizations representing 125 million Americans, Research!America provides a collective, impactful voice in the public sphere and on Capitol Hill. This is a time of momentum for Research!America. The dynamic, fastmoving organization played a pivotal role in securing House passage of the game-changing 21 st Century Cures Act and launched a highly visible advocacy campaign to help secure more funding flexibility in the fiscal year 2016 federal budget. In addition to commissioning new public opinion polling, part of a longstanding commitment to gauging public opinion and sentiment in regard to research and innovation, Research!America is undertaking major research and messaging initiatives aimed at securing a lasting change in the priority our nation assigns to medical and scientific progress. Research!America recently completed a $1.2 million major donor campaign and has grown its annual Advocacy Awards dinner to a $1 million event. The new VP of Development and Membership will play an integral, mission-critical role, leading resource development of all kinds and advancing Research!America s mission. The VP will partner with the CEO, an engaged Board of Directors, and colleagues to galvanize the development team and
Page 2 of 6 approach, applying fundraising and membership best practices, strategy, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. The VP has a compelling opportunity: to take resource acquisition to the next level, enabling Research!America to make an even greater difference advancing medical, health and scientific progress. Under the VP s leadership, Research!America will achieve sustainable increases in private support, membership and earned revenues over the next several years. The Vice President of Development and Membership will: Lead a vibrant, proactive and innovative team that grows the organization. Broaden, deepen and diversify Research!America s base of donors and level of philanthropic support. Advance the value of membership, and of revenue-generating member services. Continue to enhance and elevate the annual Advocacy Awards Dinner. Launch and lead innovative growth initiatives. THE ORGANIZATION Research!America is America s leading, largest alliance advocating for research to improve health. Founded in 1989, the innovative $3.6 million organization partners with 400+ member organizations to increase federal funding for research and advance other public policy imperatives that fuel faster medical progress and strengthen our nation s public health system. Research!America serves as an independent, nonpartisan resource for policy makers, the media and the public on research funding, federal policy, FDA regulatory reform, and other relevant policy issues. With an influential Board of Directors and a diversity of members, partners and allies, Research!America is a dynamic voice and force for progress. The organization convenes must-attend Capitol Hill briefings, national health research forums and regional research policy forums. It conducts public opinion polling and develops innovative resources to support grassroots advocacy initiatives. Research!America facilitates science advocacy by helping scientists effectively communicate about their work with policymakers and the public. Through award-winning Op-Eds and think pieces, media interviews and social media, the organization shines a light on important issues and galvanizes people to make a difference.
Page 3 of 6 To elevate medical research and innovation as a national priority during the election season, Research!America has launched Campaign for Cures, a voter education initiative focused on making research for health part of the national conversation. Through strategic grassroots activities, communications initiatives and partnerships with preeminent voter education groups, the campaign will raise awareness about the importance of sustaining medical progress and galvanize research advocates to ensure their voices are prominent in the 2016 election. The Hon. John Edward Porter, who served in the House of Representatives for two decades, chairs the Research!America Board, whose 33 members are engaged and philanthropically supportive. CEO Mary Woolley, a highly regarded thought leader and policy expert, has led the organization since 1990. The senior management team is strong, cohesive, committed and collaborative. Research!America s members include academic, hospital and independent research organizations; business and industry; patient advocacy organizations and other nonprofits; trade associations and coalitions; professional and scientific societies; state and local organizations; foundations and philanthropic entities; international societies; and individual members. Funding for the $3.6 million organization comes from membership dues, event income, individual and corporate donors, restricted program grants and other sources. Almost 80% of resources support programs. For more about Research!America, go to www.researchamerica.org.
Page 4 of 6 THE RESPONSIBILITIES The VP of Development and Membership will help shape the future of Research!America. Reporting to the CEO, the VP will be an engaged and compelling leader who brings passion for this mission and significant relevant senior experience in fundraising and membership. The Vice President will: 1. Provide leadership, vision and strategy for growth. The VP will be a dynamic, big-picture professional with a track record of increasing resources. The VP will be strategic, innovative and inspiring, but also a hands-on practitioner and implementer. She or he will partner well with a strong CEO and Board, and with colleagues, donors and volunteers. 2. Grow private support. The VP will have led growth in contexts relevant to Research!America. She or he will bring expertise in all areas of fundraising, with special strengths in relational major gift fundraising and high-profile events. The VP will excel at building relationships, and be connected and a natural connector. The VP will be a persuasive frontline fundraiser and storyteller, inspiring people to support the mission. 3. Elevate member attraction, participation and value proposition. The VP will have experience with membership and member services, and be innovative in conceptualizing ways to engage members and provide perceived high value. Through strategic leadership of member appeals and services, the VP will elevate member engagement, appreciation for the value of membership, and financial investment. 4. Be a compelling external representative. The VP will be a credible, compelling representative of Research!America and the mission, and a passionate, engaging presenter. The VP will expand Research!America s base of support through frontline fundraising, strategic systems and new initiatives, presentations, written communications and social media. 5. Manage and develop the department and staff. The VP will manage the department well, applying people and business management acumen including budgeting skills and ROI analysis. The VP will relish developing talent, building a team and creating an environment of collaboration and high standards. She or he will be an outstanding strategist, a collaborative peer leader and a hands-on mentor and player-coach for staff. We increase public and policymaker awareness of the health and economic benefits of medical research and build a strong base of citizen support for more research and innovation. - Research!America
Page 5 of 6 PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS The Vice President will be a seasoned frontline development and membership pro with significant success in relevant contexts. Entrepreneurial, resourceful and goal oriented, the VP will understand health and scientific discovery and be exceptionally good at communicating the need, as well as Research!America s aspirations and impact. The VP will bring skills across the development spectrum, as well as membership experience. Passion for Research!America s mission, and a collaborative, can-do spirit, are essential. The VP will have personal assets that include: High integrity, intellect and emotional intelligence. Outstanding interpersonal, listening and relational skills, and a sense of humor. High energy, creativity, and the ability to roll up the sleeves. Ability to manage multiple complex projects with diplomacy, tenacity, patience and a drive for results. A collaborative, team-based work approach that prioritizes the team and mission over individual egos and agendas. The capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment, to adapt and produce quality work under pressure. Personal and professional confidence born of authentic ability. Superior written and verbal communications skills. THE RELATIONSHIPS The VP for Development and Membership reports to the CEO and is part of a collaborative senior management team. The VP manages a team of several professionals in development and membership roles. Key relationships are with peer colleagues (EVP/Chief Operating Officer, VP of Policy and Programs, VP of Communications), Board members, Research!America members, donors and volunteers, legislators and community leaders, philanthropic leaders, partners, peer organization leaders and outside consultants.
Page 6 of 6 THE LOCATION The is currently based at Research!America s offices in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization will be relocating to the Crystal City section of Arlington, Virginia in June 2016. A short Metro ride from central Washington, DC, Crystal City is home to numerous businesses, trade and government-related organizations, associations and nonprofits. Research!America is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and a diverse slate of compelling candidates is actively being sought. For potential consideration or to suggest a prospect, please email ResearchAmerica@BoardWalkConsulting.com or call Kathy Bremer or Laura DiBacco at 404-BoardWalk (404-262-7392). For the current status of this and other searches, please visit www.boardwalkconsulting.com