Mission

The Lilabean Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research (LBF) invests in finding effective, safe therapies to make a difference in survival and quality of life for children with brain cancer. 

Role

The Executive Director (ED) is a member of a small, dynamic, collaborative team, working closely with the Founder and President to guide LBF’s growth. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the work of the Director of Marketing & Operations and of the organization’s administration. 

The Executive Director is a partner to the Founder & President in LBF’s outreach, public relations, donor cultivation, and fundraising events. The Executive Director is primarily responsible for event management, implementing the strategic plan and foundation operations. 

The Executive Director reports to the Founder & President.

Responsibilities:

Operations Management

Financial management - manage and oversee bookkeeping, financial reporting, budget planning with Founder & President, tax and audit preparation

Manage the Director of Marketing and Operations in the following areas:

• Event operations (golf event, smaller fundraising events and Fall Ball responsibilities)
• Communications (Newsletter and Social media) 
• Database management 
• Ambassador Council (awareness and fundraising)

Manage administrative support 

• Office management
• Storage facility management
• Event database management (event registration)

Fundraising

• Donor identification, facilitate connections, research, meeting preparation, meeting with donors
• Plan and execute high level donor event(s)
• Manage donor prospect list
• Manage fundraising grants process including grant writing and reporting

Events - Gala (Fall Ball)

• Fall Ball sponsorship management
• Fall Ball Committee management - set and lead meetings, help establish and fulfill commitments 
• Fall Ball event logistics management and oversight

Human Resources

• Manage hiring (with Founder & President), payroll, benefits, and personnel related matters

Public Relations & Outreach

• Attend industry events and travel as necessary
• Represent LBF in the pediatric brain cancer community, to donors and media 

Partner with Founder & President

Annual and long-term planning and strategy

Design and execute donor engagement plan

Individual and corporate donor cultivation 

• Help create major gift program and develop major gift opportunities pipeline

Member of the LBF Scientific Advisory Council, the grant making committee

Qualities:

Serve as a true partner to the Founder & President. 

• Engage in give and take as a peer, serving as a thought partner, fundraising partner, and organization leadership partner

Have a passion for LBF's mission and appreciate LBF’s role in the sector as a leader and collaborator with peer organizations and research institutions

Skilled and effective communicator with wide-range of stakeholders including philanthropists, academics, and business leaders

Compassionate communicator with brain cancer families

Self-starter 

Exquisite attention to detail

Able to think strategically, see beyond the immediate and implement strategy

Understand a small-team work culture - all hands on deck, no task too small, can do attitude, and importance of resource allocation 

Experience - Required

• Event planning experience that demonstrates ability to juggle many priorities, attention to details, and managing volunteers to produce a high-quality event
• Comfortable asking for financial donations 
• Proven manager / administrator of day to day operations
• Experience in fundraising, marketing
• Understanding of and connection to DMV social, business, and other communities
• Experience and comfort in financial management (Quickbooks, working with accountant)
• Excellent written and spoken communications (content creation, attention to tone, proof-reading)
• Proven experience developing and implementing multi-year organizational plan

Experience - Desired

• Major gifts and family foundation experience are a bonus
• Public speaking representing an organization or cause 

 

Compensation: $130,000, paid vacation, flexible work schedule 

The salary for this position is determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, qualifications, skill level, and location. The final salary offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s background and the specific demands of the role. 

Please click Apply Here below to complete the application and submit a cover letter and resume by September 30, 2025. Inquiries may be sent to application@lilabeanfoundation.com.