Executive Director of Business Development

Position: Executive Director of Business Development Organization: Northwest Sarcoma Foundation – A Regional Rare Cancer Foundation Location: Seattle Washington, covering Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska Type: Full-Time, Exempt Reports To: Board of DirectorsCompensation: $95,000 – $125,000 base salary (commensurate with experience) + performance-based incentivesOrganization

Overview

Northwest Sarcoma Foundation is a small, regional nonprofit dedicated to supporting patients and families affected by Sarcoma. We provide patient navigation, financial assistance, education, and advocacy while funding critical research into understudied rare malignancies.

As a lean organization operating in the Northwest, we rely heavily on strategic partnerships, major donors, corporate sponsors, and grant funding to sustain and expand our impact.

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Business Development is a senior leadership role responsible for driving sustainable revenue growth and strategic partnerships for the foundation. This position will lead all fundraising, business development, and external relationship efforts, with a strong focus on major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and collaborative partnerships.

This is a high-impact "builder" role suited for someone who thrives in a small, mission-driven organization where they will directly influence growth and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Revenue Generation & Fundraising (50%)
• Develop and execute a comprehensive business development and fundraising strategy targeting $.5M–$1M+ in annual revenue.
• Cultivate and steward major individual donors, family foundations, and high-net-worth prospects.
• Lead corporate sponsorship programs, cause-marketing campaigns, and strategic business partnerships.
• Identify, write, and manage government, foundation, and corporate grants.
• Oversee annual giving, special events, and planned giving initiatives.
• Strategic Partnerships & Business Development (30%)
• Build and maintain relationships with hospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and community organizations focused on rare cancers.
• Create collaborative programs and co-branded initiatives that advance the mission while generating revenue and visibility.
• Explore new revenue streams including social enterprises, licensing, or fee-for-service models where appropriate.
• Leadership & Operations (20%)
• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team and work closely with the Board.
• Manage development staff, consultants, and volunteers (initially small team).
• Track and report on key performance metrics (donor pipeline, revenue forecasts, ROI on initiatives).
• Represent the foundation at regional and national events, conferences, and with media when appropriate.
• Supervision-Manage two .25 FTE and one .5 FTEOther duties as assigned.
• Qualifications & Experience
• Required:- 7+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, business development, or sales with a proven track record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts/partnerships.
• Demonstrated success securing major grants and corporate sponsorships.
• Strong existing network or ability to rapidly build one in healthcare, philanthropy, or rare disease space.
• Passion for cancer causes, especially rare cancers, and alignment with the foundation’s mission.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and public speaking.-Extremely collaborative
• Preferred:
• Previous experience working with small-to-midsize nonprofits.
• Knowledge of rare cancers or oncology space.
• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Little Green Light, or Donor
• Perfect).
• Bachelor’s degree required;
• Master’s degree or CFRE certification a plus.
• Key Competencies
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently in a resource-constrained environment.
• High emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker who is also willing to be hands-on.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to transparency in fundraising.
• Resilience and optimism — fundraising requires persistence.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary- Full health benefits and retirement plan- Flexible hybrid work arrangement- Opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of rare cancer patients in our region- Direct access to leadership and meaningful autonomyPLEASE SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO CONTACT@NWSARCOMA.ORG.