Director of Research Impact

The Director of Research Impact will collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Development Officer, and the broader organization to advance our mission of funding the most transformational research across the U.S., bringing better treatments and cures to children with cancer. This role involves developing program strategies, maintaining and creating policies, and managing grantmaking and reporting, while also building relationships with stakeholders and the pediatric cancer community. The Director of Research Impact will supervise one direct report: the Grants & Administrative Coordinator, providing the necessary leadership to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of CCRF’s grantmaking.

This position is considered a Hybrid-flexible role, with candidates based locally to the Twin Cities, Minnesota area as occasional in-office attendance is encouraged and at times may be required.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and Implement Strategy: Design and execute the organization's grantmaking strategy and research initiatives, ensuring alignment with the mission and goals.
  • Program Management: Oversee the design, management, and evaluation of grant programs to ensure they address organizational priorities and achieve desired outcomes.
  • Grant Process Oversight: Lead the Grants & Administrative Coordinator in the implementation of grantmaking policies and procedures, covering all stages from application and review to award, monitoring, and closeout.
  • Policy and Compliance: Establish and refine grantmaking and research policies to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with legal, regulatory, and organizational standards.
  • Research Collaboration: Recruit and maintain a highly credentialed Research Advisory Committee (RAC) Work with the RAC and potential partners to identify, prioritize, and fund research opportunities that align with the organization’s mission. Assess and select research proposals and monitor and evaluate research outcomes.
  • Reporting and Documentation: Produce comprehensive reports on grants for development colleagues, the website, accounting reconciliation, annual reports, and assist staff with due diligence and grant analysis. Ensure accurate processing of grant awards, including compliance with legal, financial, and organizational requirements.
  • Grant Monitoring: Oversee the monitoring of grants, including approving payments, reviewing progress and financial reports, processing grant modifications, and maintaining accurate grant records.
  • Continuous Improvement: Direct continuous improvement efforts to enhance grant management processes and align with best practices, including identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions.
  • Board and Committee Support: Manage the production of grants appropriations materials for Board and Program Committee meetings.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, community partners, and research institutions. Facilitate collaborations to advance research goals and enhance grant impact.
  • Team Leadership: Conduct performance evaluations and support team members in achieving their goals.
  • Communications: Partner with the communications lead to summarize program strategy, deliverables, and projected outcomes. Communicate professionally with staff, applicants, reviewers, and grantees on all grant-related matters.
  • Additional Projects: Lead and support additional projects and initiatives as required, adapting to evolving priorities and contributing to the overall success of the organization.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 10+ years' experience with grants administration in philanthropic or other settings, or transferable work experience

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Experience with Grants Program software (Proposal Central is used at CCRF, but candidate does need to have prior knowledge of this system)
  • Ability to drive strategic decision-making
  • Supervision experience and ability to lead a team
  • Ability to manage competing demands, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Oral and written communication skills with all levels of internal staff and the public.
  • Exhibits a deep understanding and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of others, providing thoughtful and supportive responses.
  • Consistently fosters a caring environment by actively listening, showing genuine concern, and offering appropriate support to individuals in various situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in non-profit fundraising desired.

Pay:

  • $130K - $163.6K (Commensurate with experience)
  • This role is exempt (you will not be paid overtime for any work over 40 hours in a week)
  • This position is full-time

Physical demands:

  • Sitting/standing for long periods of time
  • Minimal lifting or bending

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, HSA, FSA, DCRA, Group Life, AD&D, LTD, STD
  • 403(B) with 4% match
  • Merit/Bonuses
  • Work/Life EAP
  • Remote/Flexible Work
  • Floating Holidays (11)
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Vacation, Illness, Personal Time (VIP) 20 days
  • 20 weeks paid parental leave
  • Inclusive employee policies
  • $150 Home Office Set-Up Stipend

How To Apply:

Please apply at this link.