ABOUT BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Breast cancer is a complex disease with no simple solution. Every diagnosis is unique and puts lives at risk. We must stop breast cancer in its tracks, and research is the answer. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. We invest in a wide range of research—including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and metastasis—because each area of investigation informs another, propelling us toward the solutions we urgently need. We convene and connect the best minds in science—giving them the opportunity to pursue their most innovative ideas. Our combination of investment and cross-disciplinary collaboration accelerates the entire field and builds momentum for new discoveries. BCRF-funded investigators have been behind every major breakthrough in breast cancer research, and the field is moving faster than ever. We are fueling the world’s most promising research and we can’t stop now.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of Foundation Relations (Institutional Giving) will play a key leadership role within the Development & Events team, driving the growth and diversification of BCRF’s institutional giving program. This newly created position will be responsible for managing and expanding a portfolio of current and prospective foundation partners, securing six- and seven-figure grants, and developing long-term relationships with private and family foundations, corporate foundations, and other institutions. The Director will serve as BCRF’s expert on foundation engagement, helping to shape and execute a strategy that aligns with the organization’s Strategic Plan and ambitious research goals.
Reporting to the Managing Director, Development & Major Gifts, the Director will collaborate closely with colleagues across Development & Events, Research, and Marketing & Communications to craft compelling proposals, reporting, and stewardship materials that accurately reflect the impact of BCRF-funded research. The role requires exceptional writing skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to synthesize complex scientific information into persuasive, outcomes-driven narratives for funders.
This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive, mission-driven professional who thrives in a high-performing, collaborative environment and is ready to build and lead a cornerstone area of philanthropic growth for the organization.
This position is based in New York, NY. BCRF currently requires staff to work onsite a minimum of three days per week.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and grow a dynamic portfolio of approximately 50 foundations and institutions, including high-value funders and prospects (gifts starting at $25,000+).
• Lead the development and submission of high-quality proposals, letters of intent, budgets, case statements, and grant reports, with a focus on multi-year, six- and seven-figure institutional gifts.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of grants—from prospect identification and cultivation through proposal development, compliance, and high-touch stewardship—ensuring strong alignment with each funder’s mission and BCRF’s research priorities.
• Ensure excellence in grant writing, program framing, and impact storytelling that conveys the power and progress of BCRF-supported science.
• Develop and execute thoughtful renewal and stewardship strategies, customized to each funder’s priorities, to promote long-term trust, transparency, and partnership.
• Coordinate strategic foundation engagement activities, including briefings, site visits, and donor meetings with senior leadership, grantees, and scientific staff.
• Collaborate across departments to stay current on emerging trends in breast cancer research and philanthropy, translating insights into funder strategies and new proposal ideas.
• Ensure accurate and timely tracking of all activity related to foundation fundraising—including pipeline management, deadlines, and performance metrics—within Raiser’s Edge and other internal systems.
• Lead and mentor junior team members, consultants, or cross-functional collaborators as needed to support foundation-related work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.