Director of Development
About the role
About Emily’s Entourage
Emily’s Entourage (EE) is an innovative 501(c)(3) that speeds lifesaving research for new treatments and a cure for individuals in the final 10% of the cystic fibrosis (CF) population that do not benefit from current mutation-targeted therapies. CF is a fatal genetic disease primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system. Since 2011, EE has awarded millions of dollars in research grants, launched a clinical-stage CF gene therapy company, developed a patient database and clinical trial matchmaking program to accelerate clinical trial recruitment, and led worldwide efforts to drive high-impact research and drug development.
EE’s work is particularly critical now as revolutionary breakthroughs are available for 90% of the CF population, but those in the outlying 10% of the CF community do not benefit from these major advances. EE is laser-focused on changing that—and doing it fast, so nobody is left behind.
While the urgency of the organization is inspired by Emily’s advanced-stage disease, the work of EE gives impetus to advances that can benefit not only people with CF, but also millions of people with genetic diseases, as well as those combating antibiotic-resistant infections for whom there are no existing treatments.
EE has been featured in the New York Times, STAT, CNN, TheSkimm, People, and more. Emily was named a “Champion of Change” for President Obama’s Precision Medicine Initiative and is the recipient of the 2024 Personalized Medicine Coalition’s “Award in Leadership in Personalized Medicine,” 2020 Philadelphia Magazine “Luminary Award,” and 2016 Global Genes Rare “Champion of Hope for Advocacy” Award.
About the Position
EE is seeking a Director of Development (DOD) to lead its fundraising efforts and grow philanthropy, which currently generates approximately $3 million annually. Reporting to the co-founders, Emily Kramer-Golinkoff and Liza Kramer, the DOD will play a vital and impactful role in elevating philanthropy at EE to speed CF research and therapeutic development for the final 10%.
Working directly with the organization’s co-founders, the DOD will be responsible for executing EE’s overall fundraising strategy. They will incrementally grow revenue through a diversified revenue stream of philanthropic support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and events. Working closely with the co-founders, they will help deepen relationships with existing donors while expanding the organization’s reach. The ideal candidate will partner with EE leadership to support engagement of their own portfolios and networks to achieve their fundraising goals and priorities, while also managing their own portfolio of donors.
The DOD will also play a key role in the strategic and logistical oversight of events at EE, in close collaboration with the co-founders. Events, including its signature annual gala, are a key driver of revenue for the organization, and the DOD will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to attract new donors, sponsors, and guests.
The DOD will join a core team of eight, including two co-founders, the Chief Scientific Officer, the Chief of Staff, the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Development Assistant, and additional freelance support staff. They will directly manage the Development Assistant and will ensure best practices, systems, and processes are in place to support sustainable growth.
The DOD must have a passion for supporting EE’s mission through effective fundraising and donor engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy and Leadership
- Serve as the development lead, working closely with EE leadership to build, execute, and refine the organization’s fundraising strategy.