Vice President of Development and Programs

Job Description
Job Title: Vice President of Development and Programs
Supervisor: President & CEO
Classification: Exempt Position

The Research Foundation
The Research Foundation story began in 1965 when Research Hospital Foundation was formed to raise funds to help Research Hospital provide health care services to the community. For 40 years, the foundation provided support to Research Medical Center to bring the latest in medical advancements and treatments and to provide a broad base of services to serve the health care needs of patients in the greater Kansas City community.

With the purchase of Research Medical Center by the for-profit health care company HCA in 2003, The Research Foundation concluded its affiliation with Research Medical Center. While no longer affiliated with Research Medical Center, The Research Foundation remains committed to serving the community and carrying on the spirit of the original foundation through our many health education and scholarship programs.

The Research Foundation invests in health-centered programs and partnerships that benefit health care students and professionals, patients, and people in the Kansas City community.

Job Summary:
The Vice President (VP) of Development and Programs is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, operational oversight, and execution of all fundraising initiatives and core programs. Reporting to the CEO, the VP ensures programmatic excellence, financial sustainability, and the achievement of the organization's mission through effective leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. The VP role requires an individual who is a strong leader and understands and is passionate about the mission and vision of The Research Foundation. They work to drive organizational growth and enhance our community impact.

Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Serve as a key member of the management team, contributing to overall organizational strategy and decision-making with CEO.
• Develop and implement multi-year strategic plans for both program expansion and fund development that align with the organization's mission and goals.
• Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing team within development, program, and marketing, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the organization at key community, civic, and philanthropic events, serving as a passionate advocate for its mission.

• Oversee the design, implementation, evaluation, and scaling of all scholarship and community programs, ensuring measurable impact and consistent quality.
• Develop systems and processes for effective project management, knowledge sharing, and program evaluation using data and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
• Ensure that all programs adhere to regulatory requirements, high standards of quality, and best practices within the nonprofit sector.

• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to diversify funding streams, including major gifts, grants (federal, state, and foundation), corporate sponsorships, and individual giving.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners to build long-term support and secure transformational gifts.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and the CEO on fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and major solicitations.
• Oversee grant writing and reporting processes, ensuring timely submission and compliance with funding agency guidelines.

• Work closely with finance to develop and manage budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure efficient resource allocation for both programs and development.
• Monitor and analyze fundraising data and program outcomes, providing regular, data-driven reports to the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Oversee the effective use of donor management systems (Preference is Raiser’s Edge, which is current what is used) to ensure data integrity and help to inform strategy.

• Bachelor's degree required in nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional leadership experience in a nonprofit setting, with demonstrated success in both fundraising and program management roles.
• Proven record of successfully securing five-to-six-figure gifts from diversified sources and scaling programs with measurable impact.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to the organization's mission and values, with an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.