Executive Director

The Opportunity

The Hampton Roads Cancer Care Foundation (HRCCF) is at an exciting inflection point. Our founding Executive Director is passing the torch after building this organization from the ground up, and we are searching for a passionate, entrepreneurial leader to carry the mission forward. This is a rare chance to step into a high-visibility, high-impact role at a growing nonprofit that is meeting a critical and underserved need: financial relief for low-income cancer patients in Hampton Roads.

As the Executive Director of HRCCF, you will be the face, the engine, and the backbone of the foundation. No two days will look the same. One morning you may be reviewing patient grant applications; that afternoon you could be presenting to a room of corporate donors. This role is built for someone who thrives on variety, owns every hat they wear, and is energized by the idea that their work directly enables a cancer patient to pay rent, keep their utilities running, purchase groceries, or make it to their next treatment appointment.

About HRCCF

Founded by philanthropic oncologists and community leaders in Hampton Roads who refused to watch their most vulnerable patients face financial toxicity alongside a cancer diagnosis, HRCCF provides financial relief grants, community education, and basic needs support to local cancer patients facing financial hardship. HRCCF is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Norfolk, VA, governed by a committed board of oncologists, attorneys, and business leaders.

Our programs include direct patient financial relief grants covering cancer care-related expenses (transportation, housing, food, utilities, and more), community education workshops and cancer screening outreach in underserved neighborhoods, and an annual fundraising gala -Waves of Hope- that unites the Hampton Roads community around our mission. We are a lean organization with outsized impact, and we are growing.

Expectations

Twelve months from your start date, you will have maintained and deepened the donor and community relationships the founding ED built, secured at least one new major grant or corporate sponsorship, delivered another successful Waves of Hope fundraising event, processed patient grants with care and consistency, and established yourself as a trusted, visible advocate for cancer patients in the Hampton Roads community. You will have a clear picture of the organization's financial health and a development plan for the next two to three years.

Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development

• Plan and execute the annual fundraising strategy -individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundation grants, and special events including the Waves of Hope gala
• Identify, cultivate, and steward donor relationships across all giving levels
• Research, write, and manage grant applications and all related reporting requirements
• Develop compelling donor communications, campaign materials, and impact reports

Grant & Program Management

• Administer the patient financial relief grant program from application intake through disbursement and follow-up
• Ensure grant eligibility reviews are conducted with consistency, compassion, and confidentiality
• Track program outcomes and report impact data to the board and funders
• Oversee and Support the Part-Time Patient Relief Grant Coordinator in their role
• Oversee and Support the Summer Intern(s)

Community Outreach & Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with oncologists, healthcare systems, social workers, other non-profits and community organizations that refer patients to HRCCF
• Plan and coordinate community education events, cancer screening outreach, and workshops in underserved neighborhoods
• Represent HRCCF at public events, speaking engagements, and professional gatherings

Board Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison between the board and day-to-day operations
• Prepare board meeting materials, financial summaries, and program updates
• Communicate effectively with all Board Members
• Support strategic growth and development of the Board
• Support board committees and implement board-approved policies and strategy

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual organizational budget in partnership with the board treasurer
• Oversee accounts payable and receivable, general ledger accuracy, and monthly financial reconciliation
• Ensure organizational compliance with IRS nonprofit regulations, state filings, and grant requirements

Marketing, Communications & Administration

• Manage all external communications: website content, social media, e-newsletters, press releases, and donor correspondence
• Handle all administrative functions as the sole full-time employee: vendor relationships, office management, technology, and record-keeping
• Recruit, onboard, and coordinate volunteers and event staff

Requirements

• 3 or more years of experience in a nonprofit leadership or management role
• Demonstrated track record in fundraising and donor development, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, or special events
• Experience writing and managing grants, including reporting requirements
• Strong financial acumen: budgeting, financial reporting, and basic nonprofit accounting
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and community engagement
• Ability to build authentic relationships with a wide range of stakeholders: patients, donors, board members, healthcare professionals, and community partners
• Self-directed and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently as the sole staff member
• Genuine passion for the mission of supporting cancer patients and health equity

Preferred

• Background in healthcare, oncology, or patient support services
• Experience planning and executing fundraising events
• Familiarity with donor CRM platforms and nonprofit database tools
• Experience working with or reporting to a board of directors