Executive Director - Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation

Spano Pratt • Unclear • Milwaukee, Wisconsin • 10m ago

Overview

ORGANIZATION
Inspired by legendary Coach Vince Lombardi's fight against cancer and his legacy as a maker of champions, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation (VLCF) is dedicated to leading the battle against cancer. Since 1971, the foundation has raised over $21 million, partnering with healthcare institutions to prevent cancer, provide the best care to those fighting it, and find a cure. The foundation upholds the spirit of Vince Lombardi, who was known for his ability to teach, motivate, and inspire, turning challenges into victories both on and off the field.

LEGACY
Coach Vince Lombardi is known as a maker of champions. His ability to teach, motivate and inspire players helped turn the Green Bay Packers into the most dominating NFL team in the 1960s, including five NFL Championships and two Super Bowl victories.

In June 1970, Coach Lombardi was diagnosed with an aggressive form of colon cancer and died just 10 weeks later on September 3 at the age of 57. The NFL commemorates his legacy by adorning the Super Bowl trophy with his name. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame shortly after his passing.

In honor of his legacy, the VLCF was established and works to prevent cancer, provide the best care to those fighting it, and find a cure.

VLCF SIGNATURE EVENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS
The VLCF hosts multiple charitable events throughout the country each year to raise funds to further our mission to prevent, care for, and cure cancer. Ranging from a black-tie dinner ball to golf outings, the VLCF events provide everyone with the opportunity to support the fight against cancer. These events play a crucial role in supporting the foundation's ongoing efforts in cancer research and patient care, honoring the legacy of Vince Lombardi and his commitment to excellence.

Lombardi Golf Classic
In 1971, the VLCF began hosting their signature event: the Lombardi Golf Classic. This event is a major fundraising and awareness-raising initiative for the foundation. The funds raised through the Lombardi Golf Classic are used to support the foundation's mission to prevent, care for, and cure cancer.

This event, like others organized by the foundation, offers a platform for community engagement, and promotes education about cancer while celebrating advancements in cancer care. It also embodies the spirit of Vince Lombardi through its focus on excellence and determination, key values that Lombardi himself championed.

Lombardi Southwest Open
The VLCF began hosting the Lombardi Southwest Open as one of its signature charitable events in 2022. Held in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Lombardi Southwest Open serves the purpose of raising funds to support individuals currently battling the disease, and ultimately find a cure.

Like other events organized by the foundation, this golf outing is a way to bring people together to support the fight against cancer.

Food & Wine Experience
The VLCF provides a Food and Wine experience as part of its fundraising efforts. This event is designed to attract donors and raise awareness about the foundation's mission to fund cancer research and compassionate care. The food and wine experience leverages the appeal of gourmet cuisine and fine wines to create an enjoyable and engaging event. This approach not only generates funds for the foundation's initiatives but also offers a platform for community engagement, education about cancer prevention and treatment, and an opportunity to celebrate advancements in cancer care. It's a way to bring people together in a positive, celebratory environment while supporting a critical cause.

Award of Excellence
The VLCF 's Award of Excellence is designed to celebrate individuals who embody the spirit of the legendary coach Vince Lombardi through exceptional commitment, determination, and humanitarianism. These individuals are recognized for their outstanding contribution in the fight against cancer, symbolizing Lombardi's legacy of excellence and his indomitable spirit. The award honors those who have made significant impacts in areas such as cancer research, treatment, and care.

Starr Fund
The game plan for the Starr Fund is simple. Raise funds to support childhood cancer research and treatment efforts so kids can enjoy their time on the field, court, pool or backyard and not the hospital. The Starr Children’s Fund is a truly unique endowment dedicated to only pediatric cancer research, treatments and caregiver support.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Executive Director of the VLCF will be a dynamic and compassionate leader, dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission in cancer research, treatment, and care. This individual will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the foundation’s operations, including strategic planning, fundraising, program development, financial management, and community engagement. The Executive Director will serve as the primary spokesperson for VLCF, representing the organization in public forums, with the media, and during fundraising and awareness campaigns.

The Executive Director must embody the foundation's commitment to creating champions in the fight against cancer. This role demands a leader who is passionate and driven by the desire to be part of a legacy that transcends individual achievements.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Championing the Mission:
o Lead the foundation's efforts in honoring Vince Lombardi's legacy through aggressive goals to combat cancer.
o Embrace the spirit of teamwork and excellence that Lombardi instilled in his players.
• Leadership and Vision:
o Provide inspirational leadership and direction to board members, volunteers, and stakeholders.
o Ensure the development and implementation of a strategic plan that aligns with the foundation’s mission and objectives.
o Foster a positive, inclusive, and innovative organizational culture.
• Fundraising and Financial Management:
o Lead and expand fundraising initiatives to support the foundation’s programs and operations.
o Oversee financial management, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting.
o Ensure the maximization of resources and the sustainability of the foundation.
• Signature Program Development and Management:
o Develop, implement, and evaluate programs focused on cancer research, treatment, and care.
o Ensure programmatic excellence and regular assessment of program components.
• Community Engagement and Advocacy:
o Serve as the primary spokesperson for VLCF, enhancing the organization’s visibility and impact.
o Engage with the cancer community, including patients, families, and caregivers, to understand and address their needs.
o Establish effective partnerships and collaborations with other organizations, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
o Advocate for policies and initiatives that support cancer research and patient care.
• Organizational Management:
o Ensure effective systems are in place for the operation of the organization.
o Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in policy decisions and fundraising.
o Oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of a competent and diverse staff.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Passionate about the mission of VLCF and committed to making a difference in the field of cancer prevention, research, and care.
• Proven leadership experience in a non-profit organization, with preferred knowledge in healthcare or cancer-related fields.
• Experience in developing and executing strategic plans that align with an organization's mission and goals.
• Strong understanding of non-profit management, including operations, fundraising, program development, managing teams, and financial management.
• Experience in signature program development and management
• Experience in financial management including budgeting, fundraising, grant writing, donor relations, and events.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience serving on or working with non-profit boards, as well as knowledge of governance practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and team-building skills.

JOIN US
This position is not just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of a legacy. As the Executive Director of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, you'll lead a team dedicated to turning the tide against cancer, inspired by one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. Join us in this critical fight and be part of something bigger than yourself. This role offers more than just a career opportunity - it offers a chance to be part of a meaningful legacy in the fight against cancer, reflecting the values and spirit of Vince Lombardi himself.

Compensation Salary Range: $150,000 - $170,000 (plus a competitive benefit package).

The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation has partnered with Spano Pratt Executive Search to identify their new Executive Director (ED). To be considered and to learn more about this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Spano Pratt Executive Search
Mike Milsted, President, Managing Partner
mmilsted@spanopratt.com, 414-422-1212
www.spanopratt.com