At the American Cancer Society, we're working to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Our employees and 1.3 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We are a culture comprised of diverse backgrounds and experience, to better serve our communities. 

The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) serves as a bold and visionary leader, entrusted with shaping the future of fundraising to fuel the ACS mission: to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.

As the strategic architect of the Development Pillar, the CDO holds systemwide authority over all aspects of revenue generation within the Development Pillar, ensuring that every dollar raised directly supports ACS’ life-saving work in advocacy, discovery, and patient support. This role is not just about raising funds — it’s about mobilizing hope, accelerating breakthroughs, and expanding access to care for every person touched by cancer.

The CDO leads a dynamic and mission-driven team of approximately 1,350 professionals and volunteers across the country. Together, they drive a diverse and evolving portfolio that includes corporate partnerships, major and planned giving, digital and peer-to-peer fundraising, Discovery Shops, and signature events — both virtual and in-person. The CDO also champions regional fundraising strategies, empowering local teams and volunteers to bring the mission to life in their communities.

As ACS continues its transformation from an event-centric model to one rooted in strategic philanthropy and high-impact partnerships, the CDO will be a catalyst for innovation. They will reimagine how ACS engages donors, inspires giving, and builds enduring relationships that reflect the urgency and humanity of the cause.

This is a rare opportunity to lead with purpose at one of the nation’s most trusted organizations. The CDO will closely collaborate with the CEO and senior leaders to align fundraising with mission priorities, ensuring that ACS resources are maximized to prevent cancer, save lives, and support every person on their cancer journey. As a senior strategist, this leader will be a key partner to the CEO in establishing the organization’s long-term strategic plan and elevating fundraising for optimum mission delivery.

In FY24, ACS raised more than $881 million — a testament to the generosity of supporters and the strength of the organization’s mission. The CDO will build on this momentum and set bold goals for team performance regarding corporate partnerships and individual philanthropy, especially pipeline development and principal gifts. They will cultivate a culture of philanthropy that reflects the compassion, equity, and excellence at the heart of ACS.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The following describes the essential duties and responsibilities of the person assigned to this position. They are not intended as an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities.

Sets overall strategy and direction for revenue generation

Develops and maintains effective revenue generation strategies that support the breadth of ACS functions (including ACS, ACS CAN, and BrightEdge), including planning and leading any major multi-year/campaign fundraising initiatives to occur in the future. Aligns revenue generation to the needs of the Advocacy, Discovery, and Patient Support Pillars. Creates synergies in activities with the Advocacy, Discovery, and Patient Support Pillars toward achieving overall ACS goals identified in the Integrated Strategy & Financial Plan. Appropriately represents the organization, the ACS board, and CEO to donors, prospects, regulators, development committee(s), and fundraising volunteers.

Oversees, diversifies, and enhances revenue streams

Further develops, grows, and balances a fully diversified range of revenue portfolio opportunities. Grows funding secured from government, private foundation, high-net-worth individuals, and industry sources. Incentivizes activities that build national reputation and increase the funding portfolio. Develops fundraising events that differentiate ACS and increase awareness about ACS function and impact. Innovates to drive new revenue streams and reach new donor audiences and enhance donor experience and retention. In collaboration with IT, develops contemporary information technology structures required to meet demands of changing revenue generation strategies. In collaboration with Marketing and Communications, develops and implements marketing and digital strategies needed to meet revenue generation goals, and aligns messaging to articulate the impact on cancer patients and their families. In collaboration with ACS Pillars and Marketing, develops revenue opportunities that fund the most impactful mission priorities. In collaboration with the Chief Business Transformation Officer, identifies, plans, and executes new revenue and business transformation opportunities.

Sets strategy for and oversees revenue-generating Field Operations

Regional structure – Oversees, coordinates operational planning, and modifies as necessary the regional structure to maximize potential of the ACS Development Pillar to meet or exceed strategic goals. Strategies coordinating organizational local needs – Develops and coordinates regional revenue generation strategies aligned to identified overarching ACS Pillar goals, prioritized regionally through understanding and addressing local needs. In partnership with the Patient Support Pillar, understands and prioritizes revenue-generating activities aligned to patients and families in the region. Commitment to diversity – Works with the Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer to increase volunteer diversity and maximize potential for revenue-generation activities to impact the widest possible breadth of patients and families, across geography and demographics.

ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.