Executive Director, Non-Profit (Palo Alto)

Feb. 21, 2012

San Francisco, CA

Confidential

POSITION SPECIFICATION

POSITION TITLE: Executive Director

ORGANIZATION: Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation

REPORTING

RELATIONSHIPS: Board of Directors

LOCATION: California

www.dsrtf.org

OUR CLIENT:

The Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation is exclusively dedicated to finding a treatment to improve cognition including learning, memory and speech for individuals with Down syndrome. Since our founding in 2004, we have become the leading private source of funding in the United States for Down syndrome cognition research.

DSRTF is the first in this field, serving as the catalyst to this area of research with a focus on quick results: Clinical trial and 4 targets within 8 years.

The mission of DSRTF is to stimulate biomedical research that will accelerate the development of treatments to significantly improve cognition, including memory, learning and speech, for individuals with Down syndrome in order that they:

participate more successfully in school;

lead more active and independent lives;

and avoid the early onset of Alzheimer's Disease.

SCOPE AND

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Executive Director provides vision, leadership, strategic direction and administrative oversight for the fundraising effort of the Foundation, the staff and its ongoing support of other research organizations.

He/She will work directly with the Board of Directors to propel the organization to the next level by enhancing the visibility, establishing priorities and increasing support of the Foundation.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategy and Planning

Works closely with the Board to continue the focus and the strategic direction for fundraising and research strategy of DSRTF, which will encompass long-term and short-term plans, and performance measurements that will guide both strategic and operational decision-making.

Provides leadership and drives the collaborative process with the Board, Scientific Advisory Board, and staff which will grow and leverage the funding of research to fulfill the mission of DSRT.

Donor and Fund Development

Develops, implements and measures the achievement of fundraising goals and long term strategies including identification, cultivation and solicitation of funds for DSRTF.

Drives the creation and execution of a major donor strategy, which will increase and diversify individual donor giving.

Manages and oversees the fund development activities which may include grant writing and outreach to corporations and foundations, as well as event planning.

Partners with the Board to build long-term relationships with key donors.

Public Relations/Advocacy

Demonstrates knowledge, support and passion for the mission, vision and values of the organization.

Develops and oversees the implementation of a strategic marketing plan that provides a clear and concise message about DSRTF.

Represents the organization in all media relations and promotes DSRTF's visibility and welfare through participation and membership in appropriate forums, speaking engagements and conferences.

Board and Community Partnerships:

Works closely with the Board to increase the visibility of the Foundation's mission and goals.

Builds and inspires the DSRTF community, fosters strong relationships with all stakeholders, which include grassroots, major donors, other DS organizations, families, research institutions, and biopharma collaborators.

Assists the Board in continuing a culture of giving and identifying potential donors. Takes an active role in the recruitment, education and retention of Board members.

Maintains current collaborations with key organizations and establishes new partnerships that will leverage the resources and mission of DSRTF.

Programmatic Development and Implementation

In conjunction with the DSRTF scientific team, helps drive biopharma and scientific research strategy to assure we are identifying and funding the best science with the goal of accelerating discoveries into therapies.

Oversees and manages the administrative components of existing research grants.

Works closely with DSRTF's Science and Research Officer and its SAB to identify and support new research grants that fulfill the mission of DSRTF.

Maintains relationships with key research institutions nationwide.

Administrative and Organizational Management

Hires, manages, evaluates, mentors and motivates staff to ensure excellent standards of professionalism, quality and value throughout all areas of the organization's operations.

Ensures non-profit policies, practices and compliance measures are established and executed in a timely and efficient manner.

Plans, develops and administers the annual operating budget. He/She will present and interpret budgetary needs to the Board.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in managing and growing an organization and will possess the following:

Ability to provide strong entrepreneurial and innovative leadership in developing and growing the organization.

Demonstrated track record in diversifying fund development, which includes individuals, government, corporations and partnerships.

Strong public relations and communications skills with both internal and external constituencies.

A direct science background is not required but understanding and articulating the basic scientific approaches funded by DSRTF will be important.

Experience in working with boards comprised of prominent corporate and community volunteers.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

The Executive Director should embody the following personal characteristics:

Excellent communicator with people at every level; a leader and bridge builder. Can communicate opposing points of view in a professional and compelling manner.

Is both proactive and operational; can initiate new ideas/relationships while keeping a fast moving train on the tracks.

Ability and confidence to make decisions as needed and to work well under pressure and adapt easily to changing situations and priorities. Good judgment and consensus building skills.

Self-confidence.

Inspiring, creative, visionary, and compassionate.

Diplomacy and tact.

High ethical standards.

Values diversity.

Sense of humor.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree is required.

COMPENSATION: An attractive compensation and benefit package will be provided to the successful candidate.

Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer