The Director, Development, will be the inaugural and fundraising leader to build and grow the association’s enterprise development function for research. This pivotal, highly visible, externally facing role will shape the strategies, relationships, and networks needed to secure philanthropic investment that advances the organization’s goal to fund neuroscience research, with an initial focus on research and public education.
As the organization’s senior fundraising ambassador, this leader will inspire confidence and engagement among principal and major donors, foundations, and strategic partners, while establishing the foundation for future team growth and long-term fundraising success. Working in close partnership with internal leaders and cross-functional teams, the Director will help accelerate the growth of this new program and position it for lasting impact.
Join a diverse community of fun, energetic, and dedicated employees and members who are committed to supporting neurologists worldwide in providing exceptional care to their patients. The AAN's vision is to be indispensable to our members, and we continue to embrace our values of Community, Leadership, Well-being and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Together, we pursue our mission to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all.
The AAN, founded in Minneapolis in 1948, supports and represents more than 40,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals worldwide who provide crucial patient care, seek new cures and treatments for brain disease and work to ensure patient access to the right care. Our headquarters is in a stunning, energy-efficient office, located in downtown Minneapolis’s dynamic Mill District, and our public policy office is near the action on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Both locations offer easy access to light rail, major bus lines, parking options, walking/biking paths, and a myriad of dining and entertainment choices, making it a vibrant hub for everyone.
What we look for.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in business, communications/marketing, nonprofit/public administration, fundraising or philanthropic studies or related field.
Experience:
Minimum 10 years of progressive senior-level experience, in fundraising, advancement, or philanthropy ideally within healthcare, academic medicine, research, association or mission-driven organizations.
Demonstrated ability to uphold the AAN’s values.
Strong desire and proven ability to build and grow philanthropic relationships with major, principal and institutional donors.
Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience.
Demonstrated success building or significantly expanding a fundraising program, including securing major gifts, foundation support, and strategic partnerships.
Proven ability to operate as a peer to executive leadership and board members, with strong judgment, credibility, and executive presence.
Exceptional relationship?builder and collaborator, with experience working across disciplines (e.g., clinicians, researchers, communications, finance, external partners).
Ability to translate complex scientific, medical, or technical concepts into compelling donor?focused narratives (clinical or physician background welcomed but not required).
Collaborative, entrepreneurial, and comfortable operating in an emerging function with limited initial resources.
Advanced degree, clinical credentials, or relevant professional certification (e.g., CFRE) preferred
Experience in inaugural or start-up fundraising functions is preferred.
Relevant education and/or experience exceeding the required qualifications may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Travel Requirements: Frequent travel required- up to 30%. Ability to legally travel outside of the United States is required.
Location: Minneapolis, MN and is identified as hybrid (required to work in the office with the ability to work remotely part of the week).
Paid life, and both long- and short-term disability insurance
Benefits to Grow With Us
Tuition reimbursement
Professional development opportunities
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training programs
Monetary years of service recognition awards
Feel Recognized & Connected (Culture & Community)
Employee awards & peer recognition to celebrate excellence
Team-building events & company celebrations to foster connections
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives to create a culture where everyone belongs
Volunteer days & charitable giving programs to make an impact beyond the workplace
Health & Happiness (Medical, Dental, Vision & More)
Comprehensive health coverage with medical, dental, and vision plans
Telemedicine & mental health resources for accessible care
Onsite workout facility, gender-neutral restroom, wellness and lactation rooms
Transportation subsidy
Flavored waters & on-site fitness
Great Location: Our headquarters is a beautiful, energy-efficient office in Minneapolis, MN. Our headquarters is in a stunning, energy-efficient office, located in downtown Minneapolis’s dynamic Mill District, and our public policy office is near the action on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Both locations offer easy access to light rail, major bus lines, parking options, walking/biking paths, and a myriad of dining and entertainment choices, making it a vibrant hub for everyone.
Great People in Great Careers: The AAN offers talent opportunities in the fields of Administration, Accounting, Marketing, Communications, Digital Development, Event Planning, Social Media, Research, Health Policy, Information Systems, Project Management, and more.
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If you need assistance with completing our online application process, contact employment@aan.com.
The American Academy of Neurology is an equal opportunity employer.
GREAT PEOPLE. GREAT MISSION. GREAT BENEFITS.
Join a diverse community of fun, energetic, and dedicated employees and members who are committed to supporting neurologists worldwide in providing exceptional care to their patients. The AAN's vision is to be indispensable to our members, and we continue to embrace our values of Community, Leadership, Well-being and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Together, we pursue our mission to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all.
The AAN, founded in Minneapolis in 1948, supports and represents more than 40,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals worldwide who provide crucial patient care, seek new cures and treatments for brain disease and work to ensure patient access to the right care. Our headquarters is in a stunning, energy-efficient office, located in downtown Minneapolis’s dynamic Mill District, and our public policy office is near the action on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Both locations offer easy access to light rail, major bus lines, parking options, walking/biking paths, and a myriad of dining and entertainment choices, making it a vibrant hub for everyone.
