Manager of Scientific Funding

The Wistar Institute is a world leader in early-stage discovery science in the areas of cancer, immunology, and infectious disease. Wistar is committed to accelerating research advances from bench to bedside through brilliant science and distinctive approaches to collaboration among scientific investigators and academic and industry partners. Wistar’s dynamic environment supports the advancement of discoveries that will change the future of human health.

The Wistar Institute is seeking an experienced Manager of Scientific Funding to join our Development department. The successful candidate will work with the Development team, Senior Leadership, Faculty, and the Board to further Wistar’s strategic plan for increasing basic research funding. The Manager of Scientific Funding will source funding via non-federal grant opportunities, scientific foundation awards, supporting donor stewardship and engagement. Together with the VP of Development, the Manager will work towards cultivating new prospects, drafting engaging proposals that follow philanthropic best practices and will maintain day-to-day stewardship activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support career goals and research program of Wistar investigators by identifying non-federal grant opportunities including providing supporting materials as needed with Research Financial Administration.
• Lead prospect and foundation identification strategy and solicitation activities to bring significant resources to Wistar’s fundraising priorities.
• Coordinate and implement Wistar’s annual internal selection process for limited submission opportunities and as needed throughout the year.
• Collaborate with the Manager of Foundation Relations, Stewardship, and Acquisition on proposals and supporting materials as needed, providing expertise and scientific background.
• Track and manage non-federal foundation deliverables with Research and Administrative Services, Research Finance Administration, Principal Investigators and Development Operations Associate.
• Work with the Development Operations Associate on appropriate stewardship and acknowledgment activities, as well as grant budget tracking.
• Work closely with the Communications and Marketing team and Research & Administrative Services to ensure that donors are appropriately recognized in scientific publications and strategic communications, such as Wistar’s website, Focus and other strategic department publications.

A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent combination of experience and education) in Communications, English, or Science related field is required. Seven years of professional, non-profit experience in academic, research or non-profit philanthropy is required. Must have a proven successful track record in identifying and garnering significant philanthropic awards. 

The successful candidate will be a creative and strategic thinker showing an ability to think “out of the box”, challenge conventional norms, and try new approaches. They must be a strong relationship builder, maintaining a donor-focused demeanor at all times. Knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in the use of software (Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and the ability to use Bloomerang or equivalent CRM experience preferred. This position will be a remote position. Flexibility in regard to working evening and weekend hours is required.

The Wistar Institute is located in the University City area of Philadelphia, in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania Campus. Wistar provides resources to its faculty and staff that enable them to conduct cutting edge collaborative research and provides for outstanding intellectual environments and state-of-the-art facilities. Research discoveries conducted at Wistar have led to the development of vaccines; the identification of genes associated with cancers; and the development of many other significant research technologies and tools.

We offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

For more information about The Wistar Institute visit our website at www.wistar.org.

It is the policy of the Institute to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, citizenship, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), pregnancy, caregiver status, domestic or sexual violence victim status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or on the basis of genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, with respect to all terms and conditions of employment.