The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), is a global not-for-profit research and development (R&D) organization that develops new, improved, and affordable medicines for often unheard of diseases that debilitate, disfigure or kill millions of the world’s poorest people.
DNDi was established in 2003 by five public sector research institutes, one medical aid organization, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) as a permanent observer. Following years of frustration by MSF field teams who were increasingly unable to treat their patients because the medicines they were using were ineffective, toxic, or no longer produced, MSF committed a portion of its 1999 Nobel Peace Prize funds to develop a new model for R&D for neglected diseases, which led to the creation of DNDi.
DNDi operates through collaborative partnerships with public sector research institutions, particularly in disease-endemic countries, with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academia, nongovernmental organizations, and governments, worldwide. It also works to strengthen research capacity in disease-endemic countries and to advocate for increased public responsibility for neglected disease R&D.
DNDi’s partnerships are currently supported by a wide range of funders. On the public side, this includes governments such as the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland, and the US (NIH). Significant private donors include founding partner MSF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust. DNDi is dedicated to maintaining a diversity of funding sources, with a balance between public and private, and no more than 25% of the budget coming from a single donor.
Approaching its 10-year anniversary, DNDi has developed and made available to patients 6 new treatments with nearly two dozen more in clinical or preclinical stages, two years ahead of its initial goals. The organization’s target diseases include: sleeping sickness (human African trypanosomiasis), Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, and most recently pediatric HIV and filarial infections. DNDi’s current objective is to deliver 11 to 13 new treatments to patients suffering from neglected diseases by 2018, to ensure equitable access to these treatments, and build a robust pipeline of new drug candidates.
About the Opportunity
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, DNDi has 6 regional offices in Brazil, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Japan, and the United States. In 2008, DNDi opened an affiliate office in New York City to serve as the headquarters for DNDi North America. A registered 501(c)(3), DNDi North America works to strengthen and expand scientific, policy advocacy, partner development, communications, and in particular, fundraising efforts in the region to enhance DNDi’s global impact.
DNDi is seeking an entrepreneurial, dynamic, and mission-driven Director of Development to lead the development and execution of DNDi’s private fundraising strategy in North America. The DOD will report directly to Regional Executive Director, Rachel Cohen, and be responsible for increasing the organization’s funding base by promoting DNDi’s mission with an immediate focus on cultivating and securing new support from private donors, foundations, and corporations. S/he will work closely with the Board of Directors and the Head of Fundraising in Geneva while overseeing all North American private fundraising efforts. The DOD will be a passionate individual who is deeply committed to the vision of DNDi and will understand the complexity and impact of research and development for neglected diseases. S/he will be capable of acting as a compelling spokesperson for DNDi, and able to create excitement about its mission, encouraging others to support its goals, and play an integral role in DNDi’s North American strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with the Regional Executive Director to develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for DNDi’s North American fundraising efforts
- Personally identify, cultivate, and close major gifts from private donors, foundations and corporations
- Prepare the annual DNDi North America fundraising budget and action plan
- Supervise, coach and mentor a Development Officer
- Oversee and plan cultivation events for small groups of private donors
- Develop and maintain close working relationships with the philanthropic community, social venture networks, foundations, major donors and Board members
- Serve as a visible spokesperson and advocate for DNDi in North America
- Oversee donor publications and donor e-communications for U.S./North American audiences
- Provide input to help define DNDi’s global strategic objectives for private fundraising as part of DNDi’s international fundraising network and participate in a small working group of DNDi private fundraisers
Successful Candidates will Demonstrate
Development
- 10+ years of development experience with increasing responsibility in finding, developing and securing major philanthropic commitments
- Experience working with international non-profits, NGOs, academic institutions, or other organizations with global public health relevance
- Successful track record of cultivating, soliciting and stewarding individuals
- Successful track record of effectively crafting proposals to secure foundation and corporate funding
- Ability to think strategically and creatively about prospect identification and cultivation of 6+ figure gifts
Organizational and Strategic Planning
- Outstanding strategic planning skills that include the ability to develop, implement and monitor short and long-term goals
- Experience creating and executing successful fundraising plans
- Ability to work effectively, as part of a small, international, multicultural team, on fundraising strategy and implementation
- Ability to strategically link organizational programs and initiatives with opportunities for fundraising
General
- A catalyst with vision who can create excitement and energy about DNDi’s mission and encourage others to support the organization through superior communication and presentation skills
o Ability to interact with high-profile individuals comfortably and appropriately
o Capacity to translate complex scientific/medical terminology into donor-friendly language for a broad audience
- Strong understanding and appreciation for DNDi’s mission, values, and goals
- Ability and willingness to travel (domestically, and to 2-3 times per year internationally to Europe and field sites)
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