About Life Science Cares
Life Science Cares was founded in Boston in 2016 to combat the disparities that surround us. Through Life Science Cares we provide a platform for life science companies and their employees to efficiently invest their time and resources to reduce the burden of poverty.
We recognize that we must move beyond compassion towards real and measurable action to support our neighbors - many of whom are struggling with basic and essential needs. We do this by harnessing the passion and purpose that's inherent to our industry, connecting companies and their employees with high impact Bay Area nonprofits.
Together, we focus on three essential areas:
- Basic Needs: Access to food, healthcare, mental health services, and safe shelter.
- Education: Access to learning critical skills in school, STEM programs, and higher education.
- Opportunity: Access to jobs and mentorship, helping vulnerable adults to earn a living wage
Based on this powerful model, Life Science Cares has expanded from Boston to include locations in New York, Philadelphia, San Diego and the Bay Area. LSC chapters in these critical biotech hubs are supported by the National organization, enabling deep local expertise and engagement to solve community challenges. While still a young organization, it has experienced steady growth and diversified its base of corporate and individual donors over time through direct appeal, major gift solicitation, corporate partnership and event involvement.
For more information about Life Science Cares, please see https://www.lifesciencecares.org/
The Opportunity
Life Science Cares Bay Area was launched in the Bay Area in 2021, with a $1M philanthropic investment from JP Morgan and with from a roster of Bay Area biotech leaders. Our hands-on approach has enabled groundbreaking initiatives, such as Alas’s Equity Express, a mobile resource center that brings Wi-Fi, telehealth services, tutoring, and mental health services to farmworkers in the rural Half Moon Bay region.
Today, Life Science Cares Bay Area (LSCBA) is at an exciting inflection point, poised to dramatically increase both reach and impact, and is seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Director of Development (Director) to help drive this next chapter. The Director will join a small and mighty, mission-driven team building momentum across the region. In close partnership with the Executive Director, the national Chief Development Officer, and LSCBA Board leadership, the Director will lead the charge in driving revenue and expanding donor engagement.
The Director will be a self-starter who thrives in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments. They will take initiative and embrace the opportunity to try, learn, and adapt in real time. The Director of Development will be responsible for raising $2M for the Bay Area site with an eye towards growing revenue year over year. With a strong foundation of local support and a broad, engaged network in the life sciences sector, LSCBA is well-positioned for continued growth and deepened impact.
The Director will engage with a wide range of stakeholders from CEOs and industry leaders to volunteers and board members and will play a pivotal role in shaping LSCBA’s fundraising strategy, visibility, and long-term sustainability.
Candidate Profile
We recognize that there is a spectrum of lived and professional experience that will set candidates up for success in this role. While no one candidate will have every experience outlined in the position description, ideal candidates will display the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
Strategic Fundraiser
The Director of Development will report to the Executive Director, serving as a strategic partner and playing a central role in designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with LSCBA’s mission and growth objectives. This leader will identify and pursue diverse revenue streams—including major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, and individual donations—while maintaining and growing a robust pipeline of prospective donors. They will proactively cultivate relationships through personalized outreach and account management, leveraging business databases and other tools to support discovery and stewardship. In collaboration with the national Chief Development Officer and other Life Science Cares affiliates, the Director will share best practices and coordinate shared donor opportunities. They will also lead grant writing and applications, ensuring fundraising strategy, messaging, and impact are aligned.
Innovative Relationship Builder and Donor Relations
The Director of Development will be a visible and engaged presence in the Bay Area’s life sciences ecosystem, building and deepening relationships that advance LSCBA’s mission. They will lead efforts to attract new corporate partners and individual donors through creative outreach, compelling engagement opportunities, and a strong local presence, including attending events, joining relevant networks, and representing the organization in the community. The Director will develop tailored cultivation and stewardship strategies for key donor segments and will inspire and activate board members and volunteer leadership to support fundraising efforts. Through strategic relationship-building, they will expand LSCBA’s reach and strengthen long-term donor engagement.
Development Operations
The Director will manage the operational backbone of LSCBA’s development efforts. This includes onboarding corporate partners and Board of Advisors members and facilitating their integration into LSCBA’s work. They will collaborate closely with the Director of Programs to ensure a smooth handoff of new partners, and they will oversee all logistics for donor-facing events—managing communications, RSVPs, room setup, materials, catering, and tech needs. The Director will also coordinate sponsor deliverables to ensure partners have a high-quality, consistent experience reflective of LSCBA’s commitment to excellence.
Data, Analysis, and Reporting The Director will ensure fundraising data and systems are accurate, accessible, and actionable. Responsibilities include maintaining clean records, tracking donor activity, managing moves management and proposal data, and generating reports to monitor fundraising performance and trends. They will partner with the finance team to reconcile revenue, review accounts receivable, and support financial forecasting for the Finance Committee. They will also support the Executive Director in preparing fundraising insights and updates for the Board of Managers, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making.In addition, strong candidates will offer:
- A passion for cultivating deep, long-term relationships and being a visible, active presence in the Bay Area life sciences ecosystem.
- High energy and enthusiasm for Life Science Cares’ mission, along with a strong belief in the power of philanthropy and community impact.
- A demonstrable track record of identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing support from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Measurable success in organizing and implementing fundraising strategies, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, annual funds, and foundation giving.
- Strong communication and account management skills, with a proven ability to engage new financial supporters—especially through creative or non-traditional channels.
- Experience working effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including board members, corporate leaders, donors, and volunteers; skilled in building credibility and trust quickly.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and a demonstrated ability to reflect those values in relationship-building and team culture.
- A growth mindset and openness to feedback and coaching; comfortable working independently while also contributing as a collaborative team player.
- Flexibility, agility, and a willingness to take risks and try new approaches in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple priorities under pressure.
- Experience proactively solving problems and delivering results amid shifting priorities and competing demands.
- Familiarity with the life sciences industry and existing networks or connections in the sector is a plus.
- Experience with email marketing, graphic design, or digital donor engagement is a plus.
- Proficiency with fundraising CRM systems; experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge is a plus.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $165,000 plus an opportunity to earn a bonus based on performance. Life Science Cares offers an excellent benefits package that includes full family medical (including contributions toward the deductible), dental, and vision, as well as other great benefits such as flexible paid time off and 12 paid holidays.
Note that the final salary will reflect internal equity and the selected candidate’s individual experiences and qualifications.
Work location and expectations
This is a hybrid role expected to be in local territory (San Francisco Bay Area) potentially several days a week and to convene in-person for monthly team meetings. Life Science Cares Bay Area does not have a permanent office and when not in local territory, the Director of Development will be expected to work in their own home office. Candidates must live within the San Francisco Bay Area and possess the ability to routinely cultivate in-person relationships.
Contact
DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Alicia Salerno. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.
DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request accommodation for the interview process.
Life Science Cares is an equal opportunity employer that supports and celebrates diversity. As such, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, partners, and stakeholders. We believe our workplace and communities thrive when we actively promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice in all we do.
About DSG | Koya
DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.
Learn more about DSG | Koya via the firm's website.