The Director of Programs – Endurance is responsible for leading the development, planning, and execution of all programmatic activities within the assigned national and regional areas. This role
- Provides strategic leadership for ALSAC’s national endurance fundraising portfolio, supporting large‑scale peer‑to‑peer running and active lifestyle events.
- Cultivates strong cross-functional partnerships, drives strategic initiatives, and delivers resources that support revenue growth and operational efficiency for all assigned programs.
- Plays a key role in identifying and evaluating future endurance fundraising growth opportunities aligned with ALSAC’s mission and brand.
- Oversees program budgets and ensures alignment with organizational goals.
Execute Strategic Initiatives
Implements strategies that enable ALSAC to meet critical organizational goals while supporting broader business objectives in an effective and efficient manner. Leads the development and execution of national endurance fundraising strategies that drive participant engagement, fundraising performance, and long‑term sustainability.
Lead and Develop Talent
Manages, mentors, and coaches a diverse, high-performing team in a fast-paced environment, fostering professional growth and strong team performance. Builds team capabilities to effectively manage complex endurance fundraising programs and partner relationships.
Strengthen Operational Excellence
Ensures adherence to organizational policies and procedures to enhance effectiveness. Operates within established budget parameters and builds problem‑solving capabilities across the team. Balances fundraising growth, participant experience, and operational complexity across multiple endurance initiatives.
Represent ALSAC–St. Jude Professionally
Maintains positive, productive relationships with third‑party organizations and volunteers; represents ALSAC–St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in a manner that reflects positively on the organization and its mission. Serves as a senior leader in national endurance event and partner relationships, ensuring strong alignment between ALSAC’s goals and partner expectations.
Drive Program Success
Leads the development and execution of annual strategic and operational plans for all assigned programs, including setting fundraising methodologies, targets, and performance outcomes. Oversees fundraising performance across a portfolio of endurance events, using data to inform strategy, prioritize investments, and drive continuous improvement.
Ensure Cross‑Geographic Alignment
Collaborates with local staff and leadership to communicate national strategies, ensuring program consistency and alignment across all markets. Supports effective execution of endurance fundraising programs across diverse geographies and market structures.
Oversee Training and Development
Directs the creation and delivery of program‑specific training curricula. Leads planning and implementation of program seminars, workshops, and learning sessions. Ensures staff and volunteers are equipped to support endurance fundraisers through effective coaching, stewardship, and engagement strategies.
Analyze and Optimize Performance
Applies critical thinking and problem‑solving to evaluate program performance. Identifies strengths, gaps, and opportunities; makes data‑driven decisions to enhance results and achieve budget expectations. Uses registration, fundraising, and engagement data to inform strategic decisions and improve participant and fundraiser outcomes.
Maintain Key Partnerships
Builds and sustains strong working relationships with third‑party partners and volunteers to support program success and organizational visibility. Collaborates with partners to identify opportunities for program growth, innovation, and enhanced participant experiences.
- 6+ years of relevant experience required; bachelor’s degree preferred
- Demonstrated experience in endurance or active‑lifestyle peer‑to‑peer fundraising programs
- Knowledge of fundraising principles, including peer‑to‑peer strategies within the nonprofit sector
- Experience with budgeting, internal communication, and special events fundraising
- Understanding of data processing applications
- Familiarity with the endurance, running, or active lifestyle industry preferred
- Strong understanding of general management practices
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Ability to interpret and act upon complex written and verbal instructions
- Core Medical Coverage: (low cost low deductible Medical, Dental, and Vison Insurance plans)
- 401K Retirement Plan with 7% Employer Contribution
- Exceptional Paid Time Off
- Maternity / Paternity Leave
- Infertility Treatment Program
- Adoption Assistance
- Education Assistance
- Enterprise Learning and Development
- And more
ALSAC is an equal employment opportunity employer.
ALSAC does not discriminate against any individual with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status.
No Search Firms:
ALSAC does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All resumes submitted by search firms to any ALSAC employee or ALSAC representative via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without being contacted and approved by our Employee Experience team and without a valid written search agreement in place will result in no fee being paid if a referred candidate is hired by ALSAC.
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What We Do
ALSAC is the largest healthcare-related charity in the United States. Founded in 1957 by Danny Thomas, our sole mission is to raise the funds and awareness needed to operate and maintain St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. While our headquarters can be found in Memphis, Tennessee, we have additional offices in more than 30 locations across the country and in Puerto Rico with positions in fundraising, marketing, digital, information technology, legal, finance and many other disciplines all supporting our lifesaving mission - Finding cures. Saving children. ® At ALSAC, we believe in hiring the best and brightest from around the globe, and in 2020 we were named #1 on Fast Company's 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators. With a concerted focus on diversity and inclusion, we value and respect the contributions of all of our employees. Our work environment encourages everyone to be their authentic selves as we strive together towards a day when “no child dies in the dawn of life.” As we look to the future, we understand that we must be relentlessly innovative. Our work helps fuel the groundbreaking research and treatment at St. Jude and ensures that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. View our career opportunities at https://www.stjude.org/jobs/alsac.html and follow ALSAC across social media using @stjude. To learn more about the research hospital, follow St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on LinkedIn. For specific career opportunities available through the hospital, visit www.stjude.org/JoinOurMission.
