Director of Strategic Partnerships

For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation (FPS) helps adult cancer patients and their loved ones confront cancer hardships together through respite travel experiences which strengthen the healing force of their bonds and create immeasurable joy amidst devastating crises.  We strengthen the hearts of these courageous individuals as they battle the psychological, emotional, economic, and spiritual trauma that accompanies a cancer diagnosis.  This respite experience is in a comfortable, secure environment that fosters a celebration of love in the face of uncertainty, affords vital reflection and relaxation in the midst of turmoil and promotes faith and inspiration in the shadow of adversity. Lasting memories of this respite help to show that it is the patients’ priceless lives, not the cancer that defines them. 

Inspired by the late Peter R. Bossow, Jr., FPS offers adult cancer patients and their families time away to refresh, reconnect and rejuvenate. Peter, together with his wife Marci, discovered that a respite from the countless hours of needles, tests, nausea and associated treatment ailments was a peaceful way to refocus and embrace life’s unexpected journey.

Patients must be nominated by a healthcare professional who is a member of the patient’s oncology team to be eligible for the program. Currently, FPS is exclusively working with our travel partner, Woodloch Resort, and nominated families are invited to spend five nights/six days at this safe, top-rated family destination. A typical respite is six days and includes a generous cash stipend, travel costs, accommodations, a For Pete’s Sake welcome bag with travel items and other materials that assist in the respite experience, including writing journals, materials to encourage family communication, inspirational and spiritual books on coping and hope, therapeutic art activities, and other carefully selected items to help make the respite meaningful emotionally and spiritually. 

The Director of Strategic Partnerships is a key leadership role responsible for identifying, developing, and managing strategic partnerships that advance the mission and impact of For Pete’s Sake. This individual will lead initiatives to build meaningful collaborations with corporations, foundations, government entities, and community organizations to secure resources, expand influence, and amplify the organization’s programs and initiatives.

Strategic Development & Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic partnerships plan aligned with organizational goals.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize potential partners to support programmatic, fundraising, and advocacy initiatives in a comprehensive manner (e.g. supporting annual, capital initiatives with a multiyear perspective).
• Cultivate existing and broaden new relationships with partners to optimize philanthropic support on an annual basis.
• Secure philanthropic support through gifts in kind and cash donations/grants.
• Obtain partnerships to support the operations of the nation’s first dedicated cancer respite center.
• Manage a portfolio of strategic partners and maintain ongoing communication to ensure alignment and mutual benefit.
• Oversee a grants writer to support research, application, execution, and compliance with secured grants.
• Collaborate with leadership and regional directors to expand For Pete’s Sake presence and partnerships in growth areas of the Foundation (e.g. New York, Northeast PA, Baltimore, Boston, Pittsburgh).

Relationship Building & Stewardship

• Serve as the primary point of contact for high-value partners and key stakeholders.
• Facilitate collaborative projects and initiatives with partners, ensuring timely and successful execution.
• Develop and oversee partner stewardship strategies to maintain and grow long-term relationships.

Collaboration & Cross-functional Leadership

• Work closely with advancement, communications, and program teams to design and execute partnership initiatives.
• Lead cross-departmental planning sessions to identify partnership opportunities that drive mission impact.
• Collaborate with the fundraising team to align corporate/foundation giving with strategic partnerships.
• Engage with foundation leadership and board to support engagement strategies with partners.

Communications & Representation

• Represent the organization at external meetings, conferences, and events to build visibility and attract partnerships.
• Develop proposals, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and partnership agreements.

Data, Reporting & Evaluation

• Track partnership performance and impact, providing regular reports to leadership and funders.
• Create reports and presentations for internal leadership and external stakeholders.
• Utilize CRM systems or partnership tracking tools to manage pipeline and engagement activities.

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Non-Profit Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, fundraising, or related fields—preferably in a non-profit or mission-driven organization.
• Proven track record of cultivating and managing high-value partnerships.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute operationally.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and partnership metrics.

• Salary Range: $110,000-130,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Benefits include Health/Dental/Vision insurance, Retirement plan, Paid time off, flexibility options, etc.

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