Our Mission

The mission of the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors with the goals of improving, extending and, ultimately, saving the lives of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis. We do this through interactions and engagements with brain tumor patients and their families, collaborations with allied groups and organizations, and the funding of brain tumor research

Our Vision

A future where not one life is lost to a brain tumor.

Organizational Overview

In 1973, the ABTA was founded by two mothers determined to find answers that, at the time, were not yet available. Since then, the ABTA has funded more than $36.5 million in brain tumor research and reaches a national audience of more than 190,000 constituents annually, providing educational and support resources.

Improving patient outcomes is at the core of ABTA’s research funding program. An independent, multi-level, external review process ensures that ABTA grants are awarded to the brightest and most forward-thinking researchers. Through the funding of early-career scientists, the ABTA is seeding the field with talented young investigators who have the potential to positively affect the lives of patients with brain tumors. The ABTA supports innovative discovery science that is focused on developing new drugs, new imaging techniques or advanced methods of diagnosis. Most importantly, the ABTA supports research that will improve the quality of life for brain tumor survivors and their caregivers.

The ABTA is also a trusted resource for brain tumor patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals across the country. With a wide range of educational brochures, webinars and programs, our goal is to educate and empower patients and families, so they are better equipped to make informed decisions. The ABTA website (abta.org) is recognized internationally as the most comprehensive and trustworthy source for brain tumor information across all tumor types.

A dedicated, 9-member Board of Directors representing a national reach has continued to focus on its commitment to support the organization’s mission. Since 2018, Ralph DeVitto has served as President and CEO of the organization. On February 1, 2025, Kelly Sitkin, ABTA’s current Chief Development Officer, will assume the role of President and CEO. 

To achieve our strategic priorities, the ABTA seeks a seasoned and energetic Chief Development Officer who can build strong philanthropic revenues to help fund biomedical research and the educational and supportive programs all brain tumor patients need.

While headquartered in Chicago, the ABTA is a national organization with a presence in markets throughout the country via its fundraising events, educational meetings, and volunteer network.

About the American Brain Tumor Association

The American Brain Tumor Association provides comprehensive resources to support the complex needs of brain tumor patients and caregivers, across all ages and tumor types, as well as the critical funding of research in the pursuit of breakthroughs in brain tumor diagnoses, treatments, and care. To learn more, visit, abta.org or call 800-886-ABTA (2282).

Position Summary – Chief Development Officer

Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as the principal fundraising strategist for the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) and drives the strategic growth of a robust national philanthropic revenue program.

A seasoned, data-driven leader, the CDO oversees an 11-member Development team and directly supervises:

• Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
• Director of Events
• Director of Individual Giving

The CDO is a highly organized, adaptable professional capable of thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic, and growing organization. This team-oriented leader is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive, diversified fundraising program designed to achieve ambitious organizational goals.

To succeed in this role, the CDO will prioritize building a strong foundation of annual, major, and planned giving programs while continuing to expand the ABTA’s corporate and foundation partnerships and signature events, including the national Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5k Run & Walk series, Team ABTA initiatives and our DIY fundraising program, Fundraise Your Way.

This position can be remote with occasional travel to ABTA’s headquarters.  Candidates must have access to reliable transportation and the ability to easily access a major airport.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and motivate the Development team to achieve and exceed individual, departmental, and organizational goals.
• Grow a robust fundraising platform that includes individual, corporate, foundation, and peer-to-peer giving, with clearly defined revenue targets.
• Take a primary leadership role in cultivating major gifts by managing and soliciting a small portfolio of current and prospective donors.
• Travel 30–35% of the time, including nights and weekends, for outreach meetings, events, personal visits, and efforts to increase brand awareness.
• Continue to develop ABTA’s national fundraising events to enhance attendance, awareness, and funding.
• Provide oversight of ABTA’s volunteer network to increase volunteer engagement opportunities and future advocacy initiatives.
• Oversee the President and CEO’s donor portfolio and schedule, ensuring timely and impactful engagement with top donors and prospects.
• Serve as a key member of the ABTA’s leadership team offering guidance across all areas of the mission of the ABTA.
• Work closely with the President and CEO and the Chief Mission Officer on outreach efforts and building and maintaining strategic partnerships
• Act as the staff liaison to the Board Development Committee.
• Foster positive, collaborative relationships with the leadership team, staff, board members, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Manage the Development budget to maximize return on investment.
• Champion and implement best practices in fundraising for the Development team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

• Deep, passionate commitment to ABTA’s mission and vision.
• 4–7 years of senior-level leadership experience in managing successful fundraising teams, encompassing individual, corporate, and foundation giving, as well as direct mail, and events. Experience in health-related or national fundraising is a plus.
• Proven ability to recruit, manage, motivate, and inspire a high-performing Development team.
• Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating and stewarding major gift donors and prospects.
• Experience working effectively with engaged boards and volunteers.
• Ability to thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to honesty, integrity, and transparency.
• Focused leadership with exceptional attention to detail and confidence.
• Data-driven, strategic thinker with a collaborative approach to working with executive teams, staff, and boards.
• Excellent communication skills, with inspiring and persuasive written, verbal, and presentation abilities.
• Financial management expertise, including budget analysis, forecasting, and planning in a fundraising context.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit fundraising and CRM platforms. Experience with Salesforce and Classy platforms a plus.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as required. Reliable transportation and easy access to a major airport are essential.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Interested in Working for the ABTA?

Submit a cover letter with your resume to careers@abta.org.

Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered.

About Our Culture

The ABTA offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a 401K plan with employer match; monthly technology stipend; a generous paid time off plan; summer hours; smart casual dress, including jeans; free access to on-site fitness center; free office parking; work-life balance and flexible work-from-home schedule.

Salary Range

The expected hiring range for this position is $150,000 to $170,000 annually, commensurate with experience which will be evaluated during the candidate selection process. This position is eligible for a competitive benefits package.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work environment may involve moderate risks or discomforts, which require special safety precautions (e.g., automobile and airplane travel).  This position may require some travel, up to approximately 40% travel.  Additionally, while performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including boxes of ABTA literature and supplies for various events.  Specific vision abilities required by the job includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Are you a versatile, experienced, data-driven marketer looking to advance your career within the NPO sphere and make a difference?

The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) is seeking a detail-oriented and creative Manager, Marketing and Communications to help plan and execute impactful campaigns that support our mission and engage our community.

This position requires strong organizational and communication skills, proficiency in current marketing tools, and the ability to collaborate effectively with subject matter experts (SMEs) and team members. The ideal candidate will have hands-on nonprofit experience, exceptional editorial skills, and a proven track record in event marketing.

If this sounds like you, please apply and include a cover letter expressing your interest.

Since 1973 the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) has been the champion of the brain tumor community. Our mission: to advance the understanding and treatment of brain tumors with the goals of improving, extending and, ultimately, saving the lives of those impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis.

Key Responsibilities

Campaign Development and Execution

• Develop and manage marketing campaigns, including social media, email, and event promotions, ensuring alignment with ABTA’s mission and goals.
• Create visually engaging graphics and materials using Canva and other tools.
• Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategies to improve engagement and results.

Content Creation and Management

• Write, edit, and proofread marketing materials, ensuring consistent tone, messaging, and brand standards.
• Collaborate with SMEs to translate complex medical and scientific information into clear, engaging content.
• Maintain content calendars and project timelines using Asana or other project management software.

Event Marketing

• Coordinate and execute marketing efforts for ABTA’s signature events, including awareness campaigns, donor engagement initiatives, and educational programs.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to promote event attendance and participation.

Collaboration and Support

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Development and Patient Services, to coordinate campaigns and align goals.
• Provide support to leadership by preparing presentations, reports, and other materials on an as-needed basis.

Operational Excellence

• Manage project workflows and timelines to ensure on-time delivery of marketing initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Sr. Manager of Marketing and Communications.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• Bilingual in Spanish, a plus.

Experience

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in marketing at a non-profit or mission-driven organization.
• Event Marketing: Demonstrated experience in planning and executing successful event marketing campaigns.
• Editorial Skills: Strong writing, editing, and proofreading abilities with keen attention to detail. Knowledge and experience with AP Style a plus.
• Technical Proficiency: Microsoft Office, Salesforce Account Engagement/Pardot, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools. WordPress experience a plus, especially Elementor.

Key Attributes

• Passion for ABTA’s mission and dedication to making a difference in the lives of brain tumor patients and their families.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and results-oriented mindset.

Apply for this Position

Submit a cover letter with your resume to careers@abta.org. Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered.

Salary Range

The expected hiring range for this position is $63,000 to $69,000 annually, commensurate with experience which will be evaluated during the candidate selection process. This position is eligible for a competitive benefits package.