Executive Director

About Carson Leslie Foundation

The Carson Leslie Foundation (CLF) is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to advancing pediatric brain cancer research, particularly medulloblastoma, and supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Founded in memory of Carson Leslie, CLF funds cutting-edge research, promotes precision medicine, and delivers direct advocacy and family resources through CureMEdullo.org.

CLF is driven by one bold mission: to accelerate cures and compassionate care for children and teens facing brain and central nervous system tumors—bridging the gap between scientific innovation and patient needs.

Job Summary: Executive Director – Pediatric Nonprofit Leadership

CLF is seeking a mission-driven Executive Director with proven experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and ecosystem partnerships. This individual will oversee the foundation’s operations, scale its national impact, and support program funding partnerships across the pediatric oncology research, advocacy, and child life segments.

The ideal candidate is familiar with building, improving & operating all aspects of a health-related nonprofit, with an emphasis on fundraising and donor communications. The Executive Director will manage and expand collaborative efforts with academic institutions, data consortia, government agencies, and the philanthropic sector. A strong understanding of clinical trials, translational research, or healthcare systems is preferred, along with a passion for advocacy and patient impact.

This is a critical leadership hire timed to leverage emerging opportunities in pediatric oncology funding, policy, and research innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead the development and execution of operational strategy and plan aligned with CLF’s mission to drive cures for pediatric cancers, with a focus on medulloblastoma and solid tumors
• Define lead CLF’s patient advocacy and engagement strategy, including through CureMEdullo.org, a digital patient & family education and resource hub
• Engage the Board of Directors in governance, succession planning, and long-term strategy
• Collaborate closely with the Founder and Chief Mission Officer during a leadership transition to ensure strategic continuity

Fundraising, Donor Engagement & Communications

• Lead and diversify fundraising efforts to increase the annual budget for 2026 and beyond
• Cultivate major gifts, foundation support, planned giving, and corporate sponsorships
• Shift fundraising from an event-heavy model to sustainable, relationship-based strategies
• Serve as the foundation’s chief spokesperson, representing CLF across media, conferences, policy forums, and public platforms
• Use compelling storytelling and data to engage donors, institutional funders, and public audiences
• Implement donor recognition programs, estate planning conversations, and matching gift opportunities
• Drive strategic planning and operational priorities that elevate national visibility.

Program Development, Research Oversight & Impact

• Oversee research strategy and grantmaking with a focus on pediatric brain tumors, precision medicine pilots, and translational science
• Maintain and grow partnerships with institutions like American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Children’s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN), Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) and foundation peers in support of active and potential projects
• Design performance metrics and reporting systems to track outcomes, impact, and funding ROI
• Support CLF’s patient-centered programs, including initiatives for teens with cancer and high-need families
• Explore innovative donor & funding models (e.g., funding consolidator, co-funding alliances)

Operations, Infrastructure & Governance

• Manage daily operations, including financial oversight, HR, compliance, volunteer network, and execution of strategic initiatives
• Expand internal infrastructure, including donor databases, communication systems, and development staffing
• Evaluate and optimize fundraising events, reducing costs and increasing ROI through underwriting and sponsorships
• Foster a values-aligned, inclusive workplace culture that reflects CLF’s mission and commitment to families
• Ensure regulatory compliance and clear accountability to the Board of Directors through timely reporting and transparent governance

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in a nonprofit organization, research consortium, or health-focused foundation.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, and/or donor relations.
• Experienced with fundraising event management with net receipt goals >$100K.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Familiarity with pediatric cancer, rare diseases, or healthcare research.
• Proven experience leading teams, scaling programs, and managing budgets.
• Based in Dallas at least part-time, available to travel ~10%.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Advanced degree (e.g., MNM, MPA, MSW, MPH, MBA) or equivalent experience.
• Networked in the pediatric healthcare, biotech, or advocacy community.
• Experience in precision medicine, clinical trials, or oncology data systems is a plus
• Lived experience or deep empathy for families navigating pediatric illnesses.
• Experience with research evaluation and scientific partnership management

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive nonprofit executive salary based on experience
• Office space in the Water Cooler at Pegasus Park, flexible remote/hybrid work arrangement
• National exposure and influence in pediatric health innovation
• Salary: $75-125,000/year, commensurate with experience and organizational capacity.

• Submit your resume/CV and cover letter by email to jobs@carsonlesliefoundation.org. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.