The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

Company Overview

The Society for Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) is the world’s premier organization for everyone who works to lessen the impact of gynecologic cancers supported by more than 2,700 members, gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and patient advocates. We are a member-driven community of people working together to advance cancer care and improve the lives of millions. SGO is global, inclusive and dedicated to all its members.  The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) is the 501(c)3 foundation of the SGO. 

The SGO mission is to accelerate innovative, high-quality, equitable, and comprehensive gynecologic cancer care and the mission of the FWC is to support and empower all affected by gynecologic cancers through education, research, and public awareness.

The shared vision of both organizations is a world united in eradicating gynecologic cancers where everyone thrives.

Job Overview

The SGO currently has an extraordinary opportunity for data-driven, process and growth strategy leader to join the team as the Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives. We are looking for an individual to bring their passion and excitement to our fast-paced and ever-changing environment. The successful incumbent will be forward thinking, a seasoned team leader, highly detail orientated, organized, and collaborative while managing multiple projects simultaneously. They will see the big picture and embrace change to ensure they meet their goals and the goals of the SGO and FWC. 

In this position, you will serve as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and operational excellence across the Society for Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC). Through visionary leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic oversight of membership, data, and enterprise systems, this role drives initiatives that strengthen governance, enhance member and donor engagement, and ensure sustainable, mission-driven impact. 

The Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives will provide executive-level oversight of SGO’s membership strategy through leadership of a Director of Membership, ensuring alignment between membership value, engagement, and organizational priorities. This position also ensures that organizational databases and systems support data-informed decision-making and long-term scalability. The role embodies SGO/Foundation values of Integrity, Communication, Equity, Innovation, and Excellence. 

What You Will Do

Strategic Visioning and Organizational Growth - Partner with the CEO, Boards of Directors, and senior leadership to facilitate long-range strategic planning for SGO and FWC. Lead the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of strategic initiatives, establishing success metrics and ensuring enterprise-wide alignment. Identify and advance opportunities for innovation, capacity building, membership growth, donor engagement, and organizational impact.

Membership Strategy Oversight - Provide strategic oversight of SGO’s membership program through direct supervision of the Director of Membership. Set strategic direction and performance expectations for membership growth, retention, engagement, and value delivery. Review and interpret membership analytics, trends, and forecasts to guide strategic decision-making. Ensure membership structures, policies, and benefits align with organizational strategy, equity commitments, and financial sustainability.

Database, Systems, and Data Strategy - Provide executive oversight of membership, donor, and volunteer databases and enterprise systems. Ensure data integrity, governance, and effective reporting across SGO and FWC. Partner with IT, finance, development, and operations to oversee system integrations, enhancements, and long-term technology planning. Promote a culture of data-informed decision-making through dashboards, analytics, and performance reporting.

Project Management and Operational Excellence - Establish and oversee project management standards to improve cross-functional collaboration, transparency, and accountability. Serve as executive sponsor for key enterprise-wide initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and measurable outcomes. Drive continuous improvement of organizational workflows, digital tools, and processes.

Governance and Volunteer Leadership - Strengthen governance processes supporting the SGO Board, FWC Board, and committees in fulfilling strategic and fiduciary responsibilities. Ensure volunteer leadership structures, committee workflows, and succession planning systems are aligned, effective, and sustainable. Serve as a senior staff partner to volunteer leaders, supporting strategic communications and engagement.

Health Equity and Inclusion - Champion and operationalize SGO’s commitment to health equity and inclusion across membership strategy, governance, operations, and Foundation activities. Embed equity principles into strategic planning, data analysis, and organizational decision-making.

Strategic Partnerships and Communications - Oversee strategic partnerships and external collaborations, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities. Partner with Marketing and Communications to articulate strategic initiatives, progress, and impact to members, donors, and stakeholders. Oversee development of enterprise-level reports, including annual and impact reports.

Financial Stewardship and Staff Leadership - Oversee program and operating budgets aligned with strategic priorities. Manage vendor relationships and grant-supported initiatives in collaboration with finance and development teams. Supervise, mentor, and develop direct reports; foster collaboration across teams; and serve as staff liaison to assigned committees.

The work of the SGO is conducted primarily in a remote office environment with occasional requirements to be onsite for group meetings and events. Travel is required approximately 5-7 days per year. 

Compensation and Benefits

We offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience. The hiring range for this position is $140,000 to $150,000 annually. Benefit offerings include medical, dental, vision, and short- and long-term disability benefits; vacation time, sick time, 11 named holidays and 3 floating holidays, and parental leave. This is a fully remote position.

Requirements for Success

The ideal candidate will have experience and skills as follows:

• 7–10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit management, association leadership, strategic planning, or related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading organization-wide initiatives, managing complex projects, and facilitating organizational change management efforts.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit governance, board relations, volunteer engagement, and operational excellence practices.
• Experience supporting or working within a nonprofit foundation, membership organization, or professional society.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage a cross-functional team and operationalize organizational goals with attention to detail and results.
• Advanced MS Office user.

In addition, the Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives will manage and influence through executive presence; expertly manage individuals, teams, and projects; foster an environment that enables, motivates, and inspires high-achievement; operate with strategic agility;  be technically agile and adept; demonstrate superior interpersonal skills; and emulate integrity and professionalism under all circumstances.

The Society for Gynecologic Oncology/Foundation for Women’s Cancer is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.