Virginia Spitzer

About Virginia Spitzer

SUMMARYInnovative, visionary leader and strategic thinker with significant experience in nonprofit management, organizational growth, and education, medical, and equity-focused initiatives. Proven track record in strategic planning, fundraising, and program development, with an emphasis on building sustainable solutions to complex social challenges. Excels in fostering impactful relationships across diverse stakeholders, leveraging public speaking and negotiation skills to influence positive outcomes. Enthusiastic leader adept at managing cross-functional teams and driving change management processes, ensuring operational efficiency and financial sustainability. Committed to advancing nonprofit missions through collaborative partnerships and innovative programmatic approaches.Team Leadership | Nonprofit Management | Board Development | Financial Management | Change Management | Human Resources | Fundraising | Strategic Planning | Grant Writing | Legal Compliance | Program Development | Relationship Building | Research | International Relations | Data Analysis | Marketing Strategy | Public Speaking | Resource Allocation | Digital Marketing | Social Media Campaigns | Event Planning | Business DevelopmentStart-up, Scale-up, and Expansion Expertise:Publications:

Experience

1. Chief Executive Officer

   Rare Cancer Research Foundation

   Nov 2025 — Present

   Providing executive functions of the Rare Cancer Research Foundation, a nonprofit which empowers patients, identifies rare cancer patterns, and advances research. Through its innovative work in tissue donations, biobanking, open-source data commons, and patient-centric tools and resources, RCRF provides strategic investments and innovative collaborations that facilitate effective research and accelerate the deployment of promising therapies.

Education

• Northern Illinois University

  Bachelor's degree, English/Education

• Northern Illinois University

  Masters, English Lit/Education

• University of Oxford

  English Literature (British and Commonwealth)

Skills

• Event Management
• Non-Profit Administration
• Public Relations
• Social Media
• Public Speaking
• Management
• Program Development
• Event Planning
• Research
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Program Management
• Youth Development
• Strategic Planning
• Nonprofits
• Philanthropy
• Non-Profits
• Program Evaluation
• Start-Ups
• Annual Giving
• Leadership Development
• Strategy
• Volunteer Management
• Stewardship
• Board Development
• Grant Writing
• Leadership
• Grants
• Fundraising