Director of Fundraising, Signature Events
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Richmond, VA, United States
WHO WE ARE
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting‑edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning.
Job Summary The Director, Signature Events leads the planning and execution of high‑impact donor events such as galas, luncheons, and auctions within a regional portfolio. With full accountability for campaign revenue goals, the Director drives fundraising through donor solicitation, sponsorship development, and event experience strategy. In partnership with the AVP, this role ensures brand‑aligned execution and high‑return events, while modeling fundraising excellence and coordinating event activity across the market.
Main Responsibilities
Lead execution of gala, auction, and social fundraising events, ensuring revenue goals are met through corporate sponsorships, table and ticket sales, donor activation, and major gift solicitation.
Serve as the market’s lead fundraiser for assigned campaigns, focusing on high‑impact activity that prioritizes donor cultivation and revenue outcomes above logistical planning.
Translate national models into compelling local experiences that align with brand, budget, and mission objectives.
Partner with the AVP to report on pacing, surface risks, and adjust execution as needed to achieve goals.
Foster cross‑team alignment by coordinating frontline activity, reinforcing shared accountability, and supporting peer fundraisers in execution.
Use CRM and campaign dashboards to inform decisions, track performance, and continuously improve tactics.
Support coordination of fundraising activity among peer staff (e.g., silent auctions, donor outreach, table hosts), promoting shared accountability and donor‑centric execution.
What We’re Looking For
Progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
Demonstrated success in managing donor pipelines, cultivating major gifts, and executing multi‑channel fundraising campaigns.
Strong leadership and project management skills, with experience supervising staff or volunteers and coordinating cross‑functional initiatives.
Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and data analysis to inform strategy and reporting.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors, board members, and community stakeholders.
Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement long‑term fundraising plans aligned with organizational goals.
Experience planning and executing donor events, stewardship programs, and grant proposals.
Location Requirement This market‑based role supports the South‑East Region – Virginia‑West Virginia Chapter. The position requires regular, in‑person attendance at meetings, constituent interactions, and events as well as travel as required up to approximately 50% of the work time. The remaining time is primarily conducted remotely from either a home office or a National MS Society workspace. Preferred location: Richmond, VA; Fredericksburg, VA.
Compensation & Benefits The estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $70,000‑$79,000. Final offers will be based on the candidate’s geographic location and experience.
We offer a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package, including Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match, a Commuter Benefit Plan, and comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, Flex Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Disability Coverage, and additional voluntary benefits. We also provide career development opportunities through Talent Portraits and support for growth as a people leader or individual contributor.
The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
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Job Summary The Director, Signature Events leads the planning and execution of high‑impact donor events such as galas, luncheons, and auctions within a regional portfolio. With full accountability for campaign revenue goals, the Director drives fundraising through donor solicitation, sponsorship development, and event experience strategy. In partnership with the AVP, this role ensures brand‑aligned execution and high‑return events, while modeling fundraising excellence and coordinating event activity across the market.
Main Responsibilities
Lead execution of gala, auction, and social fundraising events, ensuring revenue goals are met through corporate sponsorships, table and ticket sales, donor activation, and major gift solicitation.
Serve as the market’s lead fundraiser for assigned campaigns, focusing on high‑impact activity that prioritizes donor cultivation and revenue outcomes above logistical planning.
Translate national models into compelling local experiences that align with brand, budget, and mission objectives.
Partner with the AVP to report on pacing, surface risks, and adjust execution as needed to achieve goals.
Foster cross‑team alignment by coordinating frontline activity, reinforcing shared accountability, and supporting peer fundraisers in execution.
Use CRM and campaign dashboards to inform decisions, track performance, and continuously improve tactics.
Support coordination of fundraising activity among peer staff (e.g., silent auctions, donor outreach, table hosts), promoting shared accountability and donor‑centric execution.
What We’re Looking For
Progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
Demonstrated success in managing donor pipelines, cultivating major gifts, and executing multi‑channel fundraising campaigns.
Strong leadership and project management skills, with experience supervising staff or volunteers and coordinating cross‑functional initiatives.
Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and data analysis to inform strategy and reporting.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors, board members, and community stakeholders.
Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement long‑term fundraising plans aligned with organizational goals.
Experience planning and executing donor events, stewardship programs, and grant proposals.
Location Requirement This market‑based role supports the South‑East Region – Virginia‑West Virginia Chapter. The position requires regular, in‑person attendance at meetings, constituent interactions, and events as well as travel as required up to approximately 50% of the work time. The remaining time is primarily conducted remotely from either a home office or a National MS Society workspace. Preferred location: Richmond, VA; Fredericksburg, VA.
Compensation & Benefits The estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $70,000‑$79,000. Final offers will be based on the candidate’s geographic location and experience.
We offer a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package, including Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match, a Commuter Benefit Plan, and comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, Flex Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Disability Coverage, and additional voluntary benefits. We also provide career development opportunities through Talent Portraits and support for growth as a people leader or individual contributor.
The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
#J-18808-Ljbffr