Assistant Director, Community Events

National Multiple Sclerosis Society•San Diego, CA

About The Position

The Assistant Director, Community Events leads execution of the National MS Society’s Community Events portfolio within the Pacific South Coast Chapter. The portfolio includes Walk MS events in San Diego, Carlsbad, and Orange County, with a 2027 fundraising goal of $580,000. The role implements campaign and market-specific strategies to grow revenue, strengthen corporate engagement, and expand community participation in collaboration with the broader chapter team. The Assistant Director is accountable for growing team and participant fundraising, securing sponsorship revenue, and building strong relationships through consistent in-person engagement. The position also oversees volunteer recruitment and stewardship, as well as event planning and production. Working with the Assistant Vice President and regional colleagues, the role supports community relationships, cross-functional collaboration, and events that advance the Society’s mission. This is a market-based position supporting the West Region’s Pacific South Coast Chapter. The employee spends up to 50% of work time in the community cultivating relationships, attending events, and supporting local initiatives. The role includes limited travel throughout the assigned market and region and occasional overnight travel for regional and enterprise meetings, trainings, and events. San Diego, California, is a preferred location. The position is classified as Partner - Professional.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 3 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or development support within a nonprofit or similar environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft donor communications and reports.
Proficiency with donor database systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, volunteers, and internal stakeholders.
Knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship strategies, and event coordination.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Ability to spend up to 50% of work time in the community and undertake limited market and regional travel, including occasional overnight travel.

Nice To Haves

Experience with fundraising platforms.
Experience or qualifications equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Support strategic planning and oversee execution, logistics, and optimization of assigned fundraising campaigns within the market.
Ensure campaigns are executed with excellence, innovation, mission focus, and alignment with organizational standards.
Own event portfolio performance from inception through completion, monitor financial performance, and adjust strategies to attain portfolio goals.
Translate national campaign strategies into actionable local plans tailored to market dynamics and aligned with regional priorities.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward mid-level fundraising teams, sponsors, and key volunteer leaders.
Build and maintain relationships that drive engagement, retention, and long-term support.
Analyze data trends and create donor profiles to support donor development, stewardship, communications, and fundraising strategy.
Use the CRM system to maintain research data and donor records, execute mailing or email campaigns, and create reports.
Provide the Assistant Vice President and Regional Vice President with campaign progress reports, growth opportunities, and continuous-improvement opportunities.
Collaborate with internal teams to integrate campaign efforts across departments.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with data privacy regulations and policies.
Oversee volunteer recruitment and stewardship, event planning, and event production.
Spend time in the community cultivating relationships, attending events, and supporting local initiatives.