Assistant Vice President, Foundation Relations

National Multiple Sclerosis Society • Washington, DC

4d • Remote

About The Position

The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Foundation Relations is responsible for building and sustaining a high-performing foundation relations team. This role focuses on building a best-in-class foundation fundraising mechanism at the National MS Society, including developing strategy, processes, guidelines, tools and resources to significantly grow foundation support. The ideal candidate will support and strength existing foundation relationships and drive the acquisition of new foundation partners aligned with the organization’s mission. The AVP plays a critical role in developing strategic approaches to foundation engagement, ensuring efficient and effective grant management, and contributing to the organization’s overall fundraising growth and sustainability. This is a role for a builder, someone who enjoys taking on a new challenge and working through the complexities of standing up a robust fundraising function, positioned for significant success in the long term.

Requirements

• 8 years of demonstrated and relevant fundraising experience (including 6 years of team leadership and supervision) with advanced understanding of prospect qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Record of leadership and accomplishment in fundraising including campaign planning and execution, pipeline development, and mid-level revenue generation across multiple markets.
• Able to assess staff talent, mentor, and train others toward a shared vision, providing strategic guidance to ensure staff meet their designated revenue and activity goals.
• Proven ability to manage broad and technical fundraising campaigns, collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to secure grant funding.
• Demonstrated success in coaching staff to higher levels of gift closure and performance and guiding leadership staff through portfolio management, holding reporting and non-reporting staff accountable to identified revenue and donor targets.
• Experience developing and monitoring budgets and targets, and assessing and adjusting team portfolios to ensure goals are met
• Proven nonprofit leadership experience with increasing responsibility, successfully driving 6+ figure partnerships.
• Familiarity with AI, predictive analytics, and CRM tools to optimize sales pipeline automation, donor journey mapping, and forecasting donor trends to enhance retention and maximize event success.
• Extensive experience managing geographically dispersed teams, in remote and hybrid environments, overseeing both revenue generation and project execution.
• Track record of implementing innovative fundraising strategies that drive engagement and revenue growth.
• Strong ability to perform under pressure, handle criticism professionally, and consistently meet fundraising commitments.
• Exceptional project management, strategic planning, and negotiation skills to drive effective resource allocation and optimize fundraising outcomes.
• Advanced CRM expertise, leveraging data analytics to drive decision-making and train teams on data-driven fundraising strategies.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to travel approximately 20%

Responsibilities

• Partner with the VP, Corporate, Industry and Foundation Partnerships to develop, lead, and mentor a national Foundation Relations team to support foundation engagement, grant management, acquisition strategy, and relationship stewardship.
• Oversee backend operational processes related to foundation fundraising, including proposal development, submission tracking, reporting, compliance management, and managing deadlines.
• Personally manage a portfolio of grantmaking foundations and government agencies.
• Develop and execute acquisition strategies for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding new foundation partners to expand the organization’s funding base.
• Partner with senior leadership to align foundation fundraising strategies with the organization’s strategic priorities and mission goals.
• Work cross functionally to build new funding opportunities aligned with foundation funding landscape, key priority areas and National MS Society strategic plan and funding pillars.
• Implement best practices and tools to streamline foundation grant workflows and enhance data tracking and reporting accuracy.
• Provide guidance and support to cross-functional teams on foundation grant requirements and reporting standards.
• Use data analytics and market research to identify emerging funding opportunities and philanthropic trends.
• Ensure compliance with foundation grant terms and conditions, managing risk and maintaining positive funder relationships.
• Represent the organization externally in foundation networks and at industry conferences to raise profile and foster partnerships.
• Prepare regular reports and analysis on foundation fundraising performance for senior leadership.
• Leading by developing the skills of the people reporting to you and helping them be successful in their roles.

Benefits

• Considerable Paid Time Off Plan
• Paid Holidays
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match
• Commuter Benefit Plan
• Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Spring Health Membership offering free therapy and professional coaching, as well as additional voluntary benefit offerings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed