Director of Fundraising, Signature Events

NMSS National Multiple Sclerosis Society • Fredericksburg, VA

1d • $70,000 - $79,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

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. We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of gala, auction, and social fundraising events, ensuring revenue goals are met through a combination of corporate sponsorships, table and ticket sales, donor activation, and major gift solicitation—each playing a critical role in driving overall event success and deepening donor engagement.
• 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.

Benefits

• You will have the opportunity for a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package that the Society provides to employees.
• Your benefits include a 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.
• Not to mention, you will join an incredible mission focused team of people!
• We’re committed to supporting the growth of every employee through a structured and transparent approach to career development .
• We use Talent Portraits to define clear expectations, development opportunities, and advancement paths — whether you're growing as a people leader or deepening your expertise as an individual contributor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees