Director of Fundraising, Signature Events

National Multiple Sclerosis Society • Fort Lauderdale, FL

1d • $70,000 - $79,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

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. This role offers the opportunity to lead both the strategy and execution of a portfolio of premier signature fundraising events. You'll develop market-level fundraising strategies, build relationships with sponsors, donors, and volunteer leaders, and then see those strategies come to life through exceptional event experiences. Included in the portfolio is one of the Society's signature events that has been identified as a strategic growth priority with the potential to become a $1 million annual fundraiser in the next few years. With strong leadership support, an engaged volunteer committee, and significant growth potential, this role is ideal for someone who is energized by building relationships, driving strategy, and leaving a lasting mark on a high-profile fundraising program. If you're energized by balancing big-picture thinking with hands-on event leadership, and by building fundraising programs that grow year after year, this role offers the chance to do both while advancing our mission to create a world free of MS. The position requires regular, in-person attendance at meetings, constituent interactions, and events as well as travel as required and necessary up to approximately 50% of the work time. During the remaining time, work is primarily conducted remotely from either a home office or a National MS Society workspace (Society workspace not provided in all geographies).

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

• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed