Director, Signature Events

National Multiple Sclerosis Society•Salt Lake City, UT

21h•$70,000 - $79,000

About The Position

The Director, Signature Events leads the planning and execution of high-impact donor events—including galas, luncheons, and auctions—within a regional portfolio. The role is fully accountable for campaign revenue goals and drives fundraising through donor solicitation, sponsorship development, and event experience strategy. In partnership with the AVP, the Director ensures brand-aligned execution and high-return events, models fundraising excellence, and coordinates event activity across the market. This market-based role supports the National MS Society’s West Region, Colorado–Utah–Wyoming Chapter. The employee may spend up to 50% of work time in the community cultivating relationships, attending events, and supporting local initiatives. The position involves limited travel throughout the assigned market and region, as well as occasional overnight travel for regional and enterprise meetings, trainings, and events. Preferred location is Salt Lake City, Utah. The position is classified as Partner - Knowledge Expert. The Society describes a structured career-development approach through Talent Portraits, with expectations, development opportunities, and advancement paths for employees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field.
At least 4 years of progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development, with a record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
Demonstrated success managing donor pipelines, cultivating major gifts, and executing multi-channel fundraising campaigns.
Strong leadership and project management skills, including experience supervising staff or volunteers and coordinating cross-functional initiatives.
Proficiency with CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce, and with data analysis for strategy and reporting.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage and inspire donors, board members, and community stakeholders.
Strategic thinking and 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.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
CFRE certification.

Responsibilities

Lead execution of gala, auction, and social fundraising events, meeting revenue goals through corporate sponsorships, table and ticket sales, donor activation, and major gift solicitation.
Serve as the market’s lead fundraiser for assigned campaigns, prioritizing donor cultivation and revenue outcomes over logistical planning.
Translate national event models into compelling local experiences aligned with brand, budget, and mission objectives.
Partner with the AVP to report on campaign pacing, identify risks, and adjust execution to achieve goals.
Coordinate frontline activity across teams, reinforce shared accountability, and support peer fundraisers in execution.
Use CRM systems and campaign dashboards to inform decisions, track performance, and improve fundraising tactics.
Support coordination of fundraising activity among peer staff, including silent auctions, donor outreach, and table hosts, promoting shared accountability and donor-centered execution.