Director, Signature Events

National Multiple Sclerosis Society•Cottonwood Heights, UT

22h

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 has full accountability 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 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, plus occasional overnight travel for regional and enterprise meetings, trainings, and events. Preferred location: Salt Lake City, Utah. The position is classified as Partner - Knowledge Expert. The Society describes a structured and transparent career development approach using Talent Portraits to define expectations, development opportunities, and advancement paths. The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

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 proven 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 in CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce, and in using 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 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 models into compelling local experiences aligned with brand, budget, and mission objectives.
Partner with the AVP to report on campaign pacing, surface risks, and adjust execution as needed to achieve goals.
Coordinate frontline activity, reinforce shared accountability, and support peer fundraisers in execution.
Use CRM systems and campaign dashboards to inform decisions, track performance, and continuously improve tactics.
Support coordination of fundraising activity among peer staff, including silent auctions, donor outreach, and table hosts, promoting shared accountability and donor-centric execution.