VP, Head of Major Gifts

The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research • New York, NY

329d • $170,000 - $190,000

About The Position

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its VP, Head of Major Gifts position. This position at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (“the Foundation”) is instrumental in shaping and executing the Foundation's Major Gift fundraising strategy. As an inspiring leader, this position manages direct reports and their regional teams, leading a group of skilled frontline fundraisers. This role focuses on nurturing the team's professional growth, empowering them to meet and exceed fundraising targets. In addition, this role is responsible for stewarding a select portfolio of major gift donors, collaborating closely with colleagues across the Development department and the broader Foundation to ensure alignment and drive collective success. This position is responsible for cultivating a high-performing, supportive, and collaborative team culture, grounded in strong leadership, transparent communication, and a commitment to fundraising excellence.

Requirements

• Proven repeated success as a front-line major gift fundraiser, having independently secured multiple six- and seven-figure gifts
• Proven experience planning and leading the fundraising strategy for a major gifts team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and driving revenue growth
• Expertise in securing and conducting personal, face-to-face visits to engage, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects, building deep, long-term relationships
• Demonstrated success in managing a strong team of front-line fundraisers who consistently meet revenue goals and collaborate effectively across teams
• Proven experience in supporting direct reports in their professional development, helping them set and achieve their growth goals while fostering leadership skills
• A proven ability to digest complex material and present it in an empathetic and compelling manner, with the ability to communicate science and business models to donors proficiently
• Proactive and highly organized, with the ability to independently prioritize competing needs and guide a team of front-line fundraisers in managing priorities effectively
• Proven experience in managing shifting priorities while working to build and strengthen the Foundation's impact, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills, with strong proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and communication.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed to meet strategic donor engagement goals.
• Familiarity with Salesforce CRM or equivalent software to manage donor relationships and track fundraising activities effectively
• Must have a valid Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Lead the major gift fundraising strategy for the Major Gifts team program, setting the vision for revenue growth and ensuring alignment with the Foundation's broader objectives
• Set the agenda for the program's revenue growth and partner with the Fundraising Strategy and Operations (FSO) and Marketing and Communications teams to develop and implement an annual communication plan to engage and solicit donors
• Partner with the Development team program leads and department heads to ensure a unified strategy for engaging and soliciting donors across all revenue lines
• Lead the hiring, motivation, and retention of a talented Major Gifts team, fostering an environment where individuals can thrive and meet fundraising goals
• Support the professional growth and development of Major Gifts team members, helping them set and achieve their career goals at the Foundation
• Collaborate with the Individual Giving department head to manage the team budget and ensure effective resource allocation
• Manage a small portfolio of roughly 25 Major Gift donors who contribute six-figure gifts or more annually, focusing on deepening relationships and securing ongoing support
• Serve as a key spokesperson and senior frontline fundraiser for the Foundation, articulating a compelling case for support with a focus on leadership/major gifts
• Build strong and lasting relationships with donors through multiple points of contact, ensuring regular and meaningful engagement
• Lead by example, empowering the team to strengthen the Foundation's presence through fundraising and community engagement efforts within their assigned territories
• Promote a positive, collaborative working environment by demonstrating a 'roll-up-your-sleeves' attitude and actively supporting your team's efforts
• Perform behind-the-scenes activities, including high-end stewardship and solicitation mailings, revenue tracking, donor and prospect record updates, and maintaining action items in CRM
• Identify and compile timely, relevant updates and articles of interest to share with key constituents to enhance donor relationships
• Travel approximately 15% of the year, with occasional weekend travel, to ensure strategic engagement with donors and prospects in key territories.

Benefits

• 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums)
• Competitive dental and vision plans
• 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employer paid life and disability insurance
• 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4
• Two ways of working: hybrid-flex, or remote work.
• Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis.
• The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations