Assistant Director of Fundraising, Signature Events

Assistant Director, Signature Events

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.

The Assistant Director, Signature Events plays a key role in developing and executing high-impact fundraising events that advance the organization's mission and drive revenue goals, including but not limited to galas, luncheons and cocktail parties. This position supports strategic planning, oversees event logistics, and recruits and manages Event Chair and Committee members to ensure exceptional donor and participant experiences. With a focus on innovation, relationship-building, and performance metrics, the Assistant Director helps drive growth and elevate the organization's event fundraising portfolio.

Location Requirement: This is a market-based role supporting our West Region -- Pacific South Coast Chapter. 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). Preferred location(s): Candidates must be based and able to work within the San Diego, CA or Orange County areas.

Compensation | Benefits: The estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $75,000-$80,000 Final offers will be based on the candidate's geographic location, consider career experience and may vary from this range due to these and other factors. You will have the opportunity for a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package that the Society provides to employees. Your benefits include: 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.

Main Responsibilities:

• Campaign Leadership & Execution: Lead the planning, execution, logistics, and optimization of assigned fundraising campaigns within the market. Ensure campaigns are executed with excellence, innovation, mission-focused, and alignment to organization standards.
• Revenue Accountability: Serve as the primary revenue driver for events within portfolio, owning performance from inception through to completion. Monitor financial performance and proactively adjust strategies to ensure goal attainment.
• Strategic Adaptation & Alignment: Translate national campaign strategies into actionable local plans tailored to market dynamics. Ensure local execution aligns with broader regional priorities and contributes to shared growth objectives.
• Donor & Volunteer Engagement: Cultivate, solicit, and steward high-value fundraising teams, top sponsors, and key volunteer leaders. Build and maintain strong relationships to drive engagement, retention, and long-term support.
• Performance Management & Data Analysis: Analyzes data trends and creates donor profiles to assist with donor development, stewardship, direct communications and fundraising strategy. Leverages Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to maintain research data and donor records, execute mailing or e-mail campaigns, and create reports.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Support the Assistant Vice President and Regional Vice President with reports on campaign progress, identification of growth opportunities, and opportunities to drive continuous improvement. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless integration of campaign efforts across departments. Maintains confidentiality and complies with data privacy regulations and policies.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience in fundraising, donor relations, or development support within a nonprofit or similar environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor communications and reports.
• Proficiency in donor database systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with fundraising platforms is a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, volunteers, and internal stakeholders.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship strategies, and event coordination.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. Previous nonprofit development experience highly desirable

The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.