Director of Fundraising, Signature Events

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 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 is a market-based role supporting our West Region -- Northern California 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 work within the San Francisco, CA / Bay area.

The estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $85,000-$92,000. 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:

• 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.

What We're Looking For:

• Progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
• Demonstrated success directly managing budgets of $500,000+
• 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.
• 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.

This position is classified as Partner - Knowledge Expert.