Director, Major Gifts - Southeast

Overview

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.

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 of Major Gifts is responsible for managing a regional portfolio of high‑capacity donors and prospects, with a focus on securing six‑ and seven‑figure transformational gifts and contributing to national fundraising campaigns. This role leads donor acquisition and pipeline growth by partnering closely with regional staff and leadership and working with the Prospect Research team to identify and cultivate new prospects.

A key expectation of this role is the proactive and ongoing development of a robust portfolio—through strategic research, attendance at key events, and strong collaboration with colleagues across departments—so that acquisition is critical to the long‑term success of this position. The Director oversees all stages of the donor lifecycle, from identification to stewardship, and collaborates cross‑functionally to ensure alignment with the organization’s national fundraising strategies.

Using data and donor insights, the Director develops targeted engagement plans, contributes to revenue forecasting, and implements strategic stewardship efforts in partnership with Donor Relations to deepen donor engagement and increase revenue growth.

• Manage a regional portfolio of high‑capacity donors and prospects, securing six‑ and seven‑figure transformational gifts that align with organizational priorities.
• Build and strengthen the portfolio proactively through strategic research, attendance at key events, and collaboration with colleagues and volunteers to identify and engage new prospects.
• Drive donor acquisition and long‑term pipeline growth, leveraging internal partnerships and the Prospect Research team to expand and diversify the major gifts portfolio.
• Stay current on the organization’s national and global funding opportunities and priorities to ensure informed, relevant, and strategic donor engagement.
• Support and execute the collective responsibility for national fundraising campaigns, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and contributing to shared revenue targets.
• Oversee all stages of the donor lifecycle—from identification through stewardship—ensuring meaningful and strategic engagement throughout.
• Partner cross‑functionally with regional staff, internal key stakeholders, and volunteers to identify, cultivate, and advance relationships with new and existing major gift prospects.
• Participate in regular portfolio reviews to refine strategy and maximize donor potential, focusing on growth and high‑impact engagement.
• Collaborate with leadership and key internal stakeholders to craft compelling cases for support and develop tailored proposals in partnership with Donor Relations that inspire transformational giving.
• Align cross‑functionally within Development to create a cohesive donor experience and facilitate major gift upgrades.
• Implement strategic stewardship plans in partnership with Donor Relations to retain donors, deepen engagement, and increase long‑term investment.
• Provide fundraising insights and contribute to revenue forecasting, collaborating with the Individual Giving team and aligning efforts with national priorities.
• Utilize CRM and additional tools effectively for timely and accurate data management, ensuring adherence to organizational KPIs for accountability and performance evaluation.

• Demonstrated and relevant fundraising experience with advanced understanding of prospect qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Record of…