Lead Major Gifts Director; Midwest & Mountain Regions

Lead Major Gifts Director (Midwest & Mountain Regions)

Join The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research as Lead Major Gifts Director for the Midwest and Mountain regions. Report to the VP, Head of Major Gifts, and manage a robust portfolio of high‑value donors, raising $4M–$10M annually.

The Lead Major Gifts Director will independently lead strategy, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for major donors, driving results through thoughtful donor engagement and strategic planning. This seasoned fundraiser will own complex donor relationships across the assigned territory, collaborating cross‑functionally, mentoring frontline fundraisers, and representing the Foundation with credibility, integrity, and energy.

• Own and grow a portfolio of major donors, largely high five‑figure to low seven‑figure, with a focus on securing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts.
• Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans tailored to each donor, incorporating bespoke engagement, compelling cases for support, and meaningful stewardship.
• Serve as a frontline fundraiser and external ambassador, confidently articulating the Foundation’s mission, goals, and science‑driven strategy.
• Partner cross‑functionally with internal teams – Research, Programs, Communications – to deliver donor‑centric experiences and content.
• Maintain accurate records of donor activity in Salesforce; track progress to revenue goals and continuously identify new opportunities for engagement or upgrades.
• Serve as a peer leader and mentor within the Major Gifts team, sharing strategies and offering input on cultivation and stewardship best practices.
• Stay informed on Foundation initiatives and key developments in the Parkinson’s space to engage donors with timely updates and insights.
• Contribute to high‑level stewardship efforts and fundraising strategy planning, including curated mailings, special communications, and internal projects.

• Proven success as a frontline fundraiser managing a portfolio and securing multiple six‑figure gifts independently.
• Proven track record of strategic relationship building from cultivation through solicitation and stewardship.
• Comfortable engaging with complex donor audiences and tailoring messaging; ability to translate scientific or technical content into donor‑ready narratives.
• Collaborative team player with a self‑starter mindset, who can thrive in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including clear, compelling writing and professional verbal delivery.
• Detail‑oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines.
• Proficiency in Salesforce and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% annually, including occasional weekends.
• Must hold a valid Driver’s License.

The salary range for this position is $110,000 – $145,000. The Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 15+ medical insurance options (Foundation pays 90% of premiums)
• Competitive dental and vision plans
• 401(k) plan with 6% 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 2 pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4
• Hybrid‑flex or remote work options; employees work closely with managers to determine when, where, and how programs and projects get done.

Employees are eligible for a discretionary annual bonus and benefit from regular training courses, events, and leadership cultivation.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples their specific qualifications and interest in the position. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus, creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, the Foundation has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects worldwide.

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Research has shown that people from marginalized communities apply to roles only when they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, and you are someone who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we strongly encourage you to apply.