VP, Head of Major Gifts

Job Title: VP, Head of Major Gifts

Position Summary:

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.

Primary Duties & 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. Travel cadence varies based on the season and strategic impact

Qualifications and Skills:

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. Ability to teach and mentor others to do the same
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.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $170,000 - $190,000. In addition to salary, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

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. We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.

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.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted.

About Us:

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—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.

Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information.

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.