Director of Major Gifts (East)

About the role

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Director of Major Gifts (East) position. Reporting to the VP, Head of Major Gifts, this position plays a key role in advancing the Foundation’s major gifts strategy and supporting the overall goals of the Major Gifts team.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development
  Lead, support, and mentor a team of frontline fundraisers responsible for cultivating and soliciting major gifts, providing regular coaching, goal setting, and feedback that promotes growth, confidence, and long-term success.

• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that emphasizes accountability, professional growth, and shared success
  Partner with the VP, Head of Major Gifts, to identify skill-building opportunities and strengthen team fundraising capabilities.

• Provide advanced coaching on solicitation strategy, multi-year asks, and donor engagement planning, collaborating with staff to build on their existing strengths and expand their capacity for ambitious fundraising.

• Model and cultivate a team culture rooted in excellence, continuous learning, and proactive and meaningful donor engagement
  Guide team members in developing tailored donor engagement plans to deepen relationships and secure multi-year commitments.

• Co-develop long-term regional fundraising strategies in partnership with frontline fundraisers that proactively identify growth opportunities and high-impact donor engagement
  Partner closely with the VP and regional fundraisers to shape regional approaches, contribute to enterprise-wide planning, and drive alignment with the Foundation’s multi-year fundraising goal.

Qualifications and Skills

• Relevant experience as a front-line major gift fundraiser, consistently securing multiple six- and seven-figure gifts; experience with large campaigns a plus.

• Demonstrated experience managing and developing front-line fundraisers, shaping team culture, and partnering strategically with leadership.

• Demonstrated ability to execute major gifts strategy, align work to organizational goals, and drive sustained revenue growth.

• Extensive experience conducting high-quality donor visits to engage, solicit, and steward prospects, building long-term relationships.

• Skilled communicator able to translate complex scientific and business concepts for donors and coach others to do the same.

• Highly organized and proactive, able to manage shifting priorities and guide team members in doing so.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and data reporting; working knowledge of Salesforce or similar CRM systems.

• Ability to travel regularly (including occasional weekends) to engage donors across key territories.

Pay and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $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.

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.