Development Officer, Galas and Signature Events

Melanoma Research Foundation; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Competitive healthcare benefits

Domestic travel for fundraising events

Job summary

The Melanoma Research Foundation seeks a Development Officer, Galas and Signature Events in Washington, DC (Hybrid). You will lead donor cultivation, sponsor solicitation, and management of gala and signature events to raise over $2,300,000 annually.

Responsibilities include building volunteer committees, managing donor portfolios, overseeing event budgets, coordinating with internal teams, and ensuring events align with MRF branding and strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in donor cultivation, sponsorship solicitation, and event fundraising
• Experience planning and executing large-scale fundraising events, including galas and other signature events
• Experience managing donor portfolios, volunteer committees, and corporate and individual sponsor relationships
• Previous supervisory experience preferred
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization required; experience in cancer research, healthcare, or health advocacy organizations preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage and steward donors, committee members and event volunteers for deeper engagement within the organization
• Cultivate, solicit and steward past and new sponsors (individual and corporate)
• Set event timelines and budgets
• Develop run of show and scripts for presenters
• Partner with the Development Coordinator to plan and execute all logistical aspects of each event
• Oversee venue selection, vendor management, contract negotiation, audiovisual production, shipping logistics, and onsite event execution
• Identify and recruit key honorees, co‑chairs and committee members
• Host monthly committee meetings
• Cultivate, solicit and steward host committee members, past sponsors and solicit new individuals and companies for support
• Reconcile event budgets, track donor outreach and revenue, and generate reports using CRM, DonorPerfect
• Solicit in‑kind donations for auctions
• Partner with the Director of Corporate Relations to solicit national sponsorships and local sponsorships
• Collaborate with the communications team to ensure the events reflect approved MRF branding and messaging
• Partner with the Director of Philanthropy to transition event and annual donors to major gift donors
• Provide onsite support for additional MRF fundraising initiatives, including Miles for Melanoma events and other community fundraising programs
• Coach, mentor, and manage two Development team members, providing regular feedback, performance management, and professional development

Skills

Donor cultivation

Sponsorship solicitation

Event fundraising

Volunteer management

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field

Tools

DonorPerfect CRM

OneCause event platform

Job description

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field required
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in donor cultivation, sponsorship solicitation, and event fundraising
• Experience planning and executing large-scale fundraising events, including galas and other signature events
• Experience managing donor portfolios, volunteer committees, and corporate and individual sponsor relationships
• Previous supervisory experience preferred
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization required; experience in cancer research, healthcare, or health advocacy organizations preferred

Overview.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Development Officer will engage in a variety of fundraising activities to support the overall revenue goals of the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF). He or she will raise more than $2,300,000 to support the national gala program and signature events. The Development Officer will build and manage volunteer committees, cultivate and solicit corporate and individual donors, oversee event execution, and engage volunteers and supporters to advance the MRF’s fundraising goals.

Job Title.

Development Officer, Galas and Signature Events

Location.

Washington D.C. (Hybrid)

Core Responsibilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage and steward donors, committee members and event volunteers for deeper engagement within the organization
• Cultivate, solicit and steward past and new sponsors (individual and corporate)
• Set event timelines and budgets
• Develop run of show and scripts for presenters
• Partner with the Development Coordinator to plan and execute all logistical aspects of each event
• Oversee venue selection, vendor management, contract negotiation, audiovisual production, shipping logistics, and onsite event execution
• Identify and recruit key honorees, co‑chairs and committee members
• Host monthly committee meetings
• Cultivate, solicit and steward host committee members, past sponsors and solicit new individuals and companies for support
• Reconcile event budgets, track donor outreach and revenue, and generate reports using CRM, DonorPerfect
• Solicit in‑kind donations for auctions
• Partner with the Director of Corporate Relations to solicit national sponsorships and local sponsorships
• Collaborate with the communications team to ensure the events reflect approved MRF branding and messaging
• Partner with the Director of Philanthropy to transition event and annual donors to major gift donors
• Provide onsite support for additional MRF fundraising initiatives, including Miles for Melanoma events and other community fundraising programs
• Coach, mentor, and manage two Development team members, providing regular feedback, performance management, and professional development

Requirements & Qualifications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward individual and corporate donors
• Strong relationship‑building and volunteer management skills
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
• Outstanding written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Strong customer service mindset with the ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholders
• Ability to analyze fundraising data and utilize CRM systems to track donor activity and generate reports
• Proficiency with donor management software such as DonorPerfect and event fundraising platforms such as OneCause
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment while exercising sound judgment and initiative
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed for fundraising events

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is based in Washington, DC.
• The Melanoma Research Foundation operates in a hybrid work environment.
• Domestic travel is required throughout the year for fundraising events.

ADA PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position requires the ability to remain seated for extended periods of time.
• The employee must frequently communicate verbally and in writing and regularly utilize a computer, keyboard, monitor, telephone, and basic office equipment.
• The employee must be able to move and handle event or program‑related materials as needed.
• The employee may be required to walk and/or travel by car, train, or plane, depending on programmatic needs.

Healthcare & Benefits.

Competitive healthcare benefits are available.