Director, Signature Events

NMSS National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Cottonwood Heights (UT); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Holiday plan

401k with match

Commuter benefit

Health & Welfare benefits

Job summary

The National MS Society is seeking a dynamic Director of Donor Events to lead high-impact fundraising campaigns across the West Region, including Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. You will plan and execute galas, auctions, and donor-focused experiences while meeting revenue goals and fostering donor engagement.

You will guide a regional team, translate national models locally, and collaborate with leadership to ensure brand-aligned execution and strong donor stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field; advanced degree or CFRE certification is a plus.
• Demonstrated success in managing donor pipelines, cultivating major gifts, and executing multi-channel fundraising campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of gala, auction, and social fundraising events, ensuring revenue goals are met through sponsorships, table sales, and donor activation.
• Serve as the market’s lead fundraiser for assigned campaigns with emphasis on donor cultivation and revenue outcomes.
• Translate national models into compelling local experiences that align with budget and mission objectives.
• Partner with the AVP to report on pacing, surface risks, and adjust execution as needed to achieve goals.
• Foster cross-team alignment by coordinating frontline activity and supporting peer fundraisers.
• Use CRM dashboards to inform decisions, track performance, and optimize tactics.
• Coordinate fundraising activity among peer staff and donors to promote accountability and donor-centric execution.

Skills

Donor relations

Fundraising

Major gifts

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFRE certification (plus)

Tools

Salesforce

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

WHO WE ARE:

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. We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning.

Job Summary:

Leads the planning and execution of high-impact donor events such as galas, luncheons, and auctions within a regional portfolio. With full accountability for campaign revenue goals, the Director drives fundraising through donor solicitation, sponsorship development, and event experience strategy. In partnership with the AVP, this role ensures brand-aligned execution and high-return events, while modeling fundraising excellence and coordinating event activity across the market.

Location Requirement:

This is a market-based role supporting our West Region – Colorado - Utah - Wyoming Chapter. As a market-based employee, you will spend up to 50% of your work time in the community cultivating relationships, attending events, and supporting local initiatives. The role includes limited travel throughout the assigned market and region, as well as occasional overnight travel for regional and enterprise meetings, trainings, and events.

Preferred location(s): Salt Lake City, UT

Compensation | Benefits:

The estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $70,000-$79,000. Final offers will be based on the candidate's geographic location, consider career experience and may vary from this range due to these and other factors. You will have the opportunity for a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package that the Society provides to employees.

• Considerable Paid Time Off
• Plan Paid Holidays
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match
• Commuter Benefit Plan
• Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits including: Medical Dental Vision Flex Spending Accounts Life Insurance Disability Coverage Spring Health Membership offering free therapy and professional coaching, as well as additional voluntary benefit offerings.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead execution of gala, auction, and social fundraising events, ensuring revenue goals are met through a combination of corporate sponsorships, table and ticket sales, donor activation, and major gift solicitation—each playing a critical role in driving overall event success and deepening donor engagement.
• Serve as the market’s lead fundraiser for assigned campaigns, focusing on high-impact activity that prioritizes donor cultivation and revenue outcomes above logistical planning.
• Translate national models into compelling local experiences that align with brand, budget, and mission objectives.
• Partner with the AVP to report on pacing, surface risks, and adjust execution as needed to achieve goals.
• Foster cross-team alignment by coordinating frontline activity, reinforcing shared accountability, and supporting peer fundraisers in execution.
• Use CRM and campaign dashboards to inform decisions, track performance, and continuously improve tactics.
• Support coordination of fundraising activity among peer staff (e.g., silent auctions, donor outreach, table hosts), promoting shared accountability and donor-centric execution.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field; advanced degree or CFRE certification is a plus.
• 4+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
• Demonstrated success in managing donor pipelines, cultivating major gifts, and executing multi-channel fundraising campaigns.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with experience supervising staff or volunteers and coordinating cross-functional initiatives.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and data analysis to inform strategy and reporting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors, board members, and community stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement long-term fundraising plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Experience planning and executing donor events, stewardship programs, and grant proposals.

We’re committed to supporting the growth of every employee through a structured and transparent approach to career development. We use Talent Portraits to define clear expectations, development opportunities, and advancement paths — whether you're growing as a people leader or deepening your expertise as an individual contributor.

Each role is thoughtfully placed within one of these pathways (Leadership or Partner) to help you understand how it fits into our broader organization and your potential career journey.

This position is classified as Partner - Knowledge Expert.

The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS. The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.