Lead Major Gifts Director (Midwest and Mountain Territories)
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's ResearchJob Title: Lead Major Gifts Director (Midwest and Mountain Territories)
Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research ("the Foundation") is seeking top talent for its Lead Major Gifts Director in the Midwest and Mountain regions. Reporting to the VP, Head of Major Gifts, this role will manage a robust portfolio of high-value donors and prospects with a focus on raising $4M-$10M annually from high five-figure to low seven-figure contributions. This seasoned fundraiser will independently lead strategy, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of their portfolio, driving results through thoughtful donor engagement and strategic planning.
This role calls for a strong frontline fundraiser who can confidently own complex donor relationships and tailor strategies for a diverse portfolio within the assigned territory. The Lead Major Gifts Director will collaborate cross-functionally, including occasional engagement of executive leadership, and influence peers by modeling best practices and actively mentoring other frontline fundraisers. They will represent the Foundation with credibility, integrity, and energy—bringing our mission to life through donor partnerships.
This individual’s fundraising portfolio will be based in the Midwest and Mountain regions of the United States and will be expected to travel to this area on a bi-monthly basis
Key Responsibilities:
- Own and grow a portfolio of major donors, primarily in the high five-figure to low seven-figure range, 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, including Research, Programs, and 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 as well as thought partner 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
Qualifications & Skills:
- 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 accordingly; 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
Compensation & Benefits
Individual compensation for this role is dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, skillsets, and applicable laws. In addition to salary, the Foundation 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
- Flexible work environment. 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.