About Us:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD) in our lifetime. 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 worldwide, having funded more than $1 billion in research projects in academic and industry labs worldwide. We exist to put ourselves out of business, so we deliberately hold no endowment but instead spend what we raise quickly and efficiently; 88 cents of every dollar spent goes directly to research programs. Core to our philosophy is how we think of our capital and its risk profile relative to other stakeholders in the drug development pipeline. We work aggressively to de- risk various treatment ideas and tools in the hopes of building a robust pipeline of new treatments for patients. Today, the Foundation has about 150 full-time employees.
Located in Midtown Manhattan, MJFF is an international organization with a national funding base. This role is based in New York City; however, we expect to continue working remotely through Labor Day. To learn more, please visit michaeljfox.org.
About the Team:
The Development team at MJFF works to ensure that the Foundation raises sufficient dollars to fund its ambitious research agenda. Our team is determined, collaborative and nimble. The Advancement (Major & Principal Gifts) team contributes to the Significant Giving program which sits within the larger Development team. Advancement team members manage key Foundation relationships – with the generous families and individuals who are financially committed to advancing Parkinson’s disease research – and are experts at articulating a clear and compelling case for philanthropic support for MJFF and its vital role in helping propel Parkinson's research forward.
Position: Advancement Officer (Major Gifts)
This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated, results-oriented relationship manager with 2-4 years of development experience to make a significant impact at an innovative non-profit. The Advancement Officer will manage a portfolio of major gift donors in the Western regional territory, work across Development to deepen donor engagement, seek additional funding opportunities, and track territory forecasting and revenue.
A successful candidate will feel at home as a member of a dynamic, fast-paced, and supportive team and be adept at managing shifting priorities while building and strengthening the Foundation’s impact. The AO will develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with colleagues within Development and across the Foundation. The successful candidate will energize and motivate those around them and will regularly demonstrate the Foundation’s core values of Optimism, Urgency, Resourcefulness, Collaboration, Accountability and Persistence.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Coordinate with territory lead to plan, direct and support significant donor cultivation, stewardship and solicitation efforts with a focus on donors giving $5,000-$25,000 annually
- Build strong and lasting relationships with constituents through multiple and meaningful points of contact
- Strengthen the Foundation’s presence through fundraising and community engagement efforts in the assigned territory
- Coordinate outreach, conduct prospect research, track revenue, manage stewardship, and seek additional opportunities for broader community engagement within assigned territories
- Increase MJFF awareness at research, patient and community events; Research Roundtables, Hosted Events/Friendraisers/Salons, Support Groups, Team Fox events, Symposiums
- Travel expectations are approximately 25% of the year with the occasional weekend travel or work requirements. Team members plan travel for highest strategic impact thus, travel cadence varies in each of six territories (some seasons are more active than others).
- Perform administrative activities including, but not limited to, high-end stewardship and solicitation mailings, curated communications, revenue tracking, update donor and prospect records, track and record action items and update notes in CRM, internal strategic projects.
- Identify and compile relevant, timely updates and articles of interest to share with key constituents
- Contribute to a collaborative team working environment and have a positive roll-up-your sleeves attitude
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2-4 years similar relationship management experience
- Excellent Microsoft Office skills
- Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed
- Familiarity with Salesforce CRM software or equivalent software
- Must have a valid Driver’s License
Ideal candidates will:
- Have strong inter-personal skills and emotional intelligence
- Have a proven ability to digest complex material and present in an empathetic and compelling manner
- Have a capacity to work independently and collaboratively across multiple departments
- Be self-starters with sound judgment and attention to detail
- Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Be comfortable presenting publicly in a variety of settings
- Proficiency in Spanish is a plus
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume. Please, no telephone inquiries and do not contact our staff directly. Only applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation strongly encourages applications from individuals who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Diversity may refer to characteristics including, but not limited to, race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstance, geographic background, ability and disability, political ideology and age.