Lead Philanthropy Director

About Us:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) 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.

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 therapeutic strategies and tools in the hopes of building a robust pipeline of new treatments for patients. In order to achieve our mission of finding a cure for PD it is critical that we engage with, and bring together, members of the PD community including researchers, physicians, health professionals and most important, people with Parkinson's and their families.

We believe that to find a cure for PD as quickly as possible, our capital needs to push research forward today—we therefore deliberately hold no endowment or excessive reserves. We instead seek to deploy funds raised as quickly and wisely as possible. MJFF raises over $100 million annually. Today, the Foundation has approximately 250 full-time employees. We offer a collegial and collaborative environment where optimistic problem-solvers and entrepreneurial, resourceful individuals can thrive and make a tangible difference for millions of people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Lead Philanthropy Director position. Reporting to the VP, Head of Principal Giving, this position is designed for a senior-level professional with a proven track record of independently managing a portfolio of transformational (seven and eight-figure) donors and driving strategic fundraising initiatives that result in significant multi-year gifts. On a day-to-day basis, this position is a relationship steward and frontline fundraiser, managing the overall strategy, planning, execution and delivery of bespoke donor engagement plans that support the Foundation’s revenue goals. In addition to collaboration with the Fundraising team, this position interfaces directly with the Foundation’s executive leaders, key donors and high-value prospects, requiring the fostering and maintenance of strong partnership with colleagues within Development and across the Foundation. A successful candidate will demonstrate advanced professional expertise and bring well-honed instincts based on prior experience to navigate high-complexity donor relationships, drive strategic initiatives and contribute to the team's overall success through thought-leadership.

This position may be hybrid-flex with the opportunity to work out of the Foundation’s office in New York City or based remotely within the U.S.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage a high-value portfolio of (approx. 20-30) transformational donors and prospects, including those capable of making seven and eight-figure gifts, with a focus on long-term, multi-year relationships
• Design and execute a strategic, comprehensive engagement and solicitation plan that ensures results and meets the annual and long-term financial goals of the Foundation
• Build strong relationships and serve as a high-value donor steward and solicitor
• Create donor-centric fundraising strategies including bespoke funding opportunities to attract and cultivate donors
• Work closely with the Executive leadership team, as well as cross-departmentally, to engage donors through well-defined, donor-centric stewardship and solicitation strategies that drive meaningful philanthropic partnerships
• Partner and mentor fundraisers across the Fundraising team, guiding on best practices for securing and stewarding high-complexity, Principal-level gifts.
• Lead by example and serve as a positive and unifying figure who can contribute to the Development business unit’s culture at the Foundation and exhibit the Foundation's values in daily interactions
• Utilize data strategically to inform decisions, with an eye towards retention, priming the prospect pipeline and upgrading donors
• Serve as a key spokesperson and frontline fundraiser for the Foundation, articulating a clear and compelling case for support for the Foundation with a focus on high-value gifts
• Evaluate current practices and processes for in-office activities including high-end stewardship and solicitation mailings, special interest communication strategy, revenue tracking, and CRM

Qualifications and Skills:

• Extensive experience as a front-line fundraiser with a proven track record of independently managing a portfolio of seven and eight-figure donors and securing multi-year commitments.
• Demonstrated experience executing high-value, multi-year campaign asks, with the ability to set strategic direction and manage all aspects of the donor journey
• Ability to comfortably pivot between serving as the forward-facing relationship manager to internal strategic implementation lead based on donor needs and expectations
• Proven ability to digest complex material and present in an empathetic and compelling manner; ability to communicate science and business models to donors with a high level of proficiency as well as teach and mentor others to do the same
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and a high level of comfort and professionalism with direct donor interaction, including discussions of personal and family finances; high level of discretion and respect for donor privacy
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, including excellent writing skills inclusive of high-level solicitation letters, proposals and impact statements and public speaking abilities
• Be a self-starter with the capacity to work independently, as well as demonstrate strong ability to collaborate across multiple departments
• Familiarity with Salesforce CRM software or equivalent software and excellent Microsoft Office skills
• A willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed. This position requires travel approximately 25% of each month, occasional weekend travel is required
• Must have a valid Driver’s License
• Proven experience working on a capital campaign is a plus

Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $140,000 - $170,000.  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.  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.

MJFF is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage 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.