Senior Philanthropy Relationship Manager (Mountain Territory)

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 300 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 Senior Philanthropy Relationship Manager position. Reporting to a Senior Manager of Philanthropy, this role will manage a curated portfolio of high-level major gift donors. They will develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with colleagues within Development and across the Foundation. On a day-to-day basis, the Senior Philanthropy Relationship Manager will be an active relationship steward and frontline fundraiser, managing the overall strategy, planning, execution and delivery of bespoke donor engagement plans that support their portfolio strategy and revenue goals. They will energize and motivate those around them and will regularly demonstrate the Foundation’s core values of optimism, tenacity, collaboration, boldness, adaptability and curiosity.
 
The majority of this individual’s fundraising portfolio is based in Texas and preference will be given to candidates who are based here.  This position can also be based remotely from other states within the Mountain territory (NM, OK, KS, NE, SD, ND, WY, MT).

Primary Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Develop strategy and manage a portfolio of donors giving at the mid to high five-figure range annually who require a high level of strategic management, including but not limited to donors who have the potential to give six to seven-figure gifts annually
• Collaborate with senior leaders across the Foundation to provide a donor-centric approach
• Lead by example to promote a collaborative working environment and have a positive roll-up-your sleeves attitude
• Build strong and lasting relationships with constituents through multiple and meaningful points of contact
• Proactively coordinate outreach, conduct prospect research, track revenue, manage stewardship and seek additional opportunities for increased revenue and donor engagement within your portfolio
• Serve as a key Foundation spokesperson and frontline fundraiser, with the ability to confidently articulate a clear and compelling case for support for the Foundation with a focus on major gifts
• 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
• Serve as a positive example, thought partner and strategic consultant for other team members, helping to support colleagues in strategy development, while encouraging relationship managers to develop their personal fundraising styles

Qualifications and Skills:  

• Relevant experience as a front-line major gifts fundraiser who has independently secured multiple five to six-figure gifts
• Relevant experience securing and conducting personal, face-to-face visits to engage, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects  
• Ability to digest complex material and present it in an empathetic and compelling manner; ability to communicate science and business models to donors with high level of proficiency as well as teach and mentor others to do the same
• Demonstrated success writing a donor-centric, clear, and compelling case for support
• Proactive, and organized: must be able to independently prioritize needs with competing timelines and stakeholders and support direct reports in doing the same
• Strong time management skills with the ability to be adept at pivoting to manage shifting priorities
• Display an innate sense of curiosity and urgency to build and strengthen the Foundation’s impact
• Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed. The travel expectations are approximately 25% for the year with the occasional weekend travel or work requirements
• Familiarity with Salesforce CRM software or equivalent software
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills
• Must have a valid Driver’s License

Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $95,000.  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 2 p.m.) 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.