Director, Foundation Relations

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. Position Overview: The Director, Foundation Relations works nationally across all markets seeking sustained 6 & 7-figure giving through national and corporate foundations as part of a larger Philanthropy team responsible for raising $78 million annually. This role strategically engages a pipeline of new foundation prospects and actively participates in cross-functional relationship management teams that include high-level Society leadership to increase outreach to foundations and expand the foundations portfolio for the Society. While this work can be performed remotely, travel in and to assigned markets is possible, as well as attending weekend and evening donor functions. Essential Functions / Responsibility Grow Revenue Manage a portfolio of 75-100 donors and prospect new business to build a pipeline of qualified donors in the 6-7 figure range. Develop relationships, set and activate solicitation strategies including writing complex and nuanced proposals. Serve as relationship lead to national and global public, private, and corporate foundations, identifying specific interests and deepening their connection to the organization. In partnership with the Prospect Research & Management team, regularly research, qualify, and assign foundations to the portfolio through defined processes. Collaborate with Individual Giving Staff, Corporate Engagement staff, market leaders, executive staff, and volunteers, serving as the relationship lead to strategize solicitation. Articulate the case for support, through oral and written means, so that foundations engage and financially support the mission and vision of the MS Society. Drive key functions of the operational plan to achieve targeted revenue goals Society-wide. Establish relationship management teams for high-capacity relationships within the portfolio and deploy teams as appropriate to engage foundation leaders and decision-makers. Leverage national donor cultivation and stewardship opportunities to increase meaningful interactions with foundations. Activate gift renewal strategies aligning resources and executing streamlined processes to retain foundation donors. Proposal Development Analyze the purpose and audience of an RFP to identify an appropriate strategy for a particular foundation to frame and develop properly nuanced, persuasive proposals. Craft clear and concise materials, including need statements, goals, key project activities, and expected outcomes according to detailed grant guidelines. Plan and produce comprehensive, customized, compelling, and detailed proposals and impact reports utilizing the Society's funding framework. Administration Actively record and upload activities into Salesforce for all assigned foundations. Oversee qualification of 6-figure+ foundations prospects and lead portfolio management, ensuring team assignments are regularly updated. Regularly review and maintain fluency in team budgets, financial reports, and other meaningful reports to help ensure the team is meeting revenue and performance goals. Conduct prospect research utilizing a suite of resources, including Foundation Directory Online and iWave. Ensure executive readiness for foundation engagement opportunities by making key relationship assignments and preparing foundation briefings. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Role Requirements Minimum 6+ years of progressive fundraising experience with foundations and a track record for articulating a case for giving to confidently close grants and gifts at the 6-figure+ level. The candidate should possess the ability to assess staff strengths, coach and mentor staff in other functional areas to build collaborative relationships and achieve giving goals. Comfort in analyzing data to uncover foundation prospects is necessary. Excellent verbal and written communication and collaboration skills are required, along with grant writing, time management, and relationship management skills. Must be an action-oriented professional with proven ability to elevate donor and volunteer relationships; high emotional intelligence; collegial, and accessible; excellent listening skills, and passion for the mission. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with high-level Society executive staff and board members. Ability to create and utilize donor prospecting and management tools including CRM software, wealth screening software, and moves management. Proven ability to identify new prospects, build and maintain strong relationships with foundation donors, and develop strategies for cultivation and stewardship. Able to work both independently and as part of a team. Desire and ability to stay informed about recent advances related to the MS movement as well as Society initiatives. Knowledge of industry standards, current trends, and best practices in foundation fundraising. Understanding of the donor lifecycle and how to apply it to work with the portfolio. Technical Competencies Experience with Salesforce (preferred) or equivalent CRM database, Foundation Directory Online, and prospect research tools. Excellent grant writing knowledge and skills. Strong computer skills: MS Office XP - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Database/Reporting tools, Outlook, and Internet. Ability to use Microsoft Teams or equivalent and lead web-based presentations. Outstanding customer experience and services abilities. Commitment to the mission, vision, cultural values, and expectations of the National MS Society. Motivated individual who can deliver on goals. Strong relationship building skills. Ability to quickly build credibility within and outside of the organization. Creative and energetic individual who functions well within a fast-paced, team environment. Ability to work well with volunteers, staff, and a variety of constituents. Outstanding customer experience and services abilities. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, diplomacy, and discretion. Project management experience including ability to manage multiple and high-priority projects at one time. Additional Requirements This position may require driving/travel on Society business. Candidate must possess a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation. Availability to work occasional nights and weekends to support donor engagement activities, events, etc. Compensation & Benefits Info: Estimated hiring compensation range for this role is

$70,000- $90,000 . Final offers will be based on candidate location and career experience. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package to employees, including a considerable Paid Time Off Plan; Paid Holidays; 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match; Educational Reimbursement Plan; Professional Development Assistance; Commuter Benefit Plan; and Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits. The Society has a career framework that is our foundation of a clear, consistent structure for growth and careers. It is comprised of career bands and levels, capturing the Society's positions and work. The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: We appreciate your consideration of our job opportunities. With only a few required sections and the option to use our resume parsing tool, we aim to streamline the application experience. If you wish to include a

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