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.

Job Summary :

The Director, Foundation Relations is responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of foundation partnerships within a regional structure to support organizational revenue goals and growth. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Foundation Relations, this role serves as a key relationship manager for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding foundation partners, responsible for prospecting for new foundation partners, effective grant proposal development, managing deadlines, compliance, and reporting. The Director works closely with cross-functional teams to maximize foundation support and contribute to sustainable revenue growth aligned with organizational priorities. The Director plays a central role in implementing national strategy while identifying new opportunities for foundation partnership.

Main Responsibilities :

Independently manage a portfolio of foundation partners overseeing identification, cultivation, and stewardship activities to maximize funding opportunities.

Develop and execute portfolio management and revenue growth strategies in collaboration with the AVP to secure external funding from grantmaking foundations in support of the strategic priorities of the National MS Society.

Oversee the planning, development, and submission of comprehensive, customized, and compelling grant proposals, cases for support, impact reports, and compliance documentation-ensuring alignment with the Society's funding framework and adherence to all deadlines.

Utilize foundation prospecting tools to identify, qualify, ensure alignment with and build relationships with new foundation prospects.

Proactively grow the foundations portfolio through prospect research, donor engagement, and data-informed market research to identify new funding opportunities.

Collaborate cross-functionally to align foundation strategies and support integrated fundraising efforts.

Partner closely with finance and mission-delivery programs staff to ensure requests for restricted funding align with program priorities and capacity.

Maintain efficient processes for grant tracking, reporting, and database management to ensure data accuracy and timely communications.

Use CRM tools (Salesforce) to maintain an accurate and up-to-date donor database, monitor fundraising metrics within your portfolio, and provide regular reports and insights to the AVP and senior leadership.

Participate in budget and revenue projection activities.

Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Engage in strategic planning with the AVP, VP and other leadership team members.

Support the AVP in representing the organization at industry events as needed.

What We're Looking For :

5-7 years of demonstrated and relevant fundraising experience with advanced understanding of foundation grants, including prospect qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Skilled in translating grant and reporting requirements to cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment, compliance, and timely deliverables.

Proven ability to manage broad and technical fundraising campaigns, collaborating effectively with staff and volunteers to secure foundation grants.

Nonprofit development experience with increasing responsibility, successfully driving 6+ figure partnerships

Experience with AI, predictive analytics, and CRM tools to optimize pipeline automation, donor journey mapping, and forecasting trends to enhance donor retention and grant compliance.

Extensive experience working in remote and hybrid environments, overseeing both revenue generation and project execution.

Track record of implementing innovative fundraising strategies that drive engagement and revenue growth.

Proven capacity to work effectively under tight deadlines, receive and incorporate feedback professionally, and consistently meet fundraising goals.

Exceptional project management, strategic planning, and negotiation skills to drive effective resource allocation and optimize fundraising outcomes.

Proficiency in CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred), leveraging data analytics to drive decision-making and inform data-driven fundraising strategies.

Location Requirements :

This role requires approximately 10% travel annually to attend in-person meetings, trainings, constituent interactions, and events as needed. During the remaining time, work is primarily conducted remotely from either a home office or a National MS Society workspace (Society workspace not provided in all geographies).

Must be willing and able to travel through geographic service area. Requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis.

This is a remote role with preferred location in the West, Southwest, and Southeast regions of the United States.

Compensation | Benefits :

The estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $85,000 - $105,000 . Final offers will be based on the candidate'sgeographic location, consider career experience and may vary from this range due to these and other factors.

You will have the opportunity for a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package that the Society provides to employees. Your benefits include a considerable Paid Time Off Plan; Paid Holidays; 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match; Commuter Benefit Plan; Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Flex Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Disability Coverage, Spring Health Membership offering free therapy and professional coaching, as well as additional voluntary benefit offerings. Not to mention, you will join an incredible mission focused team of people!

We're committed to supporting the growth of every employee through a structured and transparent approach to career development . We use Talent Portraits to define clear expectations, development opportunities, and advancement paths - whether you're growing as a people leader or deepening your expertise as an individual contributor. Each role is thoughtfully placed within one of these pathways (Leadership or Partner) to help you understand how it fits into our broader organization and your potential career journey.

This position is classified as Professional - Knowledge Exert

The National MS Society is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strive to create a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We need you and your unique talents and perspectives to help us write the last chapter on MS.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS :

We appreciate your consideration of our job opportunities and strive to make it as effortless as possible to apply for our positions. With only a few required sections and the option to use our resume parsing tool, we aim to streamline the application experience, saving you time and effort. Additionally, if you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please feel free to attach it along with your resume , and any other documents required, to the Resume / CV document upload section at the bottom of the My Experience page. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and look forward to receiving your application!

Important : You will not be able to modify your application after you submit it. The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to add your cover letter and supporting document attachments. If you experience any trouble submitting your materials, please check out our FAQ & Contact Us page .