Overview
Director of Major Gifts; West Jobs in Hoover, USA at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Position: Director of Major Gifts (West)
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 Director of Major Gifts (West) position. Reporting to the VP, Head of Major Gifts, this position plays a key role in advancing the Foundation’s major gifts strategy and supporting the overall goals of the Major Gifts team. This role is designed to empower frontline fundraisers by providing strategic partnership, thought leadership, and structured management so they can focus more deeply on high‑impact donor engagement.
This position leads a team of frontline fundraisers in their assigned territory, providing guidance, coaching and support to help them achieve and exceed fundraising goals. In addition, this role also stewards a select portfolio of major gift donors, collaborating closely with colleagues across Development and the broader Foundation to ensure coordinated and effective engagement of supporters. This position fosters a high‑performing, collaborative team culture rooted in shared accountability, professional growth, and a commitment to excellence in donor relationships and fundraising outcomes.
In partnership with the VP, Head of Major Gifts, this leader works closely with fundraisers, ensuring clarity, alignment, and the support needed to drive exceptional donor engagement.
The successful candidate will bring a strong leadership presence, demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, and proven ability to drive bold multi‑year strategies.
This position is based remotely within the Western region of the United States.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, support and mentor a team of frontline fundraisers responsible for cultivating and soliciting major gifts, providing regular coaching, goal setting and feedback that promotes growth, confidence, and long‑term success.
Foster a collaborative, high‑performance culture that emphasizes accountability, professional growth and shared success.
Partner with the VP, Head of Major Gifts, to identify skill‑building opportunities and strengthen team fundraising capabilities.
Provide advanced coaching on solicitation strategy, multi‑year asks and donor engagement planning, collaborating with staff to build on their existing strengths and expand their capacity for ambitious fundraising.
Model and cultivate a team culture rooted in excellence, continuous learning and proactive and meaningful donor engagement.
Execute the Foundation’s major gifts strategy within assigned…
Title: Director of Major Gifts; West
Company: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Location: Hoover, USA
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