Development Manager, Walk MS

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.

The Development Manager, Walk MS will manage an event portfolio of participants and teams for Walk MS in order to achieve fundraising goals and ensure a positive event experience.

The Manager will cultivate positive relationships with event participants, teams, volunteer committees, and corporate and community supporters.

The Manager, Walk  MS is responsible for the implementation of the local operational plan to meet or exceed fundraising and engagement goals for market Walk MS events.

The Manager acts as an ambassador for the National MS Society, always striving to engage participants and their donors with the mission. This position works closely with local development staff to foster participant engagement, exceed participant and donor expectations with the Society, and drive revenue and participation. Strong relationship-building skills, a positive, can-do attitude, and a commitment to working as a team are essential for success in this role. This position reports to Director, Walk MS and works closely with the market Walk MS staff to implement the fundraising, recruitment and cultivation strategies for Walk MS events. This position will also work closely with the local logistics team supporting events.

Implement campaign strategies to retain, grow and recruit participants for assigned events

Working with Development leadership executing operational plans that focus on acquisition, retention and cultivation of top fundraisers, teams, participants, sponsors, etc.
Manages mid-level portfolios that include teams, top fundraisers, participants, sponsors, volunteers, etc.
When applicable; coaches, develops and supervises market staff
Collaborating with the Development team accelerates revenue growth by ensuring each Walk MS market has a strong event experience, including all VIP level recognition. Works in collaboration with the logistics team (in-house or outsourced).
Collaborate with the market staff to implement successful team fundraising and recruitment weeks to maximize these efforts.
Regularly monitor the performance of the fundraising portfolio to ensure timely responsiveness to new registrants, to recognize fundraising and recruitment milestones and to maximize retention.
Leverage mission-related resources to engage participants during the year and motivate increased fundraising.
Steward top fundraisers and team captains year-round with mission focus and gratitude.
Other duties as assigned.
Staff Supervision

Responsible for the hiring, onboarding, and continued development of direct reports
Conduct regular check-ins to monitor progress, provide feedback, and offer guidance and support where needed to ensure staff is fully supported in their role
Ensures staff have the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to perform job duties effectively as well as opportunities for professional development
Coach and collaborate on goal-setting and professional development plans and conduct formal and informal performance conversations
Hold staff accountable to the cultural values of the organization and ensure they follow Society operating principles
Facilitates Volunteer Engagement for fundraising and event experience in the assigned event revenue portfolio

Cultivates volunteers, seeks and provides feedback and shares opportunities for reciprocal growth and learning.
Collaborates with key staff to maximize engagement and results of committees to increase outreach, acquisition and awareness
Encourage volunteer involvement on the part of teams and participant’s connections to enhance the efforts and expand team/participant engagement with the Society.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Education:

Bachelor of Arts or Science preferably in non-profit management, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing and/or Business
8 years in event management and building relationships will be accepted in lieu of degree.
Minimum Experience:

At least 4 years of related experience, preferably in non-profit fundraising, events, or volunteer management
Ability to manage multiple priorities and build strong relationships.
Must be a strong team player
Professional demeanor; excellent written and verbal communication skills
Commitment to the mission, vision, cultural values, and expectations of the National MS Society
Technical/Other:

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Outlook
Competency to work with multiple data systems and tools
This position will be required to drive/travel on Society business. Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation. The Society does run motor vehicle checks for all positions which require driving and the applicant must meet the Society guidelines
Compensation and Benefits Info:

Estimated hiring compensation range for this role is $53,000-$63,000 annually.   Final offers will be based on candidate geographic location and consider career experience and may vary from this range due to these and other factors.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package to employees. These benefits include a considerable Paid Time Off Plan; Paid Holidays; 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match; Educational Reimbursement Plan; Professional Development Assistance; Commuter Benefit Plan; Flexible Work Arrangement Options; Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Flex Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Disability Coverage, Life Assistance Plan as well as additional voluntary benefit offerings.

Other Info:

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.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the candidate showing proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (with a COVID-19 FDA-approved vaccine or a COVID-19 vaccine granted Emergency Use Authorization) by the date of hire. A candidate is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) or one dose of a single dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) or as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Candidates unable to be vaccinated, either because of a sincerely held religious belief or a medical condition or disability that prevents them from being vaccinated, can request a reasonable accommodation.