Job Details

Overview

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. The Assistant Director plays a key role in driving revenue goals through the development and execution of high-impact fundraising events that advance the organization's mission through the Society's Endurance campaigns: Bike MS (1- and 2-day cycling series), Challenge Walk MS (3-day walk), and Finish MS (marathon program). This position supports strategic planning, oversees event logistics supporting participant experience (incentives, packet pick-ups, logistics meet-ups, etc), and manages volunteer committees or volunteer activities to ensure exceptional donor and participant experiences. With a focus on innovation, relationship-building, and performance metrics, the Assistant Director helps drive growth and elevate the organization's event fundraising portfolio.

Main Responsibilities

• Campaign Leadership & Execution: Supports the strategic planning, and oversees execution, logistics, and optimization of assigned fundraising campaigns within the market.
• Revenue Accountability: Serve as a revenue driver for events within portfolio, owning performance from inception through to completion.
• Strategic Adaptation & Alignment: Translate national campaign strategies into actionable local plans tailored to market dynamics.
• Donor & Volunteer Engagement: Cultivate, solicit, and steward mid-level fundraising teams, sponsors, and key volunteer leaders; build and maintain strong relationships to drive engagement, retention, and long-term support.
• Performance Management & Data Analysis: Analyzes data trends and creates donor profiles to assist with donor development, stewardship, direct communications and fundraising strategy; leverages CRM to maintain data, execute campaigns, and create reports.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Support the Assistant Vice President and Regional Vice President with reports on campaign progress, identify growth opportunities, and drive continuous improvement; collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless integration of campaign efforts across departments; maintain confidentiality and comply with data privacy regulations and policies.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in fundraising, donor relations, or development support within a nonprofit or similar environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor communications and reports.
• Proficiency in donor database systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with fundraising platforms is a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, volunteers, and internal stakeholders.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship strategies, and event coordination.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Location & Travel

Location: market-based role supporting the West Region — Pacific South Coast Chapter. The position requires regular, in-person attendance at meetings, constituent interactions, and events as well as travel up to approximately 50% of the work time. The remainder may be remote from a home office or a Society workspace. Preferred location: San Diego, CA.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated base salary for this role is $70,000 - $75,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on location, experience, and internal equity and market benchmarks. Exempt status per FLSA; final offers may exceed the range to comply with exemption requirements. Benefits include a comprehensive package with Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401k with Society match, and health and welfare benefits, plus additional voluntary options.

This position is classified as Partner - Professional. We support career development with Talent Portraits to define expectations and growth paths, helping you understand how this role fits into the broader organization.

The National MS Society is committed to diversity and inclusion and values the unique talents and perspectives each person brings to the team.

Application Instructions

We encourage you to apply online with a resume, and if you wish, attach a cover letter and any required documents. You can upload materials in the Resume/CV section on the My Experience page. If you experience trouble submitting materials, consult our FAQ & Contact Us page.