Several puzzle pieces have fallen into place that are bringing us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society advances health equity by dispelling misconceptions about who gets MS, engaging underrepresented groups, providing MS information in culturally accessible and plain language (including in Spanish), developing and expanding MS specialty care, and more, thereby accelerating diagnosis and the start of disease modifying therapy. The Society’s activist network grew significantly this year with more than 5,000 new voices joining its efforts and helping make significant headway in influencing legislation at the state and federal levels. The MS Ambassador program is engaging volunteers who leverage their connections to educate, motivate, and inspire more people to join the movement. Other programs like “New to Pediatric MS” broaden the National MS Society’s reach to connect with audiences to provide the support, communities, and resources they need.
The National MS Society’s current strategic and implementation plans reflect extensive organizational assessment and strategies to ensure the organization’s ongoing evolution and impact. Success in curing MS and empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives is dependent upon revenue growth and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything the Society does. The organization must focus on strategies and milestones that build the pipeline of new donors and enhance engagement with existing fundraisers, and each person who wants to do something about MS should feel a sense of belonging in their National MS Society.
Amid this environment of organizational excellence, scientific and social progress, and forward-looking investment, the National MS Society seeks candidates for the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Development (SVP). Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the SVP oversees a team that is responsible for the Society’s frontline revenue generation inclusive of general philanthropy/individual giving, institutional giving, prospect research, donor relations, and related strategic counsel on an organization-wide scale. The SVP will contribute to preparation of the Society’s strategic plans and monitor and ensure progress while driving the ongoing evolution and optimization of general philanthropy/individual giving and institutional giving and leading a staff of more than 46 positions. Giving via regional/chapter-based development programs and peer-to-peer fundraising/special events will be led by respective peer colleagues. The SVP will closely partner with the Chief Development Officer and these peer colleagues in thought leadership across all of the Society’s revenue-generation programs with shared responsibility for achieving sustainable growth in the face of shifting organizational dynamics. Consistent with the Society’s strategic direction, the SVP will also collaborate with these colleagues in efforts to infuse diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of revenue generation.
The SVP will join a unified organizational fundraising model that directly incorporates all local Society chapters nationwide, a change made several years ago from the previously federated, more decentralized model. Amid an ambitious growth phase to meet fundraising goals going forward, the Society is prioritizing efforts to refresh peer-to-peer and event-based fundraising that has been challenged in recent years to match strong historical volume and revenues, while the SVP innovatively builds on crucial, emergent programs for individual major and principal gifts and institutional giving. The SVP will also champion consultation, collaboration, active communication, and a strategic, outcomes-focused, customized approach in continuing to shape revenue generation within this large, complex, highly matrixed organization. They will refine corresponding structures, systems, and processes as appropriate and ensure the specification of tactics to achieve strategic goals. Importantly, the SVP will be a key strategic partner to the Chief Development Officer and other senior colleagues to promote a culture of philanthropy to infuse all areas of the Society.
While the National MS Society will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate will have the following qualifications/experience:
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the National MS Society.
- Twelve or more years of progressive fundraising, corporate communications, and organizational development experience, with at least five years in senior management. Knowledge of and fundamental adherence to the principles, ethics, and best practices of modern fundraising, including the integration of various giving and external relations programs to engage stakeholders, cultivate interest and commitment, and diversify and grow the funding base. Successful track record of personally identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts from individual and institutional donors at the level of six to seven figures or greater as well as participation in a large-scale, multi-year fundraising campaign.
- Experience in an organization with geographically dispersed operations. Ability to work independently while functioning in a matrix-oriented environment.
- Knowledge of nonprofit governance and experience in board member engagement in collaboration with leadership staff.
- Ability to communicate organizational direction and effectively facilitate change.
- Strong business acumen including financial analysis and strategic and operational planning.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively present complex ideas and scientific information.
- Ability to direct and motivate staff and volunteers and create strong relationships with a wide range of Society constituents. Track record of strategically building teams and developing leaders therein. Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of how to build diversity and inclusion in the development function; culturally competent with respect to issues such as racial, cultural, religious, sexual, and gender identity.
- Proven ability to balance strategic and operational management, including hiring, coaching, and developing staff from diverse backgrounds. Track record of setting strategic direction, establishing goals, and benchmarking as well as working across divisional/departmental lines when necessary to achieve results. Experience in building and enhancing advancement systems and processes as well as effectively leveraging technology to integrate processes and expand the team reach.
- Experience with constituent relationship management (Salesforce experience a plus) and online meeting tools as well as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility
The National MS Society mission is we will cure MS while empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives. This means having access to:
- High-quality healthcare
- Culturally relevant information
- Connections and support
Our core values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) are key to fulfilling this mission.
Our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Commitment Statement
We amplify the voices of all people affected by MS and celebrate our differences in the drive to end MS. We affirm the space for everyone to express their perspectives, fueling our vision with innovative ideas and insights. We commit to advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within our workforce and across the MS movement.
Why IDEA Matters at the National MS Society
Healthcare quality and availability varies widely in the United States. Many systemically disadvantaged groups cannot access the care they need. As a national health organization, speaking out and taking action about this is not just a choice. It is our responsibility.
The National MS Society has retained the DSG Fundraising & Advancement Practice of DSG Global to assist in this confidential search process. Inquiries, nominations, and applications (current resumes and cover letters) may be submitted via the following link or directed to the leader of the search team:
https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/21934
Gerard F. Cattie, Jr.
Global Managing Partner and Practice Founder, DSG Fundraising & Advancement
DSG Global
The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, New York 10174
[email protected] | 212.542.2587