Director of Major Gifts (East)

Job Title: Director of Major Gifts (East)

Position Summary: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research ("the Foundation") is seeking top talent for its Director of Major Gifts (East) 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 may be hybrid-flex with the opportunity to work out of the Foundation’s office in New York City or based remotely within the Eastern region of the United States.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Development

• 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

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