Posted on January 29, 2013

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Advancement Officer

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 global funder of Parkinson’s disease research outside the U.S. federal government, having funded over $300 million in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.

We believe that to find a cure for PD as quickly as possible, our capital needs to push research forward today—we therefore deliberately have no endowment or reserve. We instead start our fundraising from zero each year and seek to deploy funds raised as quickly and wisely as possible. MJFF raises over $60 million annually. Today, the Foundation has approximately 70 full-time employees who are based in New York City.

MJFF’s sole focus on funding research (as opposed to providing direct services to the PD community) and the deliberate choice to forego a traditional, national chapter-based infrastructure results in a somewhat unique challenge for building donor networks and raising needed research funds.

MJFF receives support from a broad base of constituents who come to know the Foundation and its work through a variety of channels. Today a good portion of our donor volume includes supporters making gifts under $1,000. This significant group of donors currently support MJFF through annual gifts made directly to the Foundation and also through fundraising activities such as Team Fox events (Team Fox is the Foundation’s grassroots program for local community-based fundraising). At year-end 2012, total revenues from this group of constituents totaled approximately $12 million (about half from Annual Giving and half from Team Fox).

Position Description:

Working as a member of a dynamic, fast-paced team, the Advancement Officer will be responsible for building and strengthening the Foundation’s presence through fundraising and community engagement efforts in specific U.S. territories. The Advancement Officer will report to and work in partnership the Associate Directors of Advancement for their assigned territories, representing the Foundation as an on-the-ground ambassador when appropriate. To help serve our mission of growing our relationships with key constituents – both donors and members of the Parkinson’s community – the Advancement Officer will provide strategic support for the Advancement team while overseeing and leading cultivation and stewardship activities.

The Advancement Officer will coordinate outreach within their assigned territories, conduct research, track revenue, manage stewardship, and seek additional opportunities for broader community engagement. Located in Midtown Manhattan, MJFF is an international organization with a national funding base.

Community Engagement

Plan, direct, and support all aspects of outreach in key regional networks

• Increase the presence and visibility of MJFF at research, patient-centric and community events in assigned U.S. territories by representing the Foundation alongside the Associate Directors of Advancement and, as appropriate, independently
• Identify and pursue opportunities for MJFF outreach and broader community engagement at appropriate regional events; provide strategic support for and coordinate MJFF participation
• Engage with the PD community through speaking opportunities at support group meetings and symposiums
• Coordinate closely with Team Fox staff on regional events and planning
• Support the Advancement team in maintaining and growing relationships with key constituents
• Coordinate across departments to identify and compile relevant, timely updates and articles of interest to share with key constituents

Fundraising and Donor Outreach Efforts

Plan, direct, and support all aspects of significant donor stewardship efforts

• Conduct in-depth prospect research and create donor reports as needed
• Coordinate with Associate Directors of Advancement to plan, direct, and support significant donor stewardship efforts
• Prepare and disseminate fundraising materials to significant donors and prospects, including relevant, timely research updates, articles of interest, proposals and reports
• Update donor and prospect records, track and record action items and update notes in database as needed
• Collaborate with other Foundation teams (i.e. Donor Services, Research Partnerships, Communications, and Digital Startegies) on donor record upkeep, including maximizing the database and functions of donor database with focus of significant donors’ needs in mind

Administrative Support

• Assist in preparing all fundraising mailings (lists, materials), including high-end appeals and donor recognition mailings
• Answer donation line and the main line
• Respond to donor inquiries
• Coordinate and support production of development packet contents utilizing internal support to produce in-house

Financial Accounting:

• Review and accurately code incoming significant gifts
• Maintain and update Significant Donor plan
• Execute monthly revenue reconciliation with Finance department

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be a pro-active, self-directed and organized professional who possesses the following skills and attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree
• Microsoft Office skills (required)
• Strong inter-personal skills and excellent phone skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Self-starter with sound judgment
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Relevant development experience preferred
• Familiarity with Convio CRM software or equivalent software is a plus
• Some travel required

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.