Specialist, Walk MS Outbound

WHO WE ARE:

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 Specialist, Walk MS is responsible for supporting the Walk MS campaign through interim market-level support of the Society's peer-to-peer fundraising efforts. This individual will provide support and is accountable for reaching fundraising goals by overseeing all aspects of events, including individual participant fundraising, team fundraising, top fundraising clubs, volunteer management, sponsorship and participant recognition while operating within a budget.

This position will support the successful execution of peer-to-peer fundraising events (including, but not limited to: Walk MS, Bike MS, Emerging Events, and other events) across multiple markets. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Coordination of kick-offs, recognition events, pre-event meetings/events, cultivation of event participants, management of participant communications, participant fundraising support, and interim portfolio management.

The Development Specialist acts as an ambassador for the National MS Society, always striving to engage participants and their donors with the mission by providing exceptional customer service. This position works closely with the development team and organization to foster participant engagement, exceed participant and donor expectations with the Society and drive revenue and participation.

The Specialist is working as part of a team in the implementation of the operational plan of assigned revenue channel to meet or exceed revenue and engagement goals. While the primary focus of this role is the support of and partnership with the Walk MS team, there will be periods of time where the focus shifts to support other fundraising properties.

In addition, this position is part of a Walk MS team which implements the fundraising, recruitment and cultivation strategies for Walk MS and other events and will work closely with the relationship team members across the country.

Execute campaign strategies to retain, grow and recruit participants for assigned events (90%)

• Implement and evaluate the Walk MS Plan in alignment with the Society's operational plan and Outbound Support's operational plan.

• Execute event campaign and operational plans in conjunction with Society strategies. Oversee the implementation and evaluation of fundraising strategies and tactics.

• Develop strong networks within the local community, cold call or develop and grow prospects for potential revenue streams, and volunteer opportunities, and to increase Walk MS visibility and brand awareness.

• Support market and regional teams in outreach opportunities to increase event revenue through major campaigns, challenges, and promotions

• Maintain accurate records/ data to evaluate effectiveness and public awareness of events activities and results. Work alongside supervisor to remain under budget for events.

• Develop and implement events to recognize, reward, and motivate successful volunteers and fundraisers to ensure ongoing commitment.

• Adhere to the approved Walk MS budget for all purchase orders and check requests

• Develop and maintain strong relationships and communication with: New Teams, Participants, Clients, Client Services and Programs Department, Volunteers, and internal stakeholders

• Oversee interim management of portfolios during event season to alleviate vacancies within the Development department

• Provide strategic recommendations on warm transfers upon portfolio transition back to local market team

• Support timely and accurate reporting support for the development department

• Assist Walk MS and other Society event staff in the day-to-day communication, planning, and evaluation efforts for recruitment, cultivation, and stewardship of event participants.

• Provide additional support, including logistical, to the Society's peer-to-peer fundraising properties, including (but not limited to): Bike MS, Challenge Walk, Climb to the Top, and more.

• Assist in the reporting of metrics on team impact to improve tactics of the Outbound Support team and its methods.

• Support Walk MS Event Experience activities as needed.

Facilitates Volunteer Engagement for fundraising and event experience in the assigned event revenue portfolio (10%)

• Increase the number of Society volunteers/fundraisers recognizing and recruiting talent.

• Engage volunteers, effectively communicating and facilitating meaningful opportunities across all functions. (Communication)

• Partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. (Getting Work Done through Others, Getting Organized, Managing Work Processes, and Overcoming Obstacles)

• Cultivate volunteers, seeking and providing feedback and sharing opportunities for reciprocal growth and learning. We recognize the contributions of all volunteers. (Communication, Inspiring Others, People Management, Learning, Being Open and Receptive)

Minimum Education:

• Bachelor of Arts or Sciencewith a focus in Business Development, Marketing, Non-Profit Management preferred
• In lieu of a degree, a candidate with some college and at least two years of experience coordinating events and fundraising activities will be considered.

Minimum Experience:

• Two years of work experience in event management, fundraising, outside sales, customer service or related field

  Knowledge of nonprofit industry standards, current trends, and best practices

• Adept at building strong relationships; skilled at communicating with diverse groups; goal driven

• Self-motivated with a collaborative work style

• Organization and the ability to prioritize tasks is essential.

Technical/Other:

• Commitment to the mission, vision, cultural values, and expectations of the National MS Society

• 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.

• Availability to work occasional nights and weeke.