Vice President of Major Gifts

The Vice President of Major Gifts is a senior executive leader responsible for overseeing Solve M.E.’s fundraising, communications, and brand strategy. As the lead architect of philanthropic growth, this position will build and implement strategies to secure major gifts, foundation grants, and other funding sources while directing a dynamic communications program that elevates Solve M.E.’s mission and impact.

Working closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and VP of Scientific Programs, the VP of Major Gifts will unify the organization’s external-facing work—fundraising, donor relations, public engagement, and strategic communications—into a cohesive advancement strategy. This leader will serve as the primary strategist for revenue generation and public positioning, ensuring that Solve M.E. achieves ambitious fundraising goals and expands its influence as a convener and voice for the ME/CFS and Long COVID community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Advancement Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy that integrates fundraising, donor relations, and communications.
• Define clear metrics for success across fundraising and communications programs; track progress and adjust strategies as needed.
• Partner with the CEO,Board leadership and VP of Scientific Affairs to align advancement priorities with organizational strategy, including Solve’s 2027 convening event.
• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, contributing to organization-wide planning, budgeting, and growth.

Fundraising & Major Gifts

• Build and expand Solve’s Major Gifts Program, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-net-worth individuals ($5,000–$100,000+).
• Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects.
• Oversee creation and leadership of a Major Gifts Council of high-level donors to advise on major gifts growth.
• Develop and implement a planned giving program; growing Solve beyond our current $2m per year.
• Lead foundation and corporate grant strategy, from prospecting through application and reporting, in coordination with the Scientific Programs team.
• Design and implement donor events (virtual and in-person), including 2–4 annual in-person VIP Events, to engage and cultivate major donors.

Communications & Brand Management

• Collaborate with Solve M.E.’s communications team, ensuring strategic alignment of messaging, brand identity, and advocacy with fundraising goals.
• Contribute to the development of all communications materials, including annual reports, donor publications, press releases, and digital media.
• Lead strategies to expand Solve M.E.’s visibility through earned media, social media, and thought leadership opportunities.
• Partner with the VP of Scientific Programs to translate complex science into compelling, donor- and public-facing communications.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors, particularly the Development Committee, to advance philanthropic goals.
• Support Board members and key volunteers in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with community organizations, corporate partners, and peer nonprofits.

Management & Team Development

• Lead and mentor the Development and Communications teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
• Establish systems and practices for prospect research, donor tracking, and stewardship reporting.
• Ensure strong cross-departmental collaboration, particularly with Scientific Programs, Operations, and Advocacy.

Desired Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, or related fields.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts ($10,000+), managing donor portfolios, and building lasting philanthropic relationships.
• Experience supervising communications, marketing, or public relations functions.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit fundraising strategies including major gifts, planned giving, events, and grants.
• Hands-on experience with Salesforce (Nonprofit Cloud), or similar CRM, to manage donor relations, fundraising pipelines, and reporting.
• Exceptional communication skills—both the ability to craft compelling messages and to serve as a persuasive ambassador for the mission.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and working with boards, volunteers, and high-level stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a small, entrepreneurial nonprofit environment with limited resources.
• Familiarity with public health, medical research, or patient advocacy fields is preferred but not required.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal VP of Major Gifts is both a strategic thinker and a hands-on fundraiser. They bring energy, creativity, and discipline to building donor relationships while ensuring that Solve M.E.’s message is clear, compelling, and widely heard. They are a collaborative leader who thrives on teamwork, pairing seamlessly with the VP of Scientific Programs and CEO to grow Solve M.E.'s reach, influence, and resources.