Director of Development

Featured

Jun 3

Anticipated Start Date: Summer 2024

Description

Autism Research Institute is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Development to lead its fundraising program, including our first ever annual development plan generated as part of a strategic planning process.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development is responsible for developing and executing the organization’s fundraising efforts, including donor communications and cultivation, donor prospecting, and intensive relationship building. Working independently with a small, geographically distributed staff, the Director of Development leads fundraising to meet the organization’s annual goal of $1M+ including raising funds for operations and an endowment fund through major gifts and planned giving programs.

This position requires a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of nonprofit development, a proven track record of successful fundraising, and a compassionate understanding of autism and ARI’s work. By fostering relationships with donors and stewarding their engagement, the Director will play a pivotal role in advancing Autism Research Institute's mission and driving its continued growth.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with Autism Research Institute’s mission, goals, and fundraising targets.
Identify, proactively cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 120 donors, with a focus on those with the potential capacity to invest $10,000 or more per year.
Oversee the development and submission of grant proposals in collaboration with staff, including prospect research, grant writing, and reporting.
Lead the development team in planning and executing successful campaigns – including an endowment fund initiative – leveraging fundraising best practices and innovative approaches to maximize donor engagement and giving.
Conduct prospect research to identify and evaluate potential donors, leveraging external resources, donor databases, and networking opportunities.
In collaboration with staff and graphic designer, create compelling and persuasive fundraising materials, including proposals, case statements, impact reports, newsletters, annual reports, presentations, and donor correspondence.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, serving as their primary point of contact and providing regular updates on Autism Research Institute's impact, initiatives, and opportunities for involvement.
Collaborate with the leadership team and board members to identify funding priorities, align donor interests with organizational needs and strategic plan objectives, and leverage their expertise and networks to support fundraising efforts.
Oversee the accurate and timely entry of donor information, interactions, and prospect research into the donor database, ensuring data integrity, accordance with gift acceptance policies, and leveraging the system for effective donor cultivation and stewardship.
Track and report progress towards annual fundraising goal, provide regular updates to the leadership team and board, and analyze donor giving patterns to inform strategic decision-making.
Stay current on trends and best practices in nonprofit fundraising, incorporating innovative strategies to maximize revenue generation.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated success in fundraising, preferably in major gifts, planned giving, and/or endowment fund, with proven experience in closing major gifts ($50,000+) from individuals, corporations and foundations.
Proven understanding of fundraising best practices, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies, as well as experience with prospect research and donor pipeline management.
Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners, with a track record of securing significant gifts.
Ability to develop and implement strategic fundraising plans, identify fundraising opportunities, and think creatively to engage donors and meet fundraising goals.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling fundraising materials and deliver persuasive presentations.
Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one or in group settings, taking into account differences in social, cultural, professional and educational backgrounds.
Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership, program staff, board members, and volunteers.
Proficiency in using fundraising software – including Little Green Light and Fundraising Report Card – or other CRM platforms to manage donor relationships, track contributions, and generate reports.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes and exceeding fundraising targets.
Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Alignment with Autism Research Institute's mission and a strong commitment to thoroughly understanding autism, its potential causes, and its impact on the individual and family.
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality while engaging in ethical conduct that will develop trust with ARI’s existing donor base; ability to demonstrate respect for the community, particularly related to sensitive donor issues, including knowledge of any medical diagnoses as factors for giving.
Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, related to philanthropic giving, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations.
Ability and willingness to travel up to 30% for donor events, engagements, and meetings.

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

The first 12 months of this position will be on an employment contract to include benefits outlined below, after which time, based on outstanding performance, the position will become eligible for a full-time salaried position.

Range of $80,000 – $110,000 per year base salary, commensurate with experience.

Benefits includes: