Director of Development

Director of DevelopmentAbout Autism Support of Alabama

Autism Support of Alabama (ASA) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, adults, and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through education, advocacy, resources, and community support.

For more than 20 years, ASA has worked to increase awareness, acceptance, and access to services across Alabama. Guided by a dedicated Board of Directors, passionate volunteers, and professional staff, the organization continually evolves its programs to meet the changing needs of the autism community.

Through innovative initiatives, educational programming, grants, family support services, and signature events such as the Walk for Autism and Together Fest, ASA is committed to building a more inclusive Alabama where individuals with autism and their families can thrive.

Position Summary

The Director of Development is a full-time, remote leadership position based in Birmingham, Alabama. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading Autism Support of Alabama’s comprehensive fundraising strategy while overseeing the organization’s development initiatives and signature fundraising events.

The Director of Development plays a critical role in securing the financial resources necessary to fulfill ASA’s mission by cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, community leaders, and volunteers. This individual will lead fundraising campaigns, oversee donor stewardship efforts, identify new revenue opportunities, and help strengthen the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.

This position also supervises two team members—the Development Assistant and the Administrative Assistant—and works collaboratively with staff, the Board of Directors, committees, volunteers, and community partners to advance the organization’s mission.

Because Autism Support of Alabama hosts events throughout the state, this position requires occasional evening, weekend, and overnight travel.

Primary ResponsibilitiesFundraising & Development

·      Develop and implement an annual development plan aligned with organizational goals.

·      Lead all fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, planned giving, and special campaigns.

·      Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners.

·      Expand donor engagement and increase philanthropic support throughout Alabama.

·      Oversee donor recognition and stewardship strategies to strengthen long-term relationships.

·      Monitor fundraising performance and prepare reports for leadership and the Board of Directors.

Event Management

·      Provide leadership for ASA’s fundraising and community events.

·      Oversee planning, budgeting, logistics, sponsorships, volunteer coordination, and event execution.

·      Attend fundraising events, awareness events, board functions, and community outreach opportunities.

·      Participate in Camp Frog weekend activities (minimum one weekend annually).

·      Attend annual staff conferences and organizational retreats requiring overnight travel.

Leadership & Staff Management

·      Supervise and support the Development Assistant and Administrative Assistant.

·      Establish goals, priorities, and performance expectations for development staff.

·      Foster a collaborative, positive, and mission-focused team environment.

·      Work closely with the Executive Director to establish fundraising priorities and organizational objectives.

Board & Community Engagement

·      Support the Board of Directors in fundraising efforts and donor cultivation.

·      Attend Board meetings and provide development reports.

·      Work with Junior Board members to strengthen engagement and fundraising activities.

·      Build partnerships with businesses, civic organizations, and community leaders across Alabama.

Marketing & Communications

·      Collaborate with staff on fundraising communications and donor outreach.

·      Provide strategic input regarding social media, marketing campaigns, and website content.

·      Assist with development-related newsletters, annual reports, and promotional materials.

·      Ensure consistent messaging that reflects ASA’s mission and values.

Financial Management

·      Develop and manage the annual development budget.

·      Track fundraising revenue, expenses, and campaign performance.

·      Maintain accurate donor records using the organization’s donor management system (CRM).

·      Prepare reports and projections to support strategic decision-making.

QualificationsRequired

·      Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

·      Minimum of three to five years of progressive fundraising or nonprofit development experience.

·      Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and donor relationships.

·      Experience planning and executing fundraising events.

·      Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

·      Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

·      Experience supervising staff or leading project teams.

·      Proficiency with Microsoft Office and donor management (CRM) software.

·      Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff, volunteers, and board members.

·      Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout Alabama.

Preferred

·      Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.

·      Experience working within a nonprofit organization.

·      Experience serving individuals with disabilities, autism, or other special populations.

·      Knowledge of planned giving, grant development, and capital campaigns.

Work Environment

·      Full-time, exempt position

·      Hybrid work schedule based in Birmingham, Alabama

·      Regular daytime office hours with flexibility

·      Occasional evenings and weekends required

·      Overnight travel for conferences, Camp Frog, and organizational events

Why Join Autism Support of Alabama?

Joining Autism Support of Alabama means becoming part of a passionate team of 6 people dedicated to creating meaningful change for individuals with autism and their families. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of one of Alabama’s leading autism organizations by expanding its impact, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring sustainable growth for years to come.