Associate Director of Development (6252)

Department: Development
Classification: Salaried, Exempt
Reports To: Vice President, Development

Introduction

The Associate Director of Development is a key member of the fundraising team, responsible for driving revenue through events—especially the organization’s signature gala—alongside managing donor relationships. This role blends hands-on event leadership with strategic fundraising, helping expand support for individuals with (I/DD) and deepen community engagement.

Primary Duties

Event & Gala Leadership

• Lead planning and execution of the annual fundraising gala and other events. (Building a Dream Gala, CRC 5k Run/1 Mile Walk, Wings for Autism and NEC charity golf tournament)
• Develop and manage event revenue strategies.
• Oversee event timelines, vendors, budgets, and logistics.
• Partner with leadership, board members, and committees to maximize event success.
• Track and analyze event performance to improve results year over year.

Sponsorship & Donor Revenue

• Secure corporate sponsorships and event underwriting support.
• Manage a portfolio of event-related donors and prospects.
• Cultivate and solicit gifts tied to events and broader mission support.
• Build long-term relationships with sponsors and key supporters.

Fundraising Strategy

• Collaborate on annual development plan with focus on event-driven revenue.
• Identify opportunities to grow giving through events (pre- and post-event strategy).
• Support integration of events into overall donor pipeline (moving attendees to donors).
• Stewardship & Donor Experience
• Ensure strong donor and sponsor experience before, during, and after events
• Oversee follow-up, acknowledgments, and impact reporting.
• Work with communications to create compelling messaging that highlights autism services and impact.

Team & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with program staff to connect donors to mission outcomes.
• Coordinate with marketing/communications on event promotion and materials.
• May supervise event staff, consultants, or volunteers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with strong focus on events.
• Proven success managing fundraising events (especially galas) and securing sponsorships.
• Experience working with or supporting individuals with I/DD and their families (preferred).
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience with CRM systems and tracking event performance.

Criteria for Evaluation

• Gala and event revenue performance (sponsorships, ticket sales, fundraising).
• Growth in corporate sponsorships and event donors.
• Donor retention and conversion from events to ongoing giving.
• Contribution to overall development revenue goals.

Salary : $85,000 - $90,000