Development Director

WHO WE ARE: Formerly Autism Society SE WI, we have evolved and are now Autism United of Wisconsin. For over fifty (50) years, we have served and supported people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, their families, professionals, and others in the community by sharing information, supporting research, providing network opportunities and promoting awareness through education and training. Our vision is to create a better life and brighter future for everyone impacted by Autism, together today and tomorrow and it takes great employees to see this vision brought to life.

ABOUT THE ROLE: Autism United is looking for a Development Director to identify and engage individuals, businesses, opinion leaders, board members and others in raising funds to support the organization’s programs and activities. If you:

• Have fundraising and event planning experience
• Have a genuine interest in helping people
• Are innovative and entrepreneurial and demonstrate a growth mindset
• Have the ability to think big while managing small details, and have a willingness to roll-up your sleeves to do what needs to get done
• Are comfortable asking for financial support and understanding the value of giving people opportunities to use their financial abilities to support their values

And if you are interested in joining a non-profit organization with a vision to create a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – we would like to speak with you! 

In this position, the Development Director is responsible for the development, management, implementation and evaluation of our fundraising initiatives, including grant writing, fundraising campaigns, event management, and donor engagement and cultivation and systems to track all. This position will also build and manage the Autism United financial plan and tracking and work with Marketing to raise awareness of our organization. The Development Director reports to the Executive Director.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

• Direct and implement our annual fundraising strategy, including annual appeals, special events, major gifts, grants, foundation and corporate gifts. Drive the execution and implementation of our fundraising strategy. Produce revenue to support our financial goals, forecast future revenue and gather donor feedback.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive year-round communication plan to keep supporters, partners and those we serve informed and engaged.
• Work with Marketing to execute the development and implementation of Financial marketing plan aspects for social media, marketing, public and media relations, web content, communication/resource development and brand management.
• Grant writing, submission, tracking and reporting. This Includes finding new potential grants for use in support of programs in different counties.
• Lead Special Event Fundraising Events and logistical support teams, which includes our Gala and Walk event.
• Lead sponsor cultivation plan development and execution including identifying prospective individual and corporate donors and develop strategies to cultivate those relationships.
• Translate organization goals and strategic development and marketing plans into executable plans by defining program/project tasks, milestones, priorities and metrics.
• Create and manage annual development and marketing budgets, as well as budgets for specific events. Develop and track annual contributed revenue, special event, and other fundraising budgets.
• Manage contributed revenue streams including grants (restricted and unrestricted) and support Executive Director in contribution and campaign income initiatives.
• Support major donor plan development and execution.
• Support third-party fundraisers plan and execution including cultivating relationships with third-party hosts, thank you and reporting after events along with Development Associate and Executive Director.
• Provide analysis and reporting on the overall performance of fundraising against goals and strategic plan.
• Ensure timely and accurate reports to funders.
• Collaborate with staff on the management and planning of fundraising events and donor receptions.
• Develop a strong presence in the community through effective networking, planning and execution of fundraising and other community events.
• Maintain ongoing communications with private and corporate donors.
• Develop operational processes and procedures for the Development Department.
• Create compelling marketing materials and activities to enhance public awareness of our organization and our programming, to help raise funds and to recruit volunteers and partners.
• Support creating templated/specific materials for sponsorship/unique asks with Marketing.
• Serve as liaison for Funds Development Committee.
• Support annual campaign plan and execution with Executive Director and support from Marketing.
• Support one of the Program life-cycle group with Program Team (Children, Families, Teens, Adults of the Spectrum, Caregiver/Educators).

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE OUR DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: 

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in Business Management, Marketing or related field, or commensurate work experience
• 5-7 years of fundraising, event planning, IT and/or marketing experience
• Verified track record of meeting or exceeding measurable fundraising goals in a small non-profit organization
• Demonstrated ability to build strong, lasting relationships with a diversity of donors through a multiplicity of strategies, as well as work collaboratively with the Executive Director, Board, staff, and volunteers
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, volunteers, donors, board members, community leaders, those we serve and the general public
• Proven ability to distill complex information into a simple, clear messages, using examples, stories and community information that is relevant and resonates with donors, volunteers, partners and the community
• Proven experience in leading people and managing systems to achieve fundraising goals
• Passionate about the mission, vision and goals of Autism United
• Possess an understanding of how this position contributes to our organization’s success
• Ability to effectively share the story of AU’s impact in the community
• Bring humility and a deep commitment to philanthropy and empathy for those we serve
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a small team environment that is mission-driven
• Excellent written and oral communication and networking skills with the ability to engage, inspire and educate in personal meetings, group settings, public speaking settings and in written form
• Experience in creating budgets and forecasts
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills to plan, implement and administer fund development initiatives
• Strong research, data collection, and analytics skills
• High degree of integrity and character that garners the trust and respect of others
• High energy, flexibility, and creative strategic thinking
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of donor information when appropriate
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, fund development software, databases and management information systems, and various social media and website platforms
• Ability to work evenings and weekends to represent the organization at meetings and events
• Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license required/Access to transportation to visit donors, prospects and attend events

The Development Director is a full-time position averaging 40+ hours a week. This is a hybrid role with three-four days in-office a week depending on workload and event timing.

WHAT WE OFFER: 

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Health insurance supplement for full-time employees
• Paid holidays (pre-set) after completion of 3 month probationary period
• Paid vacation after probationary period.