AST Seeks Development Director!


Development Director Job Description

OVERVIEW:

The Autism Society of Texas (AST) is the state affiliate of the Autism Society of America, which is a non-profit (501c3) organization that works to improve the lives of individuals with Autism by providing education, information, support, and advocacy for people with Autism, their families, educators, professionals, and the community-at-large. The Autism Society of Texas is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Mission: We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. 

The Autism Society of Texas’ Development Director position is approximately 30 hours/week and offers opportunities to engage with the community, its leaders, and potential new supporters in an effort to raise funds in order to support the mission of the Autism Society of Texas.

AST is seeking a professional with a strong background in fundraising, grant writing, and cultivating individual and corporate donations and partnerships, as well as excellent donor stewardship skills. This is a newly created position which will require approximately 30 hours per week. The Development Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all of Autism Society of Texas’ fundraising initiatives including major gifts, planned giving, special appeals, fundraising components of events, and any revenue generating initiatives and programs. The Director works closely with AST Staff and Board of Directors in all development and fundraising endeavors.  

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Development Director reports directly to the Executive Director. The Director is responsible for knowing the vision and mission of the organization, as well as helping to develop and adhere to the strategic plan. The Development Director will design annual development plans based on the direction of the organization. Some evening and weekend hours are required, as well as occasional travel for fundraisers, events, or conferences. We have a positive work environment and offer a flexible schedule with the option to work remotely for some of the time. At the time of this posting, we are working mostly remotely due to COVID-19, but will resume a mix of remote and office hours in the near future.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must embrace the mission of the Autism Society of Texas.
  • Strong interpersonal and writing skills.
  • Have knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, particularly major gift fundraising.
  • Proven experience in grant writing.
  • Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members and other volunteers.
  • Talent and drive for building external relationships.
  • Be a “self-starter” and goal driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls.
  • Be organized and exhibit “follow through” on tasks and goals.
  • Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense and good listening ability.
  • A bachelor’s degree.
  • Minimum of 5+ years experience in professional fundraising.
  • Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. 
  • Donor database management experience required.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Meet prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis to establish effective communications with them.
  2. Grow a major gifts program including identification, cultivation and solicitation of major donors.
  3. Oversee grant seeking including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements.
  4. Build the planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequest expectancies.
  5. Direct the annual fund program, including mailings and annual fundraising drives.
  6. Direct all major fundraising endeavors.
  7. Coordinate fundraising special events in conjunction with AST staff.
  8. Oversee prospect research.
  9. Work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
  10. Make public appearances/accept speaking engagements to share information about the Autism Society of Texas when needed.
  11. Attend and coordinate Board Development Committee meetings.
  12. Oversee fundraising database and tracking systems.
  13. Supervise and collaborate with fundraising volunteers and any contracted staff.
  14. Provide content for the creation of publications to support fundraising activities.
  15. Maintain gift recognition programs.
  16. Demonstrate professional conduct at all times.
  17. Occasional travel for events or conferences.
  18. Perform other related duties as requested.

SALARY:

Range: $23-31/hour. This is a salaried position.

Salary dependent on experience level and agreed upon part time hours. 

Mileage reimbursed at state rate.

TO APPLY:
Please send resume and cover letter to office@texasautismsociety.org or apply via Indeed.com.