Description

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.

Requirements

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.