Overview
The Director of Major Gifts and Partnerships at the Autism Society is responsible for fundraising efforts that secure significant financial contributions and forming strategic partnerships to advance an organization's mission. This role involves cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporate partners, and foundations, and developing long-term engagement strategies.

The Director of Major Gifts and Partnerships will spearhead initiatives to secure major financial commitments, cultivate key relationships, and manage strategic partnerships that support the long-term growth of the organization. This role focuses on identifying and soliciting prospective donors and partners, building lasting relationships, and designing tailored engagement plans that align with the organization's mission and goals. The Director will work closely with senior leadership and counsel to develop and implement strategies for revenue generation and sustainable partnerships.

Duties

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors.
• Set ambitious fundraising goals and ensure their achievement through strategic donor engagement and relationship-building.
• Provide the President and CEO with a portfolio of prospects and maintain current records of all activities with prospects in the CEO Portfolio
• Build and maintain relationships with a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Manage donor communication, including personalized stewardship plans, acknowledgment, and recognition efforts.
• Ensure proper documentation of interactions with donors, track progress in donor management systems, and provide regular reporting.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for strategic corporate and foundation partnerships that align with the Autism Society’s mission.
• Develop tailored proposals for potential partners, and manage relationships with key corporate stakeholders.
• Oversee the execution of partnership agreements and ensure mutual benefits for both the organization and its partners.
• Work closely with the members of the team, Board members, and organizational leadership to coordinate efforts, integrate major gift solicitations with overall fundraising campaigns, and contribute to the success of events and initiatives.
• Support the CEO and Board in leveraging their networks for donor engagement.
• Lead efforts to identify potential major donors and new partnership opportunities through research and networking.
• Create personalized outreach and cultivation plans for key prospects.
• Mentor and manage a small team of fundraising professionals or work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in fundraising and development.
• Provide strategic guidance and training to staff, board members, and volunteers involved in donor cultivation and fundraising efforts.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, major gifts, or partnership development.
• Proven record of accomplishment of securing major gifts (six and seven figures) from individuals, foundations, or corporations.
• Experience with corporate sponsorships and strategic partnerships.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Exceptional proposal writing, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship, and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Hotspot).
• Highly self-motivated, results-driven, and entrepreneurial in approach.
• Ability to think strategically and manage complex projects from conception to completion.
• A passion for the Autism Society’s mission and values, with the ability to inspire others to contribute.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $109,155.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Fundraising: 7 years (Required)
• Major Gift: 3 years (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: Remote