Head of Philanthropy - Remote

Director, Individual Giving and Philanthropy

Autism Speaks is seeking a front-line fundraiser responsible for managing a portfolio of approximately 100–120 individual donors and prospects with the capacity to make significant philanthropic contributions. The Director, Individual Giving & Philanthropy will lead donors through all stages of the moves management cycle, with a focus on qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The Director will work in close collaboration with the Vice President of Individual Giving, Director of Individual Giving & Philanthropy, regional Executive Directors, and other cross-functional partners to advance strategic donor engagement across key markets. While the position is remote, ideal candidate will be located in the Mid-Atlantic, New Jersey, Eastern PA, New York state or New England markets (or open to qualified candidates that may sit outside of this region).

Lead the development and growth of the major gift portfolio for Autism Speaks.

Collaborate with the Community Engagement team to:

Serve as the strategic lead for major gift fundraising efforts in assigned markets.

Partner with Executive Directors to identify, qualify, and advance a pipeline of major gift prospects, leveraging local insights and relationships.

Maximize donor engagement and pipeline development through strategic participation in local events, identifying cultivation and stewardship opportunities.

Solicit gifts that support the priority programs of Autism Speaks with an emphasis on high five, six and seven plus figure gift conversations.

Engage with colleagues and volunteers across the organization who can inform and help major gift lead generation activity for the region.

Work with the VP, Independent Giving and Autism Speaks leadership to develop and implement thoughtful moves and experiences for the region’s major gift portfolio.

Foster strong partnerships across departments, serving as a collaborative and solutions-oriented partner to internal teams. Contribute to a culture of shared success by supporting colleagues on the major gifts team and across the broader relationship development division, ensuring alignment and integration of fundraising strategies.

Actively learn the programs and priority initiatives of Autism Speaks and convey this vision and work to donors and prospective donors. Seek to introduce appropriate donors and prospects to leadership and content experts throughout the relationship cultivation process.

Work with Development Operations team to guide back-office support, including prospect research, necessary to grow the region’s portfolio.

Offer input on the development of major gift donor materials and communications for the division overall and the region specifically.

Planning and Management

Identify and utilize key volunteers who can influence and help advance this major gift growth plan.

Follow the Relationship Development division’s database protocols and expectations – use the Razor’s Edge database to accurately reflect regional portfolio growth, moves, revenue outcomes.

As outlined in your performance goal setting forms, you will be responsible for achieving the goals provided by and agreed upon with your manager.

Bachelor’s degree required; 7-10 years of specific, dedicated major gift experience in a non-profit, fundraising setting. 10 or more years of professional working experience.

Superior interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence donors to support the organization.

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, as well as strong presentation skills.

Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Comprehensive knowledge of development and major gift development / fundraising.

Experience working in a mission-driven organization and achieving aggressive fundraising goals.

Results-oriented and motivated with an entrepreneurial approach to fundraising.

Commitment to and passion for the mission of Autism Speaks.

Ability to travel easily and frequently to key markets across the region.

Proficient with CRM (StratusLive) and MS Office, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel.

Building Collaborative Relationships

Customer Orientation

You are responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of all Autism Speaks data and information to which you have access.

Autism Speaks is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive workplace. We recruit, evaluate, employ, and promote candidates without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender identity or expression, protected veteran or military status, disability or other legally protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for job openings. About Autism Speaks

At Autism Speaks, our mission is to promote solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of people with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Together with our broad and diverse community, we strive every day to achieve our vision of a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential. our employees are inspired, energized and motivated by the impact we can collectively have on behalf of the autism community.

Autism Speaks celebrates every success achieved to create a kinder, more inclusive world for people with autism, and we work collaboratively across departments to find solutions that will do the most good for the most people.

Autism Speaks offers a competitive compensation, benefit and vacation package. We also provide flex work hours, weekly training sessions, tuition reimbursement and summer bonus Fridays in addition to a creative, innovative, collaborative, inclusive, kind and fun work environment.

Full-time

Non-profit Organizations

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