Job details
Salary range: $75,500-$82,000
Director of Community Engagement - Job Summary
Lead fundraising special events in the Greater Chicagoland area, manage volunteer committees, corporate sponsorships, and relationships to raise funds and awareness for Autism Speaks mission.
Key Responsibilities
- Achieve revenue goals for assigned fundraising events
- Execute fundraising events with volunteer leadership including committee recruitment and retention
- Implement fundraising strategies including sponsorship and committee management and mission integration
- Support local implementation of Autism Speaks global campaigns
- Manage day-to-day event operations including logistics, data entry, and materials
- Provide administrative support to volunteer committees
- Make presentations to secure sponsorships, recruit volunteers, and manage accounts year-round
- Integrate digital marketing initiatives such as email campaigns and fundraising websites
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- 7+ years demonstrated success in fundraising
- 5 years of leading special events
- Leadership in volunteer committee recruitment and management
- Experience in relationship building, networking, budget management, and volunteer mobilization
- Proven multi-functional fundraising experience (events, walks, corporate campaigns)
- Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Adaptability and high energy with positive attitude
- Intermediate proficiency with MS Office 365 and database knowledge (Stratus Live, Blackbaud Luminate preferred)
- Well-organized and detail-oriented
- Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel for events
- Reliable transportation with valid driver’s license and insurance
Education
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Additional information about the company collected by GoodWord
About Autism Speaks
siteAutism Speaks is a nonprofit organization focused on autism awareness, advocacy, and community support.
What Our Employees Say
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families affected by autism. (www.autismspeaks.org)
- Supportive work environment with a focus on mission-driven collaboration. (www.glassdoor.com)
- Access to professional development and training programs related to autism advocacy and research. (www.autismspeaks.org)
Challenges You Might Face
- Some advocacy organizations and individuals with autism have criticized Autism Speaks for not adequately representing autistic voices. (www.spectrumnews.org)
- Reports of limited advancement opportunities for certain roles within the organization. (www.glassdoor.com)
- Past controversies regarding the organization’s approach and messaging about autism. (www.disabilityscoop.com)