Job details
Salary range: $75,500-$82,000
Director of Community Engagement - Job Summary
The Director of Community Engagement leads fundraising events and manages key relationships in the Greater Chicagoland area to raise funds and awareness for Autism Speaks.
Key Responsibilities
- Achieve revenue goals for assigned fundraising events
- Execute fundraising events with volunteer leadership and manage committee recruitment and retention
- Implement strategies for sponsorship and volunteer committee recruitment to meet fundraising goals
- Support local implementation of global Autism Speaks campaigns
- Manage day-to-day operations of events including logistics, data entry, acknowledgements, and materials
- Provide administrative support to volunteer committees
- Present to businesses and community groups to secure sponsorships and recruit volunteers
- Integrate digital marketing initiatives such as email campaigns and fundraising websites
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- 7+ years of demonstrated success in fundraising
- 5 years leading special events
- Preferred experience in volunteer committee leadership, relationship building, networking, budget management, and volunteer mobilization
- Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Adaptable with intermediate proficiency in MS Office 365, Excel, and Outlook
- Database knowledge (Stratus Live and Blackbaud Luminate preferred)
- Well-organized, detail-oriented, high energy, professional, diplomatic, and positive attitude
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends
- Ability to travel for events, team meetings, and conferences
- Physical ability to set up, move materials, and engage on-site for extended periods
- 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)