Manager, Field Development – Carolinas Chapter

Overview:
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, 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. Come join us as a Manager, Field Development in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The purpose of this position is to raise funds by organizing volunteers, creating awareness and implementing fundraising, awareness and mission-related events in order to achieve and/or exceed revenue goals with a primary focus on building a network of grassroots advocates, supporters and leaders for Autism Speaks.

Primary responsibilities:
• Achieve the revenue goals for scheduled events that are assigned to this position.
• Work with supervisor to establish and implement planning timelines, income goals, expense budgets and participant recruitment strategies.
• Develop, lead and execute grassroots outreach plans to support program and fundraising goals.
• Execute Autism Speaks Walk events in partnership with volunteer leadership, specifically managing Walk Committee recruitment and retention.
• Plan and manage special events including the Charlotte Blue Jeans and Bow Ties Gala.
• Solicit event sponsorships and in-kind donors for new and existing events.
• Integrate social marketing initiatives, such as email blasts to volunteers, constituents and local community, creating fundraising websites primarily for the Walk, as well as other forms of social media outreach that will target potential walkers, donors, constituents who will help support our mission.
• Manage all logistics for events including, but not limited to, the following: mailing lists and mailings, tracking RSVPs, auction solicitation, payment processing, vendor selection, management and contract negotiations including venue, décor, A/V, photographer and videographer, volunteer management and administrative tasks, as necessary.
• Manage high-profile live and silent auctions.
• Work with Websupport to create event websites prior to events.
• Create and follow event timelines and program “run of show”.
• Provide on-site management for day-of events, evenings and weekends required.
• Ensure event wrap-up by sending acknowledgement letters to all participants, including sponsors, guests, celebrities, auction buyers, auction donors, chefs, etc.
• Manage and provide administrative support to volunteer committees.
• Cultivate leadership and volunteer opportunities to deepen involvement through increased responsibility, skills development and accountability.
• Create and participate in new opportunities to expand Autism Speaks’ reach including meeting potential supporters and generating new contacts, ensure base-building goals are met.
• Maintain accountability in accordance with administrative systems by the deadlines assigned including but not limited to expense reimbursements, maintaining the organizational calendar, credit card reconciliations, invoices and reports and time and attendance.
• Build collaborative relationships among other departments to ensure synergy with program, advocacy and fundraising goals.
• The responsibilities listed above are representative and not all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned by supervisor/s.

Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 4 years corporate fundraising experience with proven track record.
• Minimum 2 years of management experience and execution of special events.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in developing volunteers and staff.

Specialized skills and knowledge:
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Organized and detail oriented, with solid administrative skills.
• Intermediate proficiency with MS Office including Excel and Outlook.
• Database knowledge (Raiser’s Edge and/or Kintera preferred).
• Ability to recruit and manage volunteers.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by volunteers, while remaining focused on the goals for program delivery.
• Must have mode of transportation (automobile, valid driver’s license and insurance is required).
• Flexibility to travel up to 50% and work overtime including nights and weekends.

Core competencies
• Building collaborative relationships.
• Professional behavior.
• Results driven.
• Customer orientation.
• Flexibility.

What we offer you:
Autism Speaks offers a competitive compensation package and the opportunity to enhance lives today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow for individuals with autism and their families.

Autism Speaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.