Autism Speaks · 8 hours ago
Chief Development Officer
Autism Speaks is seeking an inspiring and results-driven Chief Development Officer (CDO) to successfully lead and grow all fundraising and revenue strategies that ensure long-term sustainability and expand our mission impact. The CDO will design and execute a multi-year plan to sustain and grow Autism Speaks’ revenue base while cultivating transformative partnerships across various donor networks.
Health CareHumanitarianMedicalNon ProfitSocial Impact
Responsibilities
Lead the charge in revenue production and growth by designing and implementing a multi-year fundraising strategy grounded in data, innovation, and impact, ensuring long-term sustainability and mission expansion
Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward transformational six- and seven-figure gifts, with a strategic focus on high-net-worth individuals, corporations and foundations
Serve as the organization’s lead fundraiser and relationship architect, setting the tone for donor engagement at every level
Inspire and engage the Board of Directors to serve as active ambassadors and champions of a strong culture of philanthropy
Act as a partner to the CEO and Board members to strengthen existing donor relationships and shepherd new relationships
Collaborate cross-functionally with Science, Advocacy, and Service and Supports departments to align fundraising efforts with programmatic priorities which amplify mission impact
Inspire and mobilize a team of 50+ fundraising professionals, empowering them to build authentic donor relationships, exceed their goals, and grow professionally within a collaborative, inclusive environment
Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and transparent culture where staff can thrive by staying attuned to the team’s pulse and regularly analyze and report development results to drive strategic growth
Maintain a visible presence with donors and partners, traveling as needed – including evenings and weekends – to attend key events, deepen relationships, and represent Autism Speaks with passion and purpose
Qualification
Required
15 years or more professional experience, including a minimum of 10 years specifically in fundraising or development roles
A minimum of 5 years in a senior development leadership position, with a proven track record of increasing revenue year over year by implementing effective fundraising strategies and leading a matrix team of 10 or more professionals
Extensive experience cultivating relationships with Boards of Directors and volunteers to advance fundraising and mission objectives, including spearheading board-led engagement initiatives that resulted in increases in donor participation and support
Compassionate and attentive listener who values meaningful engagement with the autism community as central to success
Excellent interpersonal skills; connect effectively with people at all levels, internally and externally
Expert at crafting a compelling case for support and tailoring it to diverse audiences
Strong management and mentorship skills; the ability to build and inspire a high-performing team
Strategic thinker with the ability to identify, prioritize, and execute growth opportunities, using data and innovation to guide fundraising strategies and improve outcomes
Acts with integrity, transparency, and trustworthiness in all relationships and decisions; goal-oriented and views accountability as key to performance
Preferred
Personal or professional experience with autism
Benefits
Flex work hours
Weekly training sessions
Tuition reimbursement
Summer bonus Fridays
Creative, innovative, collaborative, inclusive, kind and fun work environment
Company
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is enhancing lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
BJ's Wholesale Club
2024-10-24Grant
Recent News
PR Newswire UK
2025-09-29
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