Associate Director of Development

Association of Fundraising Professionals; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Association of Fundraising Professionals is seeking an Associate Director of Development to drive revenue through signature galas and related events while strengthening donor relationships. The role blends hands-on event leadership with strategic fundraising to expand support for individuals with (I/DD) and deepen community engagement.

The position focuses on planning the annual gala, managing revenue strategies, and overseeing donor stewardship, with collaboration across programs and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with a strong focus on events.
• Proven success managing fundraising events (especially galas) and securing sponsorships.
• Experience working with or supporting individuals with I/DD and their families (preferred).
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience with CRM systems and tracking event performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of the annual fundraising gala and other events.
• Develop and manage event revenue strategies.
• Oversee event timelines, vendors, budgets, and logistics.
• Partner with leadership, board members, and committees to maximize event success.
• Track and analyze event performance to improve results year over year.
• Secure corporate sponsorships and event underwriting support.
• Cultivate and solicit gifts tied to events and broader mission support.
• Build long-term relationships with sponsors and key supporters.
• Collaborate on annual development plan with focus on event-driven revenue.
• Identify opportunities to grow giving through events and integrate events into the donor pipeline.
• Oversee stewardship, acknowledgments, and impact reporting.

Skills

Event management

Donor relations

Fundraising strategy

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

The Associate Director of Development is a key member of the fundraising team, responsible for driving revenue through events—especially the organization’s signature gala—alongside managing donor relationships. This role blends hands‑on event leadership with strategic fundraising, helping expand support for individuals with (I/DD) and deepen community engagement.

Event & Gala Leadership

• Lead planning and execution of the annual fundraising gala and other events. (Building a Dream Gala, CRC 5k Run/1 Mile Walk, Wings for Autism and NEC charity golf tournament)
• Develop and manage event revenue strategies.
• Oversee event timelines, vendors, budgets, and logistics.
• Partner with leadership, board members, and committees to maximize event success.
• Track and analyze event performance to improve results year over year.

Sponsorship & Donor Revenue

• Secure corporate sponsorships and event underwriting support.
• Manage a portfolio of event-related donors and prospects.
• Cultivate and solicit gifts tied to events and broader mission support.
• Build long-term relationships with sponsors and key supporters.

Fundraising Strategy

• Collaborate on annual development plan with focus on event-driven revenue.
• Identify opportunities to grow giving through events (pre- and post-event strategy).
• Support integration of events into overall donor pipeline (moving attendees to donors).
• Stewardship & Donor Experience
• Ensure strong donor and sponsor experience before, during, and after events.
• Oversee follow-up, acknowledgments, and impact reporting.
• Work with communications to create compelling messaging that highlights autism services and impact.

Team & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with program staff to connect donors to mission outcomes.
• Coordinate with marketing/communications on event promotion and materials.
• May supervise event staff, consultants, or volunteers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with strong focus on events.
• Proven success managing fundraising events (especially galas) and securing sponsorships.
• Experience working with or supporting individuals with I/DD and their families (preferred).
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience with CRM systems and tracking event performance.