Associate Director of Development (6252)

Charles River Center; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Charles River Center in Needham, MA is seeking an Associate Director of Development to drive revenue through events and donor relationships, including the organization’s signature gala. You will lead planning, manage sponsorships, and collaborate to grow giving while expanding community engagement for individuals with I/DD.

You will oversee event logistics, budgets, and cross‑functional teamwork, partnering with leadership and volunteers to maximize impact.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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, 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Event planning

Donor relations

Fundraising strategy

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Job Details: Location: Needham, MA 02492 | Type: Full Time | Education Level: 4 Year Degree | Salary Range: $85,000 - $90,000 | Shift: Day | Department: Development | Reports To: Vice President, Development.

Introduction

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.

Primary Duties

• 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, 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.

Criteria for Evaluation

• Gala and event revenue performance (sponsorships, ticket sales, fundraising).
• Growth in corporate sponsorships and event donors.
• Donor retention and conversion from events to ongoing giving.
• Contribution to overall development revenue goals.