Overview
Associate Director of Development Jobs in Needham, MA at Charles River Center
Department: Development
Classification: Salaried, Exempt
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 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.
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.
Title: Associate Director of Development
Company: Charles River Center
Location: Needham, MA
Category:
