Chief Development Officer

Ascendigo Autism Services is looking for an outgoing, energetic, mission-driven professional to join our team as the Life Enrichment Program Director!

Position Salary Range: $95,000K + DOE

Our generous benefits include: Health, dental, vision, life, AD&D and short- and long-term disability insurance, matching 401K, employee housing, hybrid work from home opportunities, Employee Assistance Program, cell phone stipend, unlimited PTO policy, 10 paid holidays a year.

Job Summary: The Chief Development Officer (CDO) leads the fundraising, marketing, and stakeholder communication efforts of Ascendigo. The CDO, along with the CEO, will create and implement fundraising efforts from the donor community, foundation partners, and special events. The CDO also serves as part of the executive management team and may guide capital campaign efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising

• With assistance from the CEO, responsible for all aspects of fundraising, including donor relations and campaigns, foundation and grant funding, and special events.
• Develop and implement an annual development budget and plan to support budget goals, including the following fundraising efforts:
• Grant research, writing, and reporting to secure funding support from foundations, corporations, and government entities. May include occasional grant management.
• Implement an annual giving program, to include direct mail, digital appeals, major donor fundraising and planned giving.
• Develop and/or maintain existing special events.
• Serves as staff liaison to development-related committees and leads the building and maintaining of a successful philanthropic culture among Ascendigo board members, staff, and the philanthropic community.
• Ensures that internal systems are in place for effective donor acquisition and stewardship programs, to include tracking and record-keeping of all donation data.
• Ensures that existing and new development initiatives, campaigns, events, and outreach programs engage Ascendigo’s donors, attract new donors and encourage current donors into higher levels of support.

 Marketing & Communication

• By providing guidance to staff, responsible for all aspects of marketing & communication for fundraising efforts, brand image, website, print materials and promotion of Ascendigo’s programs, and all aspects of external communication.

 Staff & Executive Leadership: Empower, inspire, and mentor talented and dedicated Ascendigoers.

• With assistance from Human Resources, program managers and other Ascendigo staff, recruit top talent for all Development positions, including creating job descriptions, setting wages/salaries, interviewing, and oversight of on-boarding and training.
• Support and retain Ascendigoers by enhancing Ascendigo’s culture of R.E.S.P.E.C.T., leading by example, demonstrating accountability, fostering honest and open communication, encouraging a collaborative team environment, and through other creative and supportive approaches.
• As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, help develop and implement the strategic plan, and provide organization-wide leadership to advance the mission of Ascendigo.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience with a similar organization with management and/or team leadership responsibilities; and minimum three (3) years’ experience in nonprofit development. Experience with major gift cultivation; grants and special event fundraising is required. Additional experience with direct mail and social media marketing, planned giving and financial management is strongly preferred.
• Experience with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) a plus.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; and donor database/Client Relationship Management (CRM) software platforms
• Strong listening, leadership, problem-solving, organization, and time management skills, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently, efficiently, and effectively to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including collaborating and building relationships with others at all levels.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Occasional evenings and weekends are required to accommodate meetings, on-call shifts, and special events.

In addition,

• Must be age 21 or over and have legal working status.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and excellent driving record.
• Must have a clean background check with no felonies or flags.
• Should have at least a bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Must be able to lift and move heavy objects (up to 25 pounds)