Director of Advancement & Community Engagement

Our client is seeking a Director of Advancement & Community Engagement to lead fundraising and advancement efforts for a growing, mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to empowering neurodivergent young people and transforming the workplace. This role blends external-facing advancement leadership with internal collaboration to support growth, sustainability, and visibility.

Founded in 2013, the organization celebrates neurodiversity by creating access, cultivating skills, and advancing inclusive employment opportunities. This senior leadership role reports to the CEO and blends strategic fundraising, donor engagement, communications, and external relationship-building.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including annual giving, major gifts, campaigns, planned giving, and grants.

• Cultivate, steward, and grow relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors.

• Identify, pursue, and support the submission of foundation and government grants.

• Plan and execute donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events.

• Oversee donor CRM systems, reporting, segmentation, and acknowledgment processes.

• Develop and oversee donor communications, appeals, and stewardship materials.

• Serve as a public-facing ambassador and trusted fundraising advisor to the CEO and leadership team.

• Supervise and mentor Advancement & Communications staff, providing clear direction and development.

• Oversee organizational communications and marketing strategy in collaboration with internal partners.

• Partner with program leadership to translate impact and outcomes into compelling donor-facing narratives.

• Strengthen internal systems, processes, and reporting to support sustainable growth and engagement.

• Represent the organization at community events, partner meetings, and funder engagements.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in development, advancement, or relationship-driven fundraising roles.

• Proven success with donor cultivation, CRM systems, events, appeals, and grant development.

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or CFRE preferred.

• Strong relationship-building, communication, and project management skills.

• Entrepreneurial, proactive, and comfortable building systems in a growing organization.

• Deep alignment with inclusion, equity, and neurodiversity; relevant professional or lived experience strongly valued.

Preferred Experience

• Background in education, workforce development, DEI, disability inclusion, or equitable access initiatives.

• Experience in a nonprofit or small, high-growth organization.

• Transferable experience from sales, business development, or relationship-centered roles.