Manager, Fundraising and Special Events

The Organization for Autism Research’s (OAR) mission is to apply research to the challenges of autism. Since 2001, we have funded more than $5 million in applied research grants and helped numerous autistic individuals and their families, caregivers, and educators through our free evidence-based resources. We are able to do this through the funds we raise each year. We are currently seeking a new Manager, Fundraising and Special Events to help in the execution of OAR’s mission by raising funds through events and fundraising initiatives. The Manager, Fundraising and Special Events will report directly to the Executive Director and will work closely with OAR leadership on various fundraising initiatives.

The Manager, Fundraising and Special Events will be responsible for the oversight of multiple fundraising campaigns and the development and execution of at least one fundraising event (in-person, virtual, or hybrid) each year. This position will help to further diversify OAR’s funding through fundraising initiatives outside of OAR’s major fundraising campaign, the RUN FOR AUTISM. This will include, but not be limited to, working with the Executive Director to evaluate OAR’s current digital fundraising tools and infrastructure and implementing new tools, platforms, and tactics that will allow OAR to improve fundraising. 

OAR is currently planning an inaugural fundraiser for this September at Top Golf National Harbor. The Manager, Fundraising and Special Events will quickly jump into leading this new event to success.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns in traditional and digital-first methods
• Grow OAR’s live streaming fundraising efforts via platforms such as Discord, Twitch, and other livestream and social platforms and develop industry partnerships
• Develop and nurture lasting relationships with fundraising partners, volunteers, and individuals
• Manage and grow grassroots fundraising efforts via virtual support, offering OAR resources, and creating a fundraising guide for individuals seeking to support OAR
• Respond to fundraising inquiries and registration requests
• Plan and develop outreach strategies to increase new lead development, to include connecting with past fundraisers for retention and new activity 
• Support 3rd party fundraising efforts via platforms such as Tiltify, Facebook, Instagram, and others
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Director, Development and Marketing to develop a yearly calendar of fundraising events and digital and direct mail campaigns
• With the support of OAR leadership, plan and execute an annual fundraising event

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5 - 7 years minimum work experience
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Skill with social media and email platforms
• Capacity to work independently but also to coordinate with others when necessary
• Able to multi-task 
• Highly organized and versatile
• Fundraising and/or events background

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with Neon CRM, FundraiseUp, Canva, and Hootsuite
• Experience with WordPress and Google analytics 
• Personal connection to autism or a desire to support the autism community. Autistic individuals are encouraged to apply.

OAR recognizes that not all qualified candidates will have all the qualifications above.  We encourage any interested candidates who meet some but not all the qualifications to apply. OAR will consider all aspects of a candidate’s resume and cover letter when reviewing applications. OAR is an equal-opportunity employer. 

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here: https://researchautism.org/get-involved/join-our-team/#manager