Development Manager

Work Term: Full time; 35 hours/week

Typical Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (some evenings/weekends as required)

Supervisor: Executive Director

Location: Remote (Must be based in the Lower Mainland)—This position requires a home office setup and the ability to travel within BC.

Salary: $63,000–$69,000/yr

About AutismBC

We empower, support, and connect the autism community in BC. AutismBC is a non-profit and registered charity that encourages the inclusion and acceptance of the entire autism community. We are a tight-knit and nimble organization that values the lived experience of our team and members. We prioritize listening to our members and making decisions that reflect their needs and wants. We have a network of staff and volunteers in the Lower Mainland, the Interior, Northern BC, and Vancouver Island; our programs run province-wide.

We are building into an inclusive and equitable workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we live in, creating the opportunity for every employee to reach their potential.  We welcome applications from people in all underrepresented groups, believing we are at our best when everyone has a seat at the table. We are eager to meet people who believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in various ways, not just those who can check all the boxes. If this is you, we want to hear from you.

Accommodation for disabilities and support needs is available upon request throughout every stage of our recruitment process.

About the role:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Manager plays a crucial role in AutismBC’s fundraising efforts by building and maintaining relationships with major funders and donors. Your primary responsibility is to secure significant financial contributions to support our mission, with the goal of incrementally increasing the grant and major gift portfolio by $500,000. This role focuses on fundraising and stewarding gifts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000.

The Development Manager develops tailored strategies to engage individuals, corporations, foundations, and associations to secure major gifts and grants. Success in this role requires confidence and expertise in strategic planning, project management, and relationship building. The Development Manager fosters strong, trusting relationships both internally and externally and demonstrates leadership through outcomes-focused, ethical approaches to fund development. This position also includes oversight of two direct reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the current major gift portfolio while strategically increasing large and corporate donor gifts.
• Grow donor interest through targeted research and relationship building, including travel within BC to meet with donors.
• Act as an ambassador for AutismBC, representing the organization at events and in the community.
• Provide exceptional donor-centric stewardship, adhering to AutismBC’s policies and Gaming and CRA regulations.
• Assess and research individual and institutional prospects (including individuals, foundations, and corporations) for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and recognition.
• Identify, evaluate, recommend, and implement steps to bring prospects closer to making major financial commitments to AutismBC.
• Prepare and present donor proposals and grant applications, customized to align with donor interests and priorities while maintaining AutismBC’s mission and vision.
• Develop and implement strategic solicitation plans and track donor interactions using our CRM, maintaining contact notes and interaction reports.
• Collaborate with the Program & Communications teams to prepare and submit grant applications and funding proposals.
• Ensure major donors receive appropriate recognition and updates on how their contributions make a difference.
• Create compelling cases for support and fundraising materials in collaboration with internal teams.
• Operate within the Development budget for fundraising activities in consultation with the Executive Director.
• Other duties, as needed.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or an acceptable combination of equivalent experience, with at least four (4) years in a non-profit environment.
• Minimum four (4) years of related experience in major gift fundraising and donor relationship management.
• Demonstrated experience in moves management with a proven track record of securing gifts of $20,000+.
• Strong written communication skills for crafting donor proposals and grant applications.
• Proficiency and reliability in using fundraising software and CRM systems (experience with Neon is an asset).
• Exceptional interpersonal, listening, and communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, diplomacy, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to identifying and pursuing opportunities.
• Effective time management, able to balance varied responsibilities and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Access to reliable transportation/own vehicle with a minimum of $2 million liability insurance coverage and business insurance (travel within BC required).
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed.
• Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, Zoom, web-based research tools, and a willingness to learn new technology platforms.
• Collaborative mindset and flexibility to work in a predominantly neurodivergent organization.
• Understanding and belief in the value of AutismBC’s mission and work.

Beneficial Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of autism, preferably lived experience as an autistic person or having an autistic family member.
• Membership with AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) or a CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) designation is an asset.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and project management skills.
• Strong time management and prioritization capabilities.
• Ability to problem-solve under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills for engaging with community members, volunteers, and staff.
• Fluency in a second language is an asset.

Criminal Record Check Requirement:

As part of our commitment to ensuring safe and secure services for our community, all potential employees must undergo a criminal record check as a condition of employment. This check will be conducted after a conditional offer of employment is made. The criminal record check results will be considered in the final hiring decision.

We strive to lead with our values and beliefs, empowering team members to develop their potential, bring their whole selves to work, and contribute to an inclusive world. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

What We Offer

• A neuroaffirming work environment.
• Remote work arrangement, with some onsite meetings/events.
• Extended health care and dental program.
• Personal health spending plan.
• Employee assistance program.
• Office supply stipend and professional development fund.
• Paid annual office closure between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.