Development Director
: Job Details :

Development Director

THIS POSITION IS HYBRID. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL NEED TO RESIDE IN THE BAY AREA AND WORK ONSITE 3-4 DAYS PER WEEK.

ABOUT MORGAN AUTISM CENTER (MAC)

Morgan Autism Center's mission is to help children and adults with autism or other developmental disabilities maximize their potential in a dignified, positive, and loving environment. Since its founding in 1969, Morgan Autism Center has implemented a person-centered approach built on developing trust-based relationships, communication supports, and a positive approach to behavior. This innovative model enables students and adults to thrive where they previously struggled, fostering lifelong learning and success.

The organization serves students aged 5–22 in its Non-Public School, which provides a 1:1 staff-to-student ratio, and serves 50 adults 22 and older in its Adult Day Program in enriching and engaging daily activities. Morgan Autism Center recently launched its Vision 2030, focusing on program expansion, a stronger school-to-adult program bridge, and deeper community-based programming. A central feature of Vision 2030 is creating a Dream Campus 2.0, which will include new classrooms, a dedicated adult program space, and purposefully designed indoor and outdoor environments.

For more information, please visit www.morgancenter.org.

OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Salary range: $125,000 - $150,000

• Benefits include:

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage.

• Retirement savings plans (403a and 403b).

• Paid holidays and a generous work calendar (219 days).

• Opportunity to lead strategic fundraising initiatives that directly impact children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities.

YOU ARE

• A Strategic Leader with experience developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies, including major gifts and capital campaigns.

• A Relationship Builder adept at cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors, sponsors, and partners.

• A Collaborative Team Player with the ability to work across departments and with the Board of Directors to achieve shared goals.

• A Mission-Driven Advocate who is passionate about the potential of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

• A Skilled Communicator capable of delivering compelling proposals, presentations, and donor outreach.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Development Director at Morgan Autism Center is responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive fundraising plan to support the organization's growth and sustainability. This includes major gifts portfolio management, corporate and foundation partnerships, planned giving, and event management. The Development Director serves as a key member of the Leadership Team and collaborates with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and larger community.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Development Director reports directly to the Executive Director and supervises the Development and Communications Manager, as well as fundraising volunteers and consultants, as needed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Fundraising

• Develop and execute annual fundraising plans aligned with organizational goals and Vision 2030.

• Build and implement strategies to expand the donor base and retain existing supporters.

• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a major gifts pipeline in coordination with the needs of the special initiatives in line with Vision 2030.

• Cultivate meaningful relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations.

• Create and execute a planned giving strategy.

• Write, review, and submit grant proposals, ensuring compliance with deadlines and requirements.

Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Manage donor engagement efforts, including personalized outreach, proposals, and impact reports.

• Oversee planned giving programs and inquiries.

• Collaborate with the Board and Executive Director to identify and engage prospective donors.

Event Management

• Plan and execute fundraising events, including logistics, sponsorships, and post-event evaluations.

• Lead event committees, recruit volunteers, and foster community engagement.

Communications

• Oversee development-related content on the organization's website and social media platforms.

• Work with the Development and Communications Manager to create compelling donor materials.

Leadership and Operations

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Fund Development Committee of the Board of Directors.

• Manage the development budget, ensuring alignment with financial goals.

• Supervise the Development and Communications Manager, monitoring CRM systems and data integrity.

• Work closely with finance to ensure proper donation coding and reconciliation.

COMPETENCIES

• Seven or more years of progressively challenging fundraising roles.

• Demonstrated success in managing a major gift portfolio and securing major gifts.

• Proficiency with fundraising software, including Virtuous, Classy, and Greater Giving (preferred).

• Experience working with board members and volunteers.

• Three plus years staff management experience.

• Capital campaign knowledge and experience preferred.

• Planned giving knowledge.

• Experience working in an independent school or with a parent population desired, but not required.

• Strategic thinker with strong planning and organizational skills.

• Effective communicator and relationship manager.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

• Excellent communication skills – written and oral.

• Supportive and collaborative staff manager.

• Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

EQUITY STATEMENT

Morgan Autism Center is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or other protected class status as defined by applicable law.

Morgan Autism Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

DEI Statement

It is Morgan Autism Center's intent to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, genetic characteristics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, or other protected class status as defined by applicable law. This policy covers all employment matters, including but not limited to recruitment, selection, placement, promotions, transfers, demotions, terminations, training and compensation.