Director of Fundraising and Development

Job Overview William's School, a leading nonprofit serving students with Autism and other nuerodiversity, is seeking a passionate and experiencedDirector of Development and Fundraisingto lead and expand our fundraising efforts. We’re looking for someone with a bold vision and the skills to match—someone who understands the impact of meaningful individualized education and is driven to make that impact sustainable through strategic fundraising. In the early planning stages of a capital campaign to acquire new facility spaces to meet the ever growing demand for specialized education in the Austin area, this position provides an opportunity to help shape and define the strategic vision for the future of our school. About Us: William's School is dedicated to empowering students with Autism and developmental differences through individualized education, community engagement, and a culture of inclusion and respect. We are growing rapidly and are ready to take the next big step in building a future that supports more students and families through expanded services, facilities, and opportunities. With our immediate need to expand our facilities, we need a motivated member of our development team to lead the charge on meeting our financial goals. Position Summary: The Director of Development and Fundraising will be a key member of our leadership team and will design, implement, and lead a comprehensive development strategy to support the school’s growth and mission. This includes launching capital campaigns, cultivating major and corporate donors, and leading in-person and online fundraising initiatives. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a fast paced, warm and collaborative environment, in an institution with a deeply rooted mission in education and innovation. At William’s School, we believe that when provided the right support, ALL children can learn and thrive. That’s why we’ve built our culture around communication, trust, resilience, and innovation. Because when students are provided with a unique education tailored to their needs, they truly can grow, thrive, and learn. Responsibilities • Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet organizational goals and present regular reports on progress towards fundraising goals. • Cultivate relationships with current and prospective donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations. • Oversee grant proposal writing, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and compliance with funder requirements. • Manage email marketing campaigns using platforms such as Mailchimp and Constant Contact to engage supporters and promote initiatives. • Conduct research to identify new funding opportunities and assess potential donor interests. • Collect and analyze data related to fundraising efforts to inform strategy adjustments and improve outcomes. • Negotiate terms of funding agreements with donors and partners to maximize support for the organization’s mission. • Collaborate with marketing teams to enhance outreach efforts and promote the organization’s impact through storytelling. • Plan and execute special events. • Strategically interface with the Executive Director, Senior Leadership Team, and the Board of Trustees in all activities related to fundraising and donor relations. • Actively interface with and strategically guide the work of the Board Development Committee and be responsible for implementing the committee’s work. • Work collaboratively with the Communications and Marketing Department and outside contractors to ensure brand alignment. • Supports the Parent Volunteer Committee as needed. • Attend all board of trustee meetings to provide updates. • Assist in the creation of print, digital, and social media content. Skills • Strong knowledge of nonprofit management principles and practices. • Proficiency in email marketing tools such as Mailchimp and Network for Good. • Excellent grant proposal writing skills, with experience in securing funding from diverse sources. • Ability to conduct thorough research on potential funding opportunities. • Proven negotiation skills to secure favorable terms with donors. • Strong data collection abilities for tracking fundraising performance metrics. • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage various stakeholders effectively. • Strong organizational and time management skills • Proficiency in Google Suite required, experience with fundraising software required (William’s School currently uses Bonterra’s Network for Good, but experience in any donor software is allowed). • Professional presentation skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills • High ethical standards and strong professional boundaries We invite qualified candidates who are committed to making a difference through their work in the nonprofit sector to apply for this rewarding opportunity as our Development Director. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $70,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year Benefits: • Dental insurance • Health insurance • Paid time off • Vision insurance Schedule: • Monday to Friday Education: • Bachelor's (Required) Experience: • Fundraising: 5 years (Required) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Austin, TX 78727