Director of Development
hace 1 mes
Denver
Job Description Who We Are Firefly Autism is a mission-driven organization who partners with individuals, families, and communities to support autistic people through compassionate, evidence-based services rooted in respect and belonging. For a Director of Development, Firefly offers the opportunity to cultivate meaningful partnerships that directly strengthen lives and communities. General Summary Our Director of Development is a senior leadership role based in Lakewood, Colorado, responsible for driving a comprehensive and diversified fundraising strategy that sustains and grows our mission-driven impact. Partnering closely with the CEO and Board of Directors, this leader oversees all development functions including individual giving, grants, corporate partnerships, events, endowment growth, and planned giving, while cultivating meaningful donor relationships and ensuring ethical, data-informed stewardship. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional to lead with strategy, accountability, and collaboration in a neurodiversity-affirming organization that values long-term impact over transactional fundraising. Role Description The Director of Development is a full-time, Lakewood-based senior leadership role responsible for leading Firefly Autism’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, supporting an approximately $9 million annual operating budget. Reporting to the CEO, this position sets direction and drives diversified revenue growth aligned with the organization’s mission and long-term goals. The Director oversees all development functions, including individual giving, grants, corporate partnerships, events, endowment growth, and planned giving. What Makes This Role Different • Up to fourteen (14) days of vacation in your first year of employment and increases with tenure., • Up to (12) Twelve paid federal holidays, • Medical/Dental/Vision (we share the cost of your elected premiums at 50%, dependents are shared at 25%), • 100% company paid Life/LTD Insurance (ability to enroll in additional coverage at minimal cost), • 401(k) match, • Employee Assistance & Discount Programs, • Two-day (2) paid fall break making for a 4-day weekend., • Three-day (3) paid winter break making for a 5-day weekend., • Company sponsored annual events, and park days., • Continuing Education Credits, • Two dedicated paid days to attend conferences, • Employee referral bonus, • Internal Growth opportunities, • Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) and demonstrated success leading non-profit fundraising initiatives with measurable growth., • 5 Years fundraising experience., • A variety of fundraising experiences (preferred)., • Previous management experience is essential., • Develop and execute mission-aligned strategies that drive diversified, sustainable revenue., • Build, cultivate, and steward meaningful relationships with donors, partners, foundations, and community stakeholders., • Use data, metrics, and critical thinking to guide strategy, adapt approaches, and achieve goals., • Communicate clearly and persuasively, translating organizational impact into compelling narratives for donors, leadership, and the Board., • Lead Firefly Autism’s development department, setting strategy and directing all fundraising activities., • Partner with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Development Committee to advance a comprehensive, sustainable strategy and strengthen governance-level engagement., • Effectively manage the development team, including the Data & Impact Manager and the Events, PR & Marketing Coordinator, ensuring alignment, accountability, and impact., • Cultivate, solicit, and steward key donor and community relationships, representing Firefly Autism externally and ensuring strong donor experience and long-term philanthropic investment in partnership with the CEO and Board of Directors., • Use data and impact reporting to evaluate performance, guide decision-making, and communicate progress to leadership and the Board., • Lead and oversee donor-facing communications and marketing efforts., • Provide people-centered leadership and contribute positively to Firefly culture by developing, mentoring, and holding accountable staff and partners, while collaborating effectively with clinical, administrative, and executive leaders across the organization., • Uphold the highest standards of ethical, inclusive, and donor-centered fundraising practice, exercising sound judgment and professionalism in all philanthropic relationships and communications., • Translate strategic vision into disciplined execution by prioritizing initiatives, managing complexity, and ensuring consistent follow-through on goals, timelines, and outcomes., • Lived or professional experience aligned with neurodiversity-affirming values is preferred. Firefly Autism began its non-profit mission in 2003 to celebrate the lives of children on the autism spectrum. Our values are our people, backed by our philosophy. With collaboration from families and other providers, we deliver services through individualized behavioral plans and instructional goals that meet the client’s interests, values, and support needs. At Firefly Autism, we believe in using the principles of assent-based and values-based practices to ensure a person-centered approach to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. Firefly Autism proudly invests in the career of smart, diverse, result driven, and compassionate behavior therapists. We value our employees' learning and development by providing exceptional free training in the following areas: Professional crisis management (PCM), continuing education & growth opportunities, including partnerships with Capella University and Purdue Global University for discounted tuition rates in multiple disciplines, supervision towards BCBA candidacy, and mentorship built-in! At Firefly Autism our work matters, and so does each one of our valued team members. Thus, we are committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse group of employees at all levels of support and operation. We strive to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, equality, communication, understanding, and acceptance. We encourage applications from wide range of backgrounds, including women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, neuro-distinct individuals, persons within the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that diversity inspires innovation. Thus, we welcome and celebrate team members regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, and unique abilities to contribute to our mission and core values. Our unique experiences, perspectives and backgrounds allow us to better serve our clients.