Area Executive Director, Southwest; Houston or Dallas TX

Overview

Come join Autism Speaks as the Area Executive Director of the Southwest! We are looking for a dynamic and ambitious leader who shares our vision of a world where all people with autism can achieve their full potential. With a territory that covers Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah this role leads a hardworking team that cultivates corporate and foundation relationships, executes events, and builds awareness, acceptance and inclusion in our key markets.

The position is remote but needs to be based in Dallas or Houston, TX.

Drive the growth and development of the Southwest Area initiatives to further the mission of Autism Speaks by providing visionary and strategic leadership to staff, volunteers and other key constituents. This seasoned leader will personally own the acquisition and growth of high-level relationships and corporate partnerships in the Area. While responsible for leading the fundraising team and supporting their portfolio of events, the primary focus of the role is to maximize diverse, top-tier revenue-generation.

The areas primary focus currently lies in Texas.

• Develop and execute area fundraising plans to ensure the achievement of financial goals; evaluate fundraising strategies and effectiveness on an ongoing basis. FY26 revenue portfolio for the area is $1,100,000.
• Play a principal role in the accelerated growth of Southwest Area, working collaboratively with corporate, major gift, advocacy and mission colleagues, as well as senior leadership.
• Develop and execute the Southwest Area fundraising plans to ensure the achievement of financial goals; evaluate fundraising strategies and effectiveness on an ongoing basis
• Work with mission staff to integrate and execute mission programs and initiatives with a particular focus on advocacy and community partnerships.
• Lead Area staff in strategic planning, hold them responsible for accountability metrics and provide ongoing leadership, mentorship, training and development.
• Cultivate and acquire new corporate partnerships, yielding event sponsor ships and other revenue streams
• Maintain a personal portfolio of high-priority constituents across the Area portfolio
• Lead Area Executive Leadership Councils in Dallas and Houston and serve as staff partner to volunteer leadership, working with the group to achieve programmatic and fundraising goals
• Implement a sustainable volunteer structure that utilizes existing relationships and recruits new volunteers to Autism Speaks
• Develop and manage budgets, maintain fiscal records and submit financial reports in a timely and accurate manner

(The responsibilities listed above are representative and not all inclusive. Other duties may be assigned by supervisor/s. As outlined in your performance goal setting forms, you will be responsible for achieving the goals provided by and agreed upon with your manager.)

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Experience:

• 10+ years of demonstrated leadership with recruitment and management of volunteers (board recruitment experience and peer-to-peer fundraising preferred), managing/coaching staff (preferably in a field-based organization), relationship building, networking, budget management, and volunteer mobilization.
• Proven track record of multi-functional, fundraising experience (special events, multiple P2P events, corporate campaigns.)
• Proven success engaging donors, volunteers, partners, and internal team members virtually while maintaining trust, accountability and momentum across owned territory.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge:

• Well-organized, detail-oriented
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Strong analytical skills
• Adaptable
• Intermediate proficiency with MS Office 365 including Excel and Outlook required.
• Database knowledge (Stratus Live and/or Luminate preferred)
• Working at a computer for a prolonged period of time
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary, as well as occasional overnight meetings and conferences
• Physical travel to and from events within chapter territory or as requested by manager as well as in-person…