Development Associate

Development Associate 
Autism Society of North Carolina | Raleigh, NC 
 
Are you an experienced relationship-builder who is energized by meaningful fundraising work? The Autism Society of North Carolina is seeking a Development Associate to help grow donor engagement, corporate sponsorships, event support, and major gift opportunities that advance our mission to improve the lives of individuals with autism, support their families, and educate communities. 

About the Role: 

In this revenue-generating position, you will develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, steward, and retain donors and sponsors. You will play a key role in building strong external relationships, supporting statewide fundraising events, and connecting supporters to the impact of our work across North Carolina. 

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, steward, and recognize current and prospective donors. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate sponsors, community partners, and individual supporters. 
• Manage and grow the statewide corporate sponsorship program, including outreach, proposal development, follow-up, and partner stewardship. 
• Secure event sponsorships and in-kind donations for fundraising events, including statewide run/walks and other awareness or development initiatives. 
• Represent the organization at events and donor meetings with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a clear understanding of our mission. 
• Maintain accurate donor, sponsor, and event records in fundraising systems such as Raiser’s Edge, TeamRaiser, or similar platforms. 
• Track progress toward revenue goals, sponsorship targets, and key performance indicators. 

What We’re Looking For: 

• One to two years of related nonprofit development, fundraising, donor relations, sales, community engagement, or event sponsorship experience preferred; equivalent combinations of education and experience are welcome. 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required for candidates with relevant experience. 
• Experience building relationships with donors, sponsors, business leaders, or community partners. 
• Strong written, verbal, and public speaking skills, with the ability to communicate mission and impact clearly. 
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple relationships, deadlines, events, and follow-up tasks at the same time. 
• Comfortable using donor databases, event platforms, Microsoft Office, and other technology tools. 
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and comfortable working in both individual and shared workspaces. 
• Based in or near the Triangle area, with willingness to travel locally and attend occasional events as needed. 

Why You’ll Love Working Here: 

• Mission-driven work with the opportunity to make a positive impact for individuals with autism and their families across North Carolina. 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 
• Paid time off, including sick leave, vacation time, wellness days, and paid holidays. 
• Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel. 
• Training, professional development, and growth opportunities. 
• Supportive culture that values collaboration, inclusion, and work-life balance. 
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options. 
• 401(k) with matching after meeting eligibility requirements. 
• Short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, and other elective benefits. 

Our Culture: 

At the Autism Society of North Carolina, we are more than a workplace—we are a community. Our team is warm, inclusive, collaborative, and deeply committed to helping individuals with autism lead fulfilling lives. You will be supported by colleagues and supervisors who value your contributions, encourage growth, and believe in the power of strong relationships to advance our mission. 

Ready to help connect generosity with impact? We invite experienced, mission-minded development professionals to apply and bring their relationship-building skills to a team that is making a difference every day.