Director, Meetings, Communications, and Development

Posted: Monday, March 29, 2021

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), a leading national disability organization, is currently seeking a dynamic individual to serve as Director, Meetings, Communications and Development. AUCD is a highly regarded national nonprofit organization that promotes and supports a national network of over 100 interdisciplinary and research centers on disabilities. AUCD has a direct impact at the local, state and national levels to advance policy and practice through research, education, leadership, and services for and with individuals with disabilities and their families and communities, in support of independence, productivity, and a satisfying quality of life.

This position will be a key member of the AUCD leadership team as a senior staff member and report to the Executive Director with the primary responsibilities of directing AUCD's meetings and events, communications, and development activities. This includes: 1) overseeing the coordination of all AUCD meetings and events including planning and implementation, 2) overseeing AUCD's communications activities that elevate its public profile in support of its strategic priorities and members and, 3) supporting private sector and individual fundraising efforts around AUCD's meetings, events and annual campaigns.

The AUCD office is located in downtown Silver Spring, MD, one block from the red line Silver Spring Metro station and next to a county-maintained parking garage. AUCD is a fully remote office due to COVID-19. At this time, we do not know when a phased return to the office will occur.

Meeting and Event Responsibilities - 40%

• Plan and direct all aspects of AUCD's annual fall conference including site selection, contract negation with hotels and vendors, scheduling, proposal solicitation, registration, on-site management, management of budget, program development, sponsor and exhibitor management, communication with network and evaluation.
• Plan and direct all aspects of AUCD's annual spring Gala.
• Negotiate contracts and coordinate logistics for association programs including AUCD's directors' retreats and grantee meetings.
• Support AUCD's role in planning for the annual spring Disability Policy Seminar.
• Plan, support and travel to all Board in-person meetings.
• Supervise AUCD and contracted staff who support major events.

Communications Responsibilities - 30% of time

• Oversee AUCD's communications team, budget and activities which include planning, design, preparation and dissemination of information, resources and events, website content management, webinar coordination, TA activities, and communication and dissemination tools and technologies.
• Work with communications staff to coordinate and strategize around:
  • Building AUCD's brand recognition through local media outlets, social media tools, and external speaking opportunities.
  • Producing high quality and compelling written communications supporting AUCD's existing efforts, including" grant proposals, brochures, articles, blog posts, web updates and newsletters to communicate AUCD's fundraising goals and progress with external and internal audiences.
  • Identify opportunities for enhancing the visibility of the work of AUCD and its network in coordination with AUCD's program and web services staff.

Development Responsibilities - 30%

• Work closely with the Executive Director and other leadership staff to develop and implement strategies for corporate and individual fundraising in support of unrestricted revenue for AUCD meetings and annual campaigns.
• Oversee the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of AUCD donors and secure diversified funding in support of the following priorities and initiatives:
  • Secure sponsorships for the AUCD conference and special events.
  • Plan and execute the AUCD Gala.
  • Facilitate donations to the Conference Scholarship Fund to facilitate attendance by self-advocates, family members, early career professionals and other emerging leaders at the AUCD Annual Conference.
  • Facilitate donations for AUCD's DREAM Fund.
  • Implement cultivation events for donors and other stakeholders to learn about AUCD and hear from leadership.
• Support AUCD's communication needs by building a solid brand with donors and other stakeholders.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree
• 5-7 years professional experience in a nonprofit organization or in support of nonprofit organizations with demonstrated success in large-scale event planning and overseeing or supporting communications and development efforts.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
• Sound judgment, solid decision-making skills, and strong emphasis of upholding confidentiality and integrity.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work with staff at all levels and learning styles and needs to ensure understanding, retention and equitable application of organizational policies and procedures.
• Commitment to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is applied in all practices and approaches (including plain language).
• Masterful at overseeing simultaneous, complex activities that have multiple components.
• Excellent supervisory skills including supervising staff at the management level as well as demonstrated ability to lead a team.
• Demonstrated proficiency in current technologies and tools to communicate and exchange information and in using word processing, database and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to travel to and support on-site multi-day meetings and some evening or weekend events.

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with people with disabilities.
• Knowledge of donor database systems.

 

NECESSARY SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships.
• Relationship Building: Skilled at establishing and cultivating strong relationships with peers, across different levels of the organization and externally.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Takes initiative and actively seeks to deepen current donor relationships and to forge new ones.
• Collaboration: Effective at working with others to reach common goals and objectives.
• Influencing: Creates a win-win situation, and has ability to convey ideas and to respond appropriately to key stakeholders.
• Organization: Demonstrated excellence in organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Project Management: Experience in planning, leading, and managing development projects, including coordinating with peers to achieve desired outcomes, and tracking and reporting on progress to senior managers/board of directors.

Benefits
The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $95,000 depending on experience. AUCD provides a family-friendly and fun work environment as well as generous health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance and retirement benefits, three weeks' vacation plus sick and personal days and paid holidays. This position is an opportunity to exercise your creativity and initiative in a fast-paced yet relaxed office atmosphere, and to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

Procedures
Via email only, submit 1) a letter of interest, 2) a resume of relevant experiences, and 3) names and contact information for three professional references to:

Caitlyn Conklin at [email protected].

This position is open immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

AUCD is an equal opportunity employer.
Persons from traditionally underrepresented or unrepresented cultural backgrounds and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.