Development Associate

The Organization for Autism Research’s (OAR) mission is to apply research to the challenges of autism. Since 2001, we have funded more than $5.8 million in applied research grants and helped numerous autistic individuals and their families, caregivers, and educators through our free evidence-based resources. These programs are made possible through the funds we raise each year.

We are seeking a Development Associate to support fundraising, events, and donor engagement efforts. This position reports to the Director, Development and Marketing and works closely with the Manager, Fundraising and Events to play a key role in donor relations, gift processing, CRM management, reporting, and event support. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, tech-savvy, and comfortable collaborating across departments and with a wide range of stakeholders.

This is a hybrid position that must be located in the Washington, DC area. This position is required to report to the OAR office in Arlington, VA, three days a week. Relocation assistance is not available for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

The Development Associate’s duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Donation processing, including check deposits, entering gifts and pledges into the CRM, and generating accurate and timely donor acknowledgment letters.
• Maintain and update all donor acknowledgment letter templates and automatic email acknowledgments.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with donors and community members by supporting engagement efforts and assisting with questions related to giving, fundraising, and events.
• Manage, track, and analyze various giving campaigns, including matching gifts, monthly giving, tributes, and workplace giving, to identify growth opportunities.
• Assist in donor research, donor data analysis, reporting, and other donor stewardship.
• Serve as a staff resource for CRM support, including troubleshooting and helping train others on systems and processes.
• Maintain accurate, high-quality, consistent CRM data and ensure strong data integrity practices.
• Assist with CRM data entry, reporting, and tracking across development, fundraising, and event programs and campaigns.
• Support tracking and coordination of post-award grant reporting requirements and deliverables.
• Assist in securing in-kind donations and prizes for fundraising events through outreach to community members and businesses.
• Attending and supporting the management of fundraising events as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• 2 – 4 years professional experience
• Highly detail-oriented and well-organized
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including strong skills in Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Ability to manipulate, analyze, and interpret data
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
• Strong customer service skills and comfort communicating with donors and community members
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong technology skills with the capacity to learn new software quickly and support others in using it
• Experience with a CRM or donor management systems (Neon One or similar philanthropic databases preferred)

Desired Qualifications

• 4-year degree
• Familiarity with Canva, Fundraise Up, Double the Donation, Benevity, or MailChimp
• Experience with WordPress or Google Analytics
• Fundraising or development experience
• Personal connection to autism or a desire to support the autism community. Autistic individuals are encouraged to apply.

OAR recognizes that not all qualified candidates will have all the qualifications above. We encourage any interested candidates who meet some but not all the qualifications to apply. OAR will consider all aspects of a candidate’s resume and cover letter when reviewing applications. OAR is an equal-opportunity employer.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter by March 15, 2026.

We value our employees by offering a competitive benefits package including:

• Annual salary increases based on performance
• Bonus eligible position based on performance and goal attainment
• Hybrid office-telework schedule
• Employer-paid health, dental, and vision plans
• Employer-paid basic life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) with employer matching after 6 months
• Paid parking or equal metro fare offset
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 13 Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave policy
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities