Area Executive Director, Southwest (Houston or Dallas TX)

Company: Autism Speaks
Location: Houston
Posted on: February 14, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description 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. PURPOSE : 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. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 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 sponsorships 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.) POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 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 meetings with clients or constituents Lifting and prolonged standing on event day Must have valid driver’s license, insurance and access to reliable transportation C ORE COMPETENCIES: Building Collaborative Relationships Professional Behavior Results-Driven Customer Orientation Flexibility You are responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of all Autism Speaks data and information to which you have access. Autism Speaks is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive workplace. We recruit, evaluate, employ, and promote candidates without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender identity or expression, protected veteran or military status, disability or other legally protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for job openings. Reasonable accommodations will be provided . All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. About Autism Speaks: At Autism Speaks, our mission is to promote solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of people with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Together with our broad and diverse community, we strive every day to achieve our vision of a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential. This mission and vision drive every member of our staff; our employees are inspired, energized and motivated by the impact we can collectively have on behalf of the autism community. Autism Speaks celebrates every success achieved to create a kinder, more inclusive world for people with autism, and we work collaboratively across departments to find solutions that will do the most good for the most people. Just as we strive to enhance lives today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow for people on the spectrum, we also aim to enhance the lives of our dedicated employees, through thick and thin. Salary & Benefits: Autism Speaks offers a competitive compensation, benefit and vacation package. We also provide flex work hours, weekly training sessions, tuition reimbursement and summer bonus Fridays in addition to a creative, innovative, collaborative, inclusive, kind and fun work environment. Autism Speaks is an employer that participates in E-Verify Powered by JazzHR krYVyXcpFu

Keywords: Autism Speaks, Pearland , Area Executive Director, Southwest (Houston or Dallas TX), Social Services , Houston, Texas