Dallas/Fort Worth Summit Challenge Cycling Committee

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Autism Speaks Summit Challenge
Chair, Cycling Committee
Volunteer - One/Two Year Term

Reports to Summit Challenge Standing Committee Chair

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. We do this through advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families.

About Autism Speaks Summit Challenge

The Summit Challenge is a two-day mega-event that convenes the autism community to accelerate collaboration, innovation, and critical fundraising. ​In spring 2025, the event will debut in five markets: Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Houston, and St. Louis. ​

Day One - the Summit - brings together critical voices from all parts of the autism community. The format features content tracks that will ensure free-flowing ideas and foster collaboration. The day opens with an engaging panel session, features an expo throughout, and ends with a rousing reception that concludes the Summit and kicks off the Challenge. ​

Day Two - the Challenge - gets the autism community off and running to raise critical funds, drive awareness and foster inclusion and belonging. With walk, run and ride events, as well as a fun festival site and resource fair, there’s something for everyone.

Event Chair Characteristics:

• Commitment to Autism Speaks mission

• Commitment to follow Autism Speaks event policies and protocols

• Knowledge of local community

• Strong leadership, delegation, and communication skills

• Respect and understanding of staff partner role

• Strong time management skills

Role Description

The Chair will work with the Summit Challenge Chair and Autism Speaks staff to develop and oversee the planning and implementation of the Autism Speaks Summit Challenge cycling fundraising event. The main function of their role will be to oversee the effective functioning of the Cycling Committee, serve as an advisor to staff partner(s) and support the event's execution, strategic vision and financial goal

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate leadership

• Support and influence the vision and direction of Autism Speaks Summit Challenge Cycling event

• Establish and build a strong working relationship with Autism Speaks staff partners and committee members

• Partner with Summit Challenge Chair and Autism Speaks staff on cycling committee member recruitment, orientation and onboarding process

• Serve as the primary liaison between the committee and Summit Challenge Steering Committee and staff partners

• Utilize personal & professional networks to develop potential partnership opportunities and secure event participation and sponsorships

• Chair committee meetings, inform meeting agendas

• Encourage participant registration within personal & professional networks as appropriate

• Attend Autism Speaks Summit Challenge event in spring 2025

• Effectively coach committee members to fulfil their duties and responsibilities as appropriate

• Effectively monitor committee/subcommittee progress

• Mediate any conflicts within the committee, escalate if/when necessary

• Serve as an ambassador for the cause and organization in the community for recruitment efforts, media opportunities and overall community presence of Autism Speaks

Qualifications

• Must be located in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex

• Previous experience volunteering as a part of a not for profit/ health charity committee

• Experience leading or supporting charity fundraising events or experience with cycling events

• Strong understanding of fundraising

• Willingness to leverage personal & professional networks to develop partnership opportunities and secure event sponsorships

• Strong attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills

• Experience working with people with diverse backgrounds

• Interest in working with and supporting individuals and families impacted by autism

• Ability to attend in-person meetings every month and commit an estimated 8-10 hours monthly, will expand as event draws closer