Director of Development

Organization: Columbus Fashion Alliance
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Type: Full-Time

Benefits: 4 weeks paid time off and health insurance benefits

About CFA: Columbus Fashion Alliance (CFA) is a fast-growing nonprofit on a mission to move fashion forward. We support local creatives and fashion-based businesses through education, access to industrial-grade equipment, coaching, and networking opportunities. Columbus, a top fashion city, is home to numerous production houses, distribution centers, and retail headquarters. CFA is committed to fostering a vibrant fashion community and supporting emerging artists and brands.

Position Overview: The Development Director will lead CFA’s fundraising and development efforts, working closely with the Executive Director (ED). This role includes managing a capital campaign (with a campaign consultant) through its completion and building development processes and systems. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills and a passion for the fashion industry.

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, creative early-phase nonprofit. They are experienced yet agile enough to work in a start-up and creative culture. They are passionate about building community through sharing knowledge, empowering imagination, and creating a responsible future with access for all. This person must also be organized, able to manage multiple projects at once, and passionate about creating and implementing strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Capital Campaign: Lead and execute a capital campaign in collaboration with the ED and campaign consultant.
Fundraising Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive development plan with clear goals, objectives, budget, and timelines.
Donor Relations: Identify, cultivate, and secure new funding opportunities from individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations, and government. Prioritize donor retention.
Event Planning: Plan and execute fundraising events.
Board Support: Collaborate with the Board of Directors to enhance their fundraising efforts.
Systems Development: Establish and manage development infrastructure and processes.
Donor Management: Adopt, build, manage, and leverage a donor management system to track and achieve fundraising goals. Develop and implement strategies and tactics for stewardship, recognition, and engagement to ensure a well-managed and coordinated approach to overall donor engagement and stewardship.
Reporting: Measure and report fundraising progress against goals set in strategic and campaign plans. Community Engagement: Serve as a CFA ambassador, building community connections and attending industry events.
Requirements:

5+ years of progressively responsible development and fundraising experience with a proven track record of developing and maintaining relationships with donors, achieving goals, working with volunteers, developing fundraising strategies and plans, and working with the Board to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors
Passion for CFA’s purpose and building community
Ability and willingness to be flexible and adapt quickly to changes
Work well in ambiguity with the ability to create structure
Ability to work independently and manage your own time
Strong attention to detail
Effective communication
Proficiency with Google Suite
Excellent interpersonal, written communication, and presentation skills
Ability to establish a presence and represent the organization in the community, stepping in for the Executive Director when needed
History of success in positions in which wearing multiple hats and hands-on work was required
Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize, exceptional follow-through, and adherence to deadlines
Ability to utilize technology solutions to enhance effectiveness and efficiency
Previous user experience with donor management systems
Experience in an entrepreneurial culture is a plus

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Columbus Fashion Alliance is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

To apply: Send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]