Development Director

Honesty for Ohio Education’s mission is to convene, educate, and activate individuals and communities to protect honest and inclusive education, building a more representative democracy for every Ohioan.

Established in the summer of 2021, Honesty for Ohio Education is a nonpartisan, statewide coalition that believes every student deserves an honest, high-quality education grounded in truth, facts, and diverse perspectives regardless of race, identity, background, or zip code. The coalition serves as a centralized network to educate, advocate, and build community around honest education; the affirmation of all identities, cultures, and lived experiences; and protecting the rights and safety of all students, families, and educators.  We do this important work at three critical access points to education: the Ohio Statehouse, the State Board of Education/Department of Education and Workforce, and local schools. Our mission is guided by shared values and community agreements and rooted in a Race Class Narrative framework. Born from a grassroots effort to combat extremist censorship efforts imported into the Ohio Statehouse, today Honesty partners with almost 70 organizations and thousands of students, families, educators, and stakeholders to advance an honest, inclusive education agenda and build a multiracial democracy.

Position Overview:

The Development Director will work with Honesty leadership to establish a successful development program that taps into Honesty’s strong network of partners and stakeholders across Ohio. The director will build and implement a comprehensive development plan that includes major gifts fundraising, individual giving campaigns, and corporate and organizational giving. The work will build upon an established grants program and work to diversify revenue streams to ensure long term sustainability. The director will educate stakeholders on the importance of fundraising for Honesty’s future and nurture relationships with new and existing donors whose interests and passions align with Honesty’s mission. This new role is crucial for advancing our mission through effective donor engagement and fundraising strategy during a time of exciting organizational growth.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced fundraising professional. They will be a proactive, organized, and resourceful individual with a passion for Honesty’s mission. This role has the potential to grow into a full-time position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Donor Relations and Fundraising

• Collaborate with the Honesty leadership/staff to establish a comprehensive fundraising plan.
• Lead the development and implementation of individual giving fundraising strategies.
• Develop and implement strategic giving campaigns through Honesty social media platforms, e-newsletter subscribers, organizing base, and new donor prospects.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and potential donors through regular communication and stewardship activities.
• Establish strategies to cultivate relationships with corporate, business, and organizational partners to grow corporate revenue streams.
• Assist executive director in creating structure to raise funds from coalition partners.
• Manage donor database, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
• Create and manage all donor communications materials.
• Assist grant writing consultant with grant writing and reporting.

Development Communications

• Support the creation of fundraising materials, including newsletters, brochures, social media posts, and email campaigns.
• Create annual campaign and individual giving materials.
• Create major gifts solicitation materials and proposals.
• Partner with the director of communications in the creation of an annual report.
• Promote campaigns through various channels to maximize participation and support.

*Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 2-5 years of experience in nonprofit development or a related area.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for Honesty’s mission and a commitment to making a difference.
• Ability and desire to work in and with an active coalition
• Available for evening and weekend hours as needed
• Willingness to travel across Ohio for special events as needed

Honesty’s Work Environment

• Flexible work hours.
• Virtual work environment.
• Welcoming and collaborative core team.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Potential to transition to a full-time role with benefits based on performance and organizational needs.

The development director  position will be a contracted position, billing for no more than 20 hours per week. This position will report to the Honesty for Ohio Education executive director and work in partnership with the Honesty Core Team and coalition partners.

Interested applicants should submit a job-specific cover letter highlighting their skills and interests, an updated resume, and a list of three current references in an email to  [email protected]. Indicate “Development Director” in the subject line. Applications accepted through October 8, 2024.

Honesty for Ohio Education is committed to providing equal opportunity and building an inclusive and equitable work environment. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sexuality, gender, national origin, disability, or age.