Director of Development

The Director of Development at Dress for Success Columbus plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of
women and families across Central Ohio. This is more than a fundraising position; it is an opportunity to
be a changemaker. By advancing the organization’s development strategy, you will directly fuel
programs that provide women with the tools, resources, and network of support they need to secure
employment, achieve economic independence, and thrive in work and life.

In this role, you will:

• Elevate the visibility and sustainability of a mission-driven organization that empowers
  thousands of women each year.
• Build authentic relationships with community leaders, corporate partners, foundations, and
  individual donors who believe in equity and opportunity for all women.
• Lead a talented team and mobilize a dedicated network of volunteers and supporters to expand
  our reach and deepen our impact.
• Champion innovation in fundraising and donor engagement, helping to ensure that Dress for
  Success Columbus remains a vital community resource.
  This position offers the chance to combine strategy with passion, leadership with creativity, and
  professional expertise with deep community impact. Working alongside a dedicated Executive Director
  with proven fundraising experience, the Director of Development will join the team at a
  transformational point in the organization’s growth. For the right candidate, it is a calling to drive
  meaningful change, supporting women today while shaping a stronger, more inclusive tomorrow.
  Responsibilities and Duties
• Spearhead the strategic development function of Dress for Success Columbus, crafting and
  executing plans to amplify organizational resources and raise $700,000 and more annually
  through private philanthropy.
• Support the public funding strategy to secure $400,000 and more.
• Forge and nurture relationships with corporate, government, and foundation funders to
  secure substantial funding for our programs, events and initiatives.
• Cultivate a robust donor base through individual relationship management.

Updated September 2025

• Lead in the fundraising for signature events and initiatives, ensuring sponsor
  engagement and event success.
• Manage special fundraising initiatives to amplify the organization’s impact.
• Oversee the management and timely execution of grant requests and reports, also
  managing external development contractors who support the organization development
  efforts.
• Supervise the Donor Relations and Marketing Coordinators, and oversee the
  management of the donation intake process, inventory partnerships, and community
  outreach efforts.
• Recruit, guide, and oversee the development committee in bolstering organizational
  resources.
• Coordinate, manage, and execute donor communications and stewardship initiatives.
• Manage annual fundraising campaigns and support marketing and communication
  endeavors, including social media, newsletters, and media inquiries.
• Support the programming and fundraising activities for the Young Executives for Success
  (YES! Columbus).
• Be a proactive and observant multi-tasker capable of governing the development
  workload and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Attend events in the evenings and on weekends as needed to serve as a representative of
  Dress for Success Columbus.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of donor data.
• Embrace additional duties as assigned.
  Experience
  The ideal candidate for the Director of Development role will have proven experience in the following
  areas:
• Leadership and Strategic Thinking: A track record of strategic leadership in fundraising,
  demonstrating the ability to develop and execute plans to enhance organizational
  resources effectively.
• Dynamic Energy and Enthusiasm: Exude high energy and enthusiasm, essentialfor driving
  successful fundraising initiatives and motivating the team.
• Strong Relationship-Building Skills: Excel in building and nurturing relationships with
  diverse stakeholders, including corporate, government, foundation funders, and
  individual donors.
• Results-Oriented Approach: Have a results-oriented mindset, with a proven ability to
  secure new and increased funding for programs and events.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in this role,
  encompassing not only interpersonal skills for relationship management but also the
  ability to articulate the organization’s mission and fundraising needs compellingly.
• Organizational and Project Management Skills: Demonstrate strong organizational

Updated September 2025

and project management abilities, capable of overseeing multiple fundraising
initiatives simultaneously while ensuring timely execution and delivery.

• Team Leadership and Supervisory Experience: Experience in leading and supervising
  teams, including staff and volunteers, is essential for effectively managing the
  development function and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Adaptability and Innovation: Adaptable to changing circumstances and innovative in
  their approach to fundraising, exploring new avenues and strategies to maximize
  resources.
• Tech-Savvy and Data Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in utilizing office technology and
  fundraising software such as Microsoft Office and Salesforce for donor and volunteer
  data management is crucial, highlighting their comfort with technology and data-driven
  decision-making.
• Commitment to Confidentiality and Integrity: Maintaining strict confidentiality of
  donor data and upholding ethical standards and integrity in fundraising practices are
  non-negotiable qualities for the ideal candidate.
• Passion for the Mission: Demonstrate a genuine passion for Dress for Success Columbus’s
  mission, aligning with the organization’s values and commitment to empowering
  individuals through its programs and services.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• Proven track record of creating and implementing a comprehensive annual fundraising plan
• Ability to multi-task with a high level of independence and accuracy, set priorities and
  deliver on deadlines
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and professional composure
• Have the ability to manage the physical demands of the role

Preferred Qualifications

• Nonprofit experience preferred
• Experience managing staff and volunteers
• Familiarity with in-kind fundraising programs
• Experience in the development and management of fundraising events
• Experience in managing marketing and communications

Compensation:

• The expected salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000.
• Additional benefits include:
• Retirement Plan Contribution
• 20 PTO Days
• Paid Holidays
• Hybrid Work Environment