Community Relations & Development Director

Job Description

Job Description

Community Relations & Development Director

Location: Bowling Green, Ohio

Pay: $52,020.00 (Compensation is negotiable based on experience)

Shift: Monday - Friday 8a-5p Flex

Job Summary:

The Community Relations & Development Director is responsible for leading donor development and

community engagement efforts in Wood County. Working in close collaboration with the Easterseals Northwest Ohio

Executive Director and under the supervision of the Chief Community Impact Officer, this role is pivotal in building

relationships with stakeholders, executing strategic fundraising initiatives, advancing brand visibility, and cultivating a

culture of inclusion and impact. A key responsibility of this position is to build a strong donor base and establish a

thriving major gift program. The Director is expected to be actively engaged in the community—serving as the local face

of Easterseals Northwest Ohio, representing the organization at events, and cultivating meaningful connections to

further mission impact. By aligning local efforts with the broader Easterseals network strategy, the Director will

increase donor investment, elevate the organization's presence, and drive forward its mission.

Key Responsibilities:

· Develop and lead strategies to build a sustainable donor base from the ground up in Wood County, with a particular

focus on identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects.

· Establish and grow a major gift program that aligns with Easterseals mission and donor values.

· Actively engage in the local community by attending events, joining civic organizations, and forming authentic

connections that position Easterseals Northwest Ohio as a visible, trusted nonprofit leader.

· Serve as a proactive and consistent presence in Wood County, cultivating relationships that foster increased awareness,

support, and partnership opportunities.

· Support and engage the Wood County Advisory Council and board; help recruit and onboard new members.

· Collaborate with the Advisory Council, Board of Directors and leadership to develop strategies for growth andadvocacy.

· Partner with the marketing team to create compelling donor communications, appeals, and public awareness campaigns.

· Meet fundraising targets and Balanced Scorecard metrics aligned with the strategic development goals.

· Utilize CRM and data analytics to evaluate fundraising performance and guide strategic decisions.

· Ensure timely donor stewardship, acknowledgements, and communications.

· Represent Easterseals Northwest Ohio at community forums, events, and key stakeholder meetings.

· Support the execution of events, volunteer engagement, and public speaking opportunities that increase brand visibility and fundraising outcomes.

· Collaborate across departments to promote a unified message and aligned resource development.

· Speak to community groups on behalf of Easterseals Northwest Ohio.

· Co-present with the Executive Director as the public representative for Easterseals Northwest Ohio.

· Implementation of the ENI Sustainability Model including, but not limited to, annual gifts from all sources and using all appropriate methods (mail, phone, special events, volunteer cultivation, and solicitation programs)

· Provides appropriate stewardship to donors · Implementation of the ENI Development Plan that will meet the networks development goals established.

· Collaborates with network management staff to ensure updated knowledge of all programs and their needs

· Monitors and meets all annual budgeted and revenue goals

· Develops a cultivation and solicitation plan and calendar as part of ongoing donor plan

· Ensures proper documents are sent to the donors after gifts are made, including letters from the president/CEO as appropriate

· Solicits new individual and corporate donors

· Develop written proposals for foundations, corporations, and individuals that direct funding or endowment development

· Assist with grant writing opportunities when necessary

· Increase major gifts through Investing in People Society

· Assist with the development and maintenance of policies and procedures for annual, major, and planned gifts

· Solicits sponsorships for fundraising events

· Assists event coordinator with planning and execution of fundraising events

· Communicates and coordinates with the Network Development and Grant Manager and Business Office for proper recording of donor gifts

· Collaborates with marketing team to develop print and digital materials to communicate with current and potential donors such as newsletters, fundraising appeals, annual report, brochures, social media content and website content

· Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Experience:

· Must be 18 years of age · Bachelor’s degree in development, communications, business, or related field preferred

· Minimum of 5 years of experience in development, or related field such as sales or marketing, required

· Proven track record in relationship-building and donor stewardship

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office and donor CRM systems.

· Ability to work alone and in a team environment

· Excellent written and verbal communication, with public speaking and storytelling experience.

· Grant writing experience preferred · Strong project management and time management skills; ability to prioritize competing demands. ·

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

· Ability to perform light to moderate lifting when needed

· Possession of valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and proof of auto insurance

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Plan
• Vacation, Sick and Personal Time
• Employee referral bonus
• Holiday pay
• Flexible scheduling
• Paid training and continued education opportunities
• Advancement opportunities
• Tuition Assistance

Work Environment/Conditions :

This position requires regular in-county travel, public speaking, and occasional evening or weekend work. Work is primarily in-office or in the field within Wood County, with some virtual meetings. Independent work is expected, with flexibility to adapt to community needs and organizational priorities. Occasional travel to corporate office is expected. Occasional lifting may be required.

Additional Info:

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

• All Easterseal Northwest Ohio Services locations are tobacco-free.

Application: To learn more and apply, visit the Easterseals Northwest Ohio website at

#INDOH