Director of Development & Philanthropy
United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties
Springfield, Ohio
Build Relationships. Inspire Generosity. Strengthen Communities.
Position Summary
United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven leader to serve as our Director of Development & Philanthropy.
This leadership position is responsible for advancing the philanthropic mission of United Way by inspiring generosity, cultivating meaningful relationships, and increasing community investment throughout Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Development & Philanthropy provides strategic leadership for donor engagement, annual giving, workplace campaigns, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, major gifts, foundation relations, grant stewardship, and long-term philanthropic growth.
As a member of the leadership team, this position works collaboratively with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, Director of Community Impact & Engagement, Operations Coordinator, volunteers, donors, and community partners to ensure United Way has the resources necessary to improve lives and strengthen communities.
About United Way
For more than 100 years, United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties has brought people, organizations, businesses, and resources together to solve our community's most pressing challenges.
Through strategic investments, volunteer engagement, collaborative partnerships, and donor support, United Way works to improve education, financial stability, health, and community well-being throughout our three-county service area.
We believe lasting change happens when people work together.
United is the Way.
Purpose of the Position
The Director of Development & Philanthropy exists to inspire generosity, build philanthropy, strengthen community investment, cultivate relationships, expand opportunity, and increase community impact.
Success in this role is measured not only by dollars raised, but by relationships built, partnerships strengthened, donor confidence, and the long-term sustainability of United Way's mission.
Essential Responsibilities
Philanthropic Leadership
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising and philanthropic strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
- Establish annual fundraising goals in collaboration with the Executive Director.
- Lead annual giving, workplace campaigns, leadership giving, major gifts, sponsorships, and planned giving initiatives.
- Monitor fundraising performance and recommend strategies for continuous improvement.
- Prepare fundraising reports, forecasts, and recommendations for leadership and the Board of Trustees.
Donor & Corporate Engagement
- Develop, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
- Build strong relationships with business leaders throughout Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties.
- Expand workplace giving and employee engagement opportunities.
- Develop sponsorship opportunities for United Way events and initiatives.
- Coordinate donor recognition, stewardship, and appreciation activities.
- Maintain accurate donor records and activity within the organization's CRM.
Foundation Relations & Grant Stewardship
- Steward annual incoming grant awards in partnership with the Executive Director and Operations Coordinator.
- Assist with grant research, proposal preparation, and supporting documentation.
- Coordinate grant reporting schedules and ensure timely submission of required reports.
- Collaborate with the Director of Community Impact & Engagement to incorporate program outcomes, data, and impact stories into grant reports and funder communications.
- Maintain positive relationships with foundation partners and funding organizations.
Community Leadership
- Represent United Way at community meetings, civic organizations, networking events, and public presentations.
- Develop relationships with nonprofit organizations, elected officials, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
- Promote the mission and work of United Way throughout the region.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen community partnerships and philanthropic investment.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Serve as staff liaison to the Development Committee.
- Collaborate closely with the Executive Director on fundraising strategy and donor engagement.
- Partner with the Director of Community Impact & Engagement to communicate measurable outcomes and demonstrate the impact of donor investments.
- Work closely with the Operations Coordinator to ensure accurate gift processing, reporting, and donor stewardship.
- Contribute positively to the leadership team and organizational culture.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
- Three or more years of experience in fundraising, philanthropy, development, business development, sales, banking, wealth management, higher education advancement, marketing, relationship management, or a related field.
- Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships.
- Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff, volunteers, and community leaders.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Preferred
- Experience in nonprofit fundraising or philanthropy.
- Experience managing donor databases or CRM systems (ANDAR preferred).
- Major gifts, corporate giving, workplace campaigns, or planned giving experience.
- Grant writing or grant stewardship experience.
- Experience working with volunteer leaders or nonprofit boards.
- CFRE credential or willingness to pursue professional fundraising certification.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $60,000–$70,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits include:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
- Eligibility for a team-based annual performance incentive tied to organizational fundraising goals and strategic objectives- (API in development)
Why Join Our Team?
This is an opportunity to lead philanthropy for one of the region's most trusted nonprofit organizations.
You'll work directly with community leaders, donors, businesses, nonprofit partners, volunteers, and an engaged Board of Trustees to help strengthen Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties.
Every relationship you build, every partnership you develop, and every philanthropic investment you inspire helps create lasting opportunities for children, families, and individuals throughout our communities.
If you're looking for a leadership role where your work is meaningful, your ideas are valued, and your efforts have a measurable impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Equal Opportunity Employer
United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where every employee is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Join us in inspiring generosity, strengthening communities, and creating lasting change.
United is the Way.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
