Executive Director, Donor Experience

United Schools Network • Columbus, OH

2d • $95,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director, Donor Experience (EDDE) is responsible for developing and stewarding key relationships to provide significant gift support for United Schools. Under the leadership and guidance of the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), the EDDE is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and refining United’s major gift program. This new role will activate and advance United’s cases for support, directly aligning it with the organization’s strategic plan. The EDDE will apply exceptional organizational discipline and communication expertise to connect donor interests with United’s highest-impact priorities. By translating philanthropic passion into strategic investment, the EDDE will work in tandem with the CAO to drive significant, sustained annual support that strengthens its major gifts pipeline and fuels United’s long-term vision. Through compelling storytelling, intentional relationship-building, and rigorous execution, the EDDE will accelerate funding for strategic growth, expand school choice in Columbus, and support the systems, schools, and communities outlined in United’s plans, ensuring that more students and families experience transformational public education and lasting opportunity through United’s open doors.

Requirements

• Holds a B.A./B.S. degree; advanced degree preferred.
• Has five+ years of demonstrated experience in philanthropic work with a deep understanding of and successful experience with the nonprofit and/or education sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in cultivating and soliciting prospects capable of five and six-figure gifts.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills to inspire, lead, and work closely with members of multiple teams.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, energy, and enthusiasm with the ability to build long-term relationships and represent the organization to external audiences with a high degree of professionalism.
• Proven capacity to solve problems and identify key strategic insights that advance the goals of the organization.
• Self-starter with strong organizational and project management skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize time to complete projects with many deadlines and competing requirements.
• Comfortability with Google products for effective communication and completion of job responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

• advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage all major gift relationships from scheduling to portfolio assignment and management.
• Qualify and maintain a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects.
• Assist with scheduling and leading tours and meetings with current and potential donors and volunteers.
• Develop and implement individual goals and a time-bound strategy for the discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of each donor.
• Work collaboratively on moves management strategy and solicitation; meet annual budgets and goals.
• Work collaboratively on major donor stewardship strategies and opportunities.
• Assist with the development and execution of meaningful events, including but not limited to galas, grant activity celebrations, breakfast tours, fundraisers, and donor stewardship volunteer opportunities.
• Lead major donor volunteer activities that engage constituents and support school-based initiatives.
• Coordinate with school leadership on major donor volunteer placement and activities.
• Other duties as assigned by the CAO:

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
• Employees are eligible to participate in the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS) or the School Employees Retirement System of Ohio (SERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive