Leadership Akron
Development Director
Leadership Akron is an independent, nonprofit organization focused on advancing community leadership impact & influence. The Development Director position directly reports to Leadership Akron's President and CEO
osition Overview
Leadership Akron is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Development Director to lead all fundraising and revenue‐generation efforts in support of our mission and annual operating budget of approximately $1.2 million. This role is accountable for designing and executing a comprehensive development strategy that grows and sustains philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partners.
The Development Director serves as the organization’s lead relationship builder and revenue strategist, overseeing donor relations, major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, special events, and annual giving initiatives. Working in close partnership with the President/CEO, Board of Directors, and Development Committee, this position ensures Leadership Akron has the resources to deepen its impact across Summit County and beyond.
This is an exciting opportunity for a high-performing experienced fundraiser who brings strong judgment, confident donor engagement skills, and the ability to translate mission into investment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Leadership
Lead the creation and execution of a comprehensive annual fundraising plan aligned with organizational priorities and multi-year sustainability goals.
Define clear revenue strategies across individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundations/grants, sponsorships, and events.
Establish and manage an active pipeline that supports consistent year-over-year growth.
Partner with the CEO and Board to set annual revenue targets and performance benchmarks.
2. Major Gifts & Donor Portfolio Management
Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and high-potential prospects, driving cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship moves.
Plan and lead face-to-face donor engagement, including strategic asks and renewal conversations.
Build a culture of donor-centered stewardship that strengthens retention and upgrades giving over time.
3. Annual Giving & Campaigns
Design and execute annual appeals, donor acquisition strategies, and renewal efforts to sustain a strong base of individual support.
Create segmented messaging and giving opportunities that connect donors to program impact.
Support planned giving strategies as appropriate to the organization’s growth stage.
4. Grant Strategy & Management
Identify, research, and pursue foundation, corporate, and government grant opportunities that align with Leadership Akron’s mission and programming.
Write and submit compelling proposals, budgets, and supporting materials.
Manage grant compliance, reporting schedules, and relationship stewardship with funders.
5. Corporate & Community Partnerships / Sponsorships
Develop and grow corporate, community, and civic partnerships that advance mission and generate financial and in-kind support.
Create and maintain a sponsorship guide and partnership menu for programs and events.
Cultivate long-term sponsor relationships with a focus on renewal and multi-year commitments.
6. Special Events & Fundraising Experiences
Plan and execute fundraising events, campaigns, and donor appreciation experiences that deliver strong financial outcomes and deepen engagement.
Own event fundraising goals and strategies, ensuring events support (not replace) broader revenue development.
7. Board & Volunteer Fundraising Activation
Serve as primary staff partner to the Development Committee.
Equip and engage Board members to lead by example in giving, opening doors, and supporting donor relationships.
Provide structure, tools, and coaching that increase Board fundraising confidence and participation.
8. Development Operations, Budgeting & Reporting
Own the development budget, ensuring responsible forecasting and efficient use of resources.
Oversee data integrity, gift processing, acknowledgements, donor recognition, and CRM management.
Track and report progress on key fundraising metrics; provide regular updates to leadership and the Board.
Use data and donor insights to refine strategy and improve results.
9. Cross-Team Collaboration & Storytelling
Collaborate with program and communications staff to build compelling cases for support and consistent donor messaging.
Ensure donors and partners receive timely, meaningful communication showing impact and outcomes.
Represent Leadership Akron professionally in the community, with credibility and warmth.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressive fundraising/development leadership with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals.
Demonstrated success in major gifts, donor cultivation, and closing philanthropic investments.
Strong strategic planning, project management, and execution skills.
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities, with confidence in donor-facing environments.
Experience using donor databases/CRMs and fundraising tools to manage pipelines and reporting.
High attention to detail, integrity in handling confidential information, and sound judgment.
Commitment to the mission, values, and community impact focus of Leadership Akron.
Preferred
Experience building corporate sponsorships and community partnerships.
Grant writing success with foundations, corporations, and/or government funders.
Familiarity with leadership development, civic engagement, or workforce/community initiatives.
Prior experience partnering with and activating boards in fundraising.
Work Arrangements
This is a full-time role with an in-person presence expected for donor meetings, community engagement, program events, and key organizational activities. Flexibility is supported when it does not compromise relationship-building, team collaboration, or fundraising performance.
Apply
To apply, send a resume and cover letter to hiring@leadershipakron.org with subject line: Program Facilitator