Development Lead — Donor Engagement & Growth

Kids for the Future; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland Play House, based in Cleveland, OH, is seeking an Associate Director of Development to lead donor engagement and annual giving initiatives. The role reports to the Director of Development and manages a portfolio of donors, donor events, and sponsorship activities to advance the organization’s mission.

This full-time, exempt position requires strong relationship-building skills, collaboration across departments, and a commitment to advancing philanthropy within the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible fundraising, development, relationship management, sales, marketing, or nonprofit experience.
• Demonstrated success building and maintaining strong relationships with donors, clients, customers, sponsors, or community partners.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Commitment to exceptional customer service and relationship-building.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for performances, events, and donor activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects ($1000-9999), developing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that strengthen engagement and philanthropic support.
• Partner with the Director of Development to identify opportunities for donor growth, increased giving, and movement through the donor pipeline.
• Support cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts across a range of donor constituencies and giving levels.
• Assist with fundraising initiatives designed to increase contributed revenue and donor participation.
• Represent Cleveland Play House at performances, donor events, community gatherings, and cultivation activities.
• Plan and execute donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events.
• Coordinate donor receptions, opening-night activities, special gatherings, and other engagement opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with Artistic, Marketing, Production, and Education teams to create meaningful donor experiences connected to CPH programming.
• Support volunteer engagement opportunities related to fundraising and donor cultivation.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Project management

Donor relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Cleveland Play House, based in Cleveland, OH, is seeking an Associate Director of Development to lead donor engagement and annual giving initiatives. The role reports to the Director of Development and manages a portfolio of donors, donor events, and sponsorship activities to advance the organization’s mission.

This full-time, exempt position requires strong relationship-building skills, collaboration across departments, and a commitment to advancing philanthropy within the community.