Executive Diector

Delaware County Historical Society; Stratford (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Delaware County Historical Society seeks an Executive Director to lead the organization’s mission, strategy, and operations, with a strong focus on external engagement and community partnerships. In this role you will work with the Board to advance fundraising, governance, and public relations, while overseeing staff, finances, and program development to sustain long-term impact in the county.

You will develop major gift programs, catalyze capital campaigns, and represent DCHS at events,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required for this role.
• Advanced degree in nonprofit management or public administration is preferred.
• Proven experience in fundraising and strategic planning.
• Strong leadership, communication, and financial management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop a base of Major Donors – corporate, individuals and families; lead major gifts fundraising cycle.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors; oversee donor relations and stewardship.
• Develop strategies to solicit gifts (cash, stock, RMDs, bequests) and execute related campaigns.
• Lead in-person visits, seminars, and special events to engage major donors.
• Develop and execute strategy for corporate donor identification and solicitation; lead capital fundraising campaigns.
• Oversee Public Relations, represent DCHS in the community and at events, and collaborate with communications staff.
• Partner with the Board for strategic plans and budgets; oversee financial management and reporting.
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate staff; foster an inclusive workplace culture; ensure HR compliance.

Skills

Fundraising

Leadership

Strategic planning

Governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree in nonprofit management or public administration

Job description

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of the Delaware County Historical Society (DCHS), responsible for leading the organization’s mission, strategic direction, and operational success. This position focuses heavily on developing and external engagement, while also managing governance, staffing, and public relations.

Key Responsibilities and Time Allocation:

Development/Fund Raising – 50%

Develop a base of Major Donors – corporate, individuals and families

Manage major gift fundraising cycle

• Identification of Major donors
• Cultivate major donors
• Solicit from major donors
• Stewardship of major donors

Develop strategies and opportunities to solicit

• Gifts of cash
• Gifts of stock
• RMD year end contributions
• End of life bequests

Execute strategy

• In person visits
• Seminars
• Special Events for major donors

2. Develop and execute strategy for identifying and soliciting corporate donors for major contributions

3. Develop Capital fundraising campaign for building

Public Relations (15%)

• Serve as the public face of the organization.
• Represent DCHS in the community and at events, strengthening partnerships and public visibility.
• Work with communications staff to share the organization’s story through media and outreach.

Leadership & Finance (25%)

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to implement strategic plans and annual budgets that support both long-term organizational sustainability and short-term operational goals.
• Assist in establishing, and oversee, organizational financial management including operating and event budgets, revenue and expense tracking, profitability analysis, donor revenue and sponsorships, and coordination of bookkeeping functions.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance practices and applicable regulations.

Human Resources & Staffing (10%)

• Hire, supervise, and evaluate staff and contractors.
• Create a positive, inclusive workplace culture.
• Enforce HR policies, compliance, and employee relations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years in a leadership role, ideally in the nonprofit sector.
• Proven success in fundraising and strategic planning.
• Strong leadership, communication, and financial management skills.

Salary $75,000 – $95,000 – benefits negotiable