Director of Development & External AffairsFull Time | Management | Ohio Office – Dayton, OH, USSalary Range: $110,000 - $111,000 annuallyFounded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to partnering with degree‑aspiring students from first‑generation and low‑income backgrounds as they navigate college, graduate, and launch meaningful careers. The organization provides consistent, one‑on‑one support to help students succeed in higher education.Today, Bottom Line serves over 7,000 students through its College Access, College Success, and Bluprint programs across regional offices in Massachusetts, New York City, Chicago, Ohio, Detroit, and soon Houston. Its vision is to create a far‑reaching ripple effect by the transformative power of a college degree and first career, uplifting individuals, families, and entire communities.As a member of the team, you will combine passion with expertise to advance equity and opportunity for degree‑aspiring students in a dynamic, results‑driven environment. Your contributions will shape brighter futures and stronger communities.What You Will DoYou will lead Bottom Line Ohio's fundraising strategy and support external affairs work that advances the region's goals. In partnership with the Executive Director, you will strengthen and diversify philanthropic support, help shape and implement the local external affairs strategy, and ensure Bottom Line Ohio maintains strong funding, brand recognition, and market positioning.As a frontline fundraiser, you will manage a diverse portfolio of donors and prospects with the aim to continue growing revenue across the region. You will support the Executive Director with top‑tier donors and partner with key connectors, including the Regional Advisory Board, to deepen relationships, expand Bottom Line's network, and strengthen visibility. You will also manage one direct report who supports operations and grant writing and work closely with the national Development Operations team.Primary ResponsibilitiesPartner with the Executive Director to develop and implement a fundraising and external affairs strategy that grows revenue, diversifies funding, and strengthens Bottom Line Ohio's market position.Set annual fundraising and external affairs priorities, targets, and plans across revenue, community engagement, and market visibility.Help ensure Bottom Line Ohio maintains strong brand recognition and market visibility in support of local priorities.Manage progress toward fundraising goals using data and reporting tools to inform strategy and drive continuous improvement.Conduct prospect research and identify new funding opportunities to build and expand the donor base.Leverage Bottom Line's signature major gifts program DEAL‑Makers to build a local community of individual donors at the $5,000+ level.Donor & Portfolio ManagementSpend significant time cultivating prospective major donors (5,000+) to grow the region's philanthropic support.Identify, engage, solicit and steward a portfolio of donors and prospects.Partner with and support the Executive Director in managing top‑tier donor relationships and strategies.Create and manage a donor experience calendar of events, communications, and engagement opportunities for the Ohio portfolio.Represent Bottom Line at relevant events and engage in public issues that help increase visibility around Bottom Line's mission.Partner with the central grants team on strategy and execution of grants, including providing regional context, drafting assigned grants, and supporting review of submissions.Use Salesforce to manage the donor pipeline, track activity, and capture institutional knowledge.Connector Engagement & Advisory Board SupportPartner with the Executive Director to engage key connectors, including board members, champion donors, event hosts, public funding contacts, and other priority external affairs contacts, to grow the donor pipeline and strengthen market presence.Support management and continued expansion of the Regional Advisory Board, including meeting preparation, strategy development, and follow‑through on action plans.Cross‑Functional & Culture LeadershipServe as a member of the regional leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, cross‑functional collaboration, and regional decision‑making.Partner with program leadership to align messaging, elevate student stories, and connect fundraising and external affairs efforts to program outcomes.Collaborate with the National Development Operations team to align strategy, support execution, and uphold organizational systems and processes.Contribute to the Bottom Line development community across regions and national teams by sharing learnings, aligning practices, and supporting collective growth.Model inclusive, equity‑driven fundraising practices and contribute to a culture of belonging and shared ownership.QualificationsBachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent.Minimum 5‑8 years of development experience with a track record of growing a fundraising pipeline.Demonstrated success managing all aspects of the donor lifecycle and strong familiarity with major gifts fundraising.Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to engage, influence, and steward a wide range of stakeholders.Entrepreneurial mindset and initiative, especially in identifying and cultivating new stakeholders and opportunities.Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for donors, public audiences, and internal stakeholders.Comfort representing the organization externally and translating strategy, impact, and priorities into clear, compelling communications.Excellent organizational skills, with experience working in data‑driven and process‑driven organizations.Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and leverage available resources and supports.Demonstrated commitment to Bottom Line's Mission, Vision, and Core Values.PreferredExternal relations, marketing or communications experience.Experience working within a matrixed or multi‑site organization.Familiarity with regional educational and nonprofit landscape is a plus.Employment InformationWork Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (local time); additional hours as needed.Direct Reports: 1Travel: 20% local travel as needed.Start Date: July/August 2026Compensation: $110,000 – $111,000 annually.Benefits: Learn about our benefits here.Equal Opportunity Employer: Bottom Line is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.#J-18808-Ljbffr