Director of Development & Communications

Advocates For Basic Legal Equality

Job Location:

Toledo, OH - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 5 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Position Available:

Director of Development & Communications

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality Inc. (ABLE) is a nonprofit law firm that has served low-income individuals in Northwest and West Central Ohio for over 50 years. With our partner law firm Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO) we are the only providers of comprehensive legal representation in non-criminal matters for more than 425000 people in our service region. We advocate for just and equitable policy changes and fight for the right to fairness and justice in the legal system.

Job Summary:

The Director of Development & Communications provides strategic leadership direction and oversight for a unified Development and Communications function serving ABLE and LAWO. This position is responsible for developing and implementing organization-wide strategies that strengthen donor engagement fundraising outcomes brand awareness organizational messaging and community visibility. The Director leads the planning and execution of comprehensive development and communications plans aligned with organizational priorities and annual goals while ensuring consistent mission-centered messaging across all audiences and platforms.

The Director directly supervises Development and Communications staff and provides guidance support and accountability to ensure cohesive efficient and effective operations across both functions. The Director serves as a primary representative of ABLE and LAWO in building and stewarding donor and community relationships and works in collaboration with the Executive Director and leadership team to advance strategic organizational initiatives. While this role is primarily strategic the Director is expected to engage in high-level donor and external relations represent the organization at key events and ensure that Development and Communications functions are coordinated and aligned to advance ABLE and LAWOs mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):

Strategic Leadership and Planning

Provide strategic leadership and direction for ABLE and LAWOs Development and Communications functions to ensure alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
Establish annual and multi-year Development and Communications strategies goals and performance expectations and ensure effective implementation through direct reports.
Lead and facilitate organization-wide planning for Development and Communications initiatives ensuring alignment collaboration and consistency across offices.
Collaborate with the Executive Director and leadership team to support organizational priorities initiatives and resource development opportunities.

Development and Donor Engagement

Develop and oversee the framework priorities and standards for donor cultivation solicitation and stewardship for ABLE and LAWO.
Build and steward key organizational-level donor relationships and support the Executive Director and Board members in donor engagement activities.
Approve regional development strategies and ensure Regional Directors tailor and execute plans in alignment with organizational goals.
Ensure organization-wide adherence to donor recognition stewardship expectations and ethical fundraising practices.
Provide guidance and support to staff responsible for donor engagement to ensure consistent and effective donor communications and experiences.

Communications and Brand Management

Provide leadership direction and oversight for ABLE and LAWOs internal and external Communications functions ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and messaging frameworks.
Establish organizational brand and messaging standards ensuring consistency across platforms materials and audiences.
Oversee media relations strategy key messaging and organizational communications; serve as spokesperson when appropriate and approve media responses prepared by staff.
Ensure communications strategies highlight ABLE and LAWOs mission impact and strategic priorities and are effectively executed by Communications staff.

Team Leadership and Supervision

Provide leadership coaching performance management and accountability for Development and Communications staff promoting an inclusive collaborative and mission-driven culture.
Directly supervise the Regional Directors Communications Specialist Development Assistant and Communications Assistant.
Establish clear priorities expectations and work plans for Development and Communications staff.
Promote professional development and training to build staff capacity leadership and retention.

Collaboration and Partnership Building

Build and maintain strong organizational-level relationships with donors partners and community stakeholders to increase awareness of and support for ABLE and LAWOs mission.
Serve as a liaison and resource to internal programs to elevate client stories outcomes and impact to support Development and Communications strategies.
Collaborate with the Grants and Contracts team to ensure alignment of messaging and reporting

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

Attend scheduled staff board and committee meetings as well as occasional regional or national conferences and training programs.
Represent ABLE and LAWO at community events and functions that support Development and Communications objectives.
Perform other related duties assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications:

Bachelors degree required; advanced degree in a related field preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in development communications or related nonprofit leadership roles including supervisory experience.
Demonstrated success in leading development and/or communications strategies donor engagement and partnership building..
Strong written and verbal communication skills including public speaking and presentation experience.
Demonstrated leadership decision-making and strategic planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across locations.
Commitment to ABLE and LAWOs mission values and Standards of Excellence

What We Offer:

ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment including a commitment to pay equity. The annual salary range for this position starts at $81000. ABLE offers comprehensive fringe benefits including health insurance annual leave sick leave and paid parental leave. This position can be based out of Toledo or Dayton with hybrid work possible and occasional travel between ABLEs office locations.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is performed in a professional office environment with standard office equipment. Must be able to travel between ABLE and LAWO offices and attend events as required. Occasional evening and overnight travel is required.

Other Duties: Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. ABLE can revise or eliminate requirements and responsibilities of this position at any time to reflect its needs and objectives. ABLE will notify affected employees of any changes and the effective date of such changes.

TO APPLY:Please visit to submit your application. The position will remain open until it is filled.

ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals.Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitmentcoordinator at

Required Experience:

Director

Position Available:Director of Development & CommunicationsAdvocates for Basic Legal Equality Inc. (ABLE) is a nonprofit law firm that has served low-income individuals in Northwest and West Central Ohio for over 50 years. With our partner law firm Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO) we are the only pr...