Chief Revenue Officer

Location: Cleveland, OH (Hybrid)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Jump Start is a nonprofit venture development organization whose mission is to drive economic vitality by connecting entrepreneurs to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. We envision Ohio as a premier destination for entrepreneurs—where businesses thrive and inclusive, high-impact support systems help communities grow.

Our team is passionate, driven, and deeply committed to transforming entrepreneurial potential into measurable economic impact. Jump Start is a place where big ideas meet disciplined execution—and where meaningful work and fun can coexist.

Jump Start Inc. is seeking an innovative, strategic, and mission-driven leader to serve as our first-ever Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). This is a pivotal executive role responsible for shaping and leading all revenue generation efforts that support Jump Start’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the CRO will own and execute a diversified revenue strategy that includes philanthropic funding (individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities) as well as earned revenue from entrepreneurship programs, services, sponsor ships, and partnerships.

This role is ideal for a market-informed, relationship-driven leader who can clearly articulate impact, build trust with funders and partners, and align revenue growth with mission and programmatic outcomes. The CRO will lead the Development and Marketing teams and work in close partnership with the Chief Services Officer to ensure revenue strategy and program innovation are fully aligned.

Serve as the executive accountable for all revenue generation across the organization, including philanthropy, government funding, sponsor ships, contracts, and earned revenue

Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year revenue strategy aligned with Jump Start’s mission, strategic plan, and financial sustainability goals

Partner with the CEO and executive leadership team to establish annual revenue targets, long-term growth strategies, and performance benchmarks

Ensure appropriate systems, resources, and accountability structures are in place to support revenue growth

Philanthropy & Institutional Funding

Lead all philanthropic fundraising efforts, including individual giving, major gifts, corporate support, foundations, and institutional funders

Guide donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and relationship management in partnership with the CEO and Advancement team

Strengthen and diversify funding sources to reduce reliance on any single revenue stream

Earned Revenue & Program Partnerships

In close collaboration with the Chief Services Officer, co-lead the development, pricing, packaging, and scaling of revenue-generating programs, services, and partnerships

Identify, structure, and negotiate contracts, public-private partnerships, and joint ventures tied to Jump Start’s ecosystem and programming

Align market demand, partner needs, and organizational capabilities to drive sustainable earned revenue growth

Strategic Partnerships & External Engagement

Build and lead a comprehensive partnerships strategy with corporations, philanthropies, government agencies, investors, academic institutions, and community stakeholders

Serve as a senior ambassador for Jump Start in cross-sector partnerships and high-level forums

Elevate Jump Start’s visibility, credibility, and revenue opportunities through external engagement

Team Leadership & Impact Measurement

Lead and mentor the Development and Marketing teams to ensure cohesive, compelling, and data-informed external engagement

Leverage market insights, data, and audience segmentation to improve outreach, engagement, and conversion

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and results across revenue-facing functions

Willingness to live and work in Greater Cleveland

15+ years of progressive leadership experience in revenue growth, strategic partnerships, or business development

Experience generating at least $500,000 in annual revenue

Strong background in nonprofit, economic…