Executive Director, Donor

Position:
Executive Director, Donor Experience

Campus:
Home/Central Office (On‑Site)

Reports to:

Chief Advancement Officer

United Schools (United) is a nonprofit organization in Columbus, Ohio. After founding its first school in 2008, it has worked together with incredible leaders to open three more schools in the span of ten years. Each United campus is an open enrollment, public charter school that works diligently to close the opportunity gap in Columbus. Moreover, the mission of all United campuses is to transform lives and our communities through the power of education, while maintaining our vision:
For every child, an open door.

United currently operates two high‑performing elementary schools (K‑5) and two high‑performing middle schools (6‑8) that serve more than 900 students. We strive to provide students with a rigorous academic experience in a joyful learning environment, and we work hard to ensure that students of all levels grow and succeed by focusing on intentional student support and continual improvement.

The Executive Director, Donor Experience (EDDE) is responsible for developing and stewarding key relationships to provide significant gift support for United Schools. Under the leadership and guidance of the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), the EDDE is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and refining United’s major gift program. This new role will activate and advance United’s cases for support, directly aligning it with the organization’s strategic plan.

The EDDE will apply exceptional organizational discipline and communication expertise to connect donor interests with United’s highest‑impact priorities. By translating philanthropic passion into strategic investment, the EDDE will work in tandem with the CAO to drive significant, sustained annual support that strengthens its major gifts pipeline and fuels United’s long‑term vision. Through compelling storytelling, intentional relationship‑building, and rigorous execution, the EDDE will accelerate funding for strategic growth, expand school choice in Columbus, and support the systems, schools, and communities outlined in United’s plans, ensuring that more students and families experience transformational public education and lasting opportunity through United’s open doors.

• Manage all major gift relationships from scheduling to portfolio assignment and management.
• Qualify and maintain a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects.
• Assist with scheduling and leading tours and meetings with current and potential donors and volunteers.
• Develop and implement individual goals and a time‑bound strategy for the discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of each donor.
• Work collaboratively on moves management strategy and solicitation; meet annual budgets and goals.
• Work collaboratively on major donor stewardship strategies and opportunities.
• Assist with the development and execution of meaningful events, including but not limited to galas, grant activity celebrations, breakfast tours, fundraisers, and donor stewardship volunteer opportunities.

• Lead major donor volunteer activities that engage constituents and support school‑based initiatives.
• Coordinate with school leadership on major donor volunteer placement and activities.

• This description is representative of the position requirements and is not intended to be all‑inclusive.

United Core Traits:

• Holds a B.A./B.S.…