Development and Marketing Director

The Development Director is a pivotal leadership role responsible for planning, directing, and executing all fundraising and revenue-generation strategies for the Edison Birthplace Association. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the Development Director will expandEBA’s donor base, secure foundation and grant funding, cultivate major gifts, and elevate the organization's community visibility.

This is an ideal role for a self-motivated, growth-minded non-profit professional who thrives in acollaborative, flexible hybrid work environment.

Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan targeting individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations.

Research, draft, submit, and manage grant proposals and reports to private, corporate,and government funding sources.

Design and manage annual giving appeals, direct mail campaigns, and digital fundraising efforts.

Plan and execute major fundraising events and special initiatives to drive community participation and revenue.

Identify, steward, and cultivate relationships with prospective and current major donors,board members, and local community leaders.

Maintain and optimize the donor database to ensure accurate record-keeping, timely gift acknowledgments, and insightful reporting.

Build strategic partnerships with local businesses, historical societies, and educational institutions.

Collaborate with the Board President and Board of Trustees to align fundraising goalswith EBA’s strategic vision.

Prepare regular progress reports on fundraising metrics and development budgets forthe Board.

Represent the Edison Birthplace Association at community functions, networking events,and organizational meetings.

Experience:

2–3+ years of professional experience in fundraising, grant writing, development, or non-profit management (preferred).

Communication

Skills:

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with aproven ability to articulate a compelling story to prospective donors and grant reviewers.

Technical Proficiency:
Experience with donor management software/CRMs, grant application portals, Microsoft Office, and basic digital marketing/social media tools.

Self-Motivation:
Ability to work independently in a hybrid setup, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet firm deadlines.

Passion: A genuine appreciation for history, historic preservation, or museum education.

Work remotely with periodic on-site presence required in Milan, OH for board meetings, events, and site visits.