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Director of Development and Communications

Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Full-time

Reporting to the Executive Director, The Director leads the Development and Communications team collaborating with the Executive Director, Board, and senior leadership to drive philanthropic giving, corporate and government partnerships, institutional funding, and strategic communications. The Director also plays a critical role in government relations, working alongside the Executive Director to advocate for public funding.

The Director of Development and Communications will serve as a trusted adviser to the Executive Director and be an active member of Legal Aid’s Executive Team by providing strategic guidance, assisting with enterprise-level strategic planning, driving continuous improvement in operations, mitigating internal and external risks, and aligning departmental efforts with Legal Aid’s mission, vision, values, and long-term objectives

Areas of Responsibility: 

The Director of Development and Communications is a key executive leader responsible for setting and executing the strategic vision for fundraising, communications, and government relations at Legal Aid. This role requires a visionary and results-driven leader who will build upon Legal Aid’s strong foundation of donor and community engagement while expanding revenue streams and enhancing brand awareness.

Educational Background: 
Bachelor's degree
Advanced degree strongly preferred (JD, MBA or related field)
Skills/Experience: 
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in development, public relations, strategic communications, and nonprofit fundraising.
  • Proven success in securing major gifts, institutional funding, and government partnerships.
  • Strong leadership experience managing teams (5+ years), including coaching and professional development.
  • Experience with fundraising database software (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and CRM systems.
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage media, donors, and policymakers.
  • Knowledge of legal aid, nonprofits, and access to justice initiatives is a plus.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management for fundraising and communications.
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and execute in a fast-paced environment.
  • progressive experience in development, public relations, strategic communications, and nonprofit fundraising.
Compensation/Benefits: 

Salary range is $131K - $198K annually based on skills and experience. Excellent benefits including:

  • Healthcare Insurance
  • Flexible Benefits Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with up to 13% Employer Contribution
  • Financial Planning Assistance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Alternative Work Programs including flexible works hours, and telecommuting
  • Professional Memberships
  • Professional Development Support
  • Participation in a loan repayment assistance program

Organization Info

Legal Aid Society of Greater Cleveland

Overview
Headquarters: 
Cleveland, OH, USA
Annual Budget : 
$10-50M
Size: 
51-200 employees
Founded: 
1905
About Us
Mission: 

Legal Aid's mission is to secure justice, equity, and access to opportunity for and with people who have low incomes through passionate legal representation and advocacy for systemic change. This mission centers on our vision for Northeast Ohio to be a place in which all people experience dignity and justice, free from poverty and oppression.

Programs: 

Legal Aid uses the power of the law to improve safety and health, promote education and economic security, secure stable and decent housing, and improve accountability and accessibility of government and justice systems. By solving fundamental problems for those with low incomes, we remove barriers to opportunity and help people achieve greater stability.

Legal Aid handles cases that impact basic needs such as health, shelter and safety, economics and education, and access to justice. Our attorneys practice in the areas of consumer rights, domestic violence, education, employment, family law, health, housing, foreclosure, immigration, public benefits, utilities, and tax

Why Work For Us?: 

Legal Aid’s Core Values that shape our culture, support our decision-making, and guide our behavior are that we:

  • Pursue racial justice and equity.
  • Treat everyone with respect, inclusion, and dignity.
  • Do high-quality work.
  • Prioritize our clients and communities.
  • Work in solidarity

Our strategic plans calls for us to:

  • Become more human-centered, trauma-informed, and responsive to our clients and client communities.
  • Establish an anti-racist practice.
  • Align our culture and infrastructure with our core values, impact areas, and strategic goals.
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Listing Stats

Post Date: 
Mar 11 2025
Active Until: 
Apr 10 2025
Hiring Organization: 
Legal Aid Society of Greater Cleveland
industry: 
Nonprofit