Development Director

Edison Birthplace Association, Inc. | Milan, Ohio

Position Type: Full-Time (40–45 hours/week, hybrid flex schedule)

Compensation: $42,000/year + PTO package + Health Benefits

The Edison Birthplace Association (EBA) is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to preserving, honoring, and promoting the historic birthplace and legacy of Thomas Alva Edison. Located in Milan, Ohio, the EBA inspires future generations of innovators through educational tours, historic preservation and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising Strategy and Execution

● 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.

2. Donor Cultivation and Relationship Management

● 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.

3. Organizational Strategy and Leadership

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

● Prepare regular progress reports on fundraising metrics and development budgets for the Board.

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

Qualifications and Key Competencies

● Experience: 2–4+ years of professional experience in fundraising, grant writing, development, or non-profit management (preferred).

● Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven 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 Environment and Schedule

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

● Hours: Full-time (40–45 hours/week). Occasional evening or weekend availability is required for special events or board meetings.

● Flexibility: Hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a given week may be flexed during subsequent pay periods.

Compensation and Benefits

● Salary: $42,000 annually.

● Paid Time Off (PTO): 15 days of combined PTO in Year 1, increasing by 1 day per year of service up to a maximum of 30 days annually.

● Health Benefits: Health insurance options negotiable upon hire / currently under evaluation by the Board of Trustees.

● Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling and hybrid work options.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume detailing their relevant fundraising or non-profit experience to rwheeler@tomedison.org with the subject line "Development Director - [Your Name]".

Hard copy goes to:

Edison Birthplace
P.O. Box 451
Milan, OH 44846

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.