Development Director, V+V

Visionaries + Voices is seeking a Development Director to lead our fundraising strategy and help grow support for artists with disabilities. The ideal candidate will bring experience in donor cultivation, individual giving, and grant development, along with a passion for advancing inclusion in the arts. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic, mission-driven nonprofit.

Position Summary
The Development Director will lead the growth of Visionaries + Voices (V+V) as a unique, nationally recognized arts organization that champions artists with disabilities. This role is central to expanding V+V’s impact across Greater Cincinnati and beyond by cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, funders, and partners who share our belief in the transformative power of inclusive art.

Working collaboratively with our experienced contract grant writer, the Development Director will guide all fundraising strategies, deepen individual giving, and serve as a visible advocate for our mission. The ideal candidate is both a strategist and a relationship-builder who thrives in a creative, high-energy nonprofit environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens corporate, individual, and institutional giving.
• Develop and execute V+V’s annual fundraising plan in alignment with organizational goals and budget.

Grant Development

• Collaborate closely with the contract grant writer to research, develop, and author compelling proposals.
• Serve as the organizational point person throughout the grant lifecycle, including stewardship and reporting.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Build and maintain strong, authentic relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
• Personally oversee donor stewardship, including timely and thoughtful thank-you communications.
• Create and execute a strategy to expand and sustain a large base of annual individual donors, with a particular focus on mid-level and major gifts.

Financial & Organizational Collaboration

• Partner with the Executive Director to ensure responsible fiscal management and alignment between fundraising and organizational needs.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of donor records and development systems for effective tracking and reporting.

Events & Community Engagement

• Oversee and grow V+V’s fundraising events to maximize revenue and visibility.
• Act as a representative of V+V at community events, fostering enthusiasm for our mission and programs.

Reporting & Evaluation

• Develop systems to track proposals, pledges, and outcomes.
• Provide regular reports on fundraising progress to staff leadership and the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in fundraising, development, or grant writing with measurable success.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (advanced degree or CFRE a plus).
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and securing individual, corporate, and foundation gifts.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to inspire donors, colleagues, and community partners.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with experience managing donor databases and systems.
• A self-starter with the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Experience in disability services, nonprofit leadership, or the visual arts is highly desirable.                                                                                                                                                                                 

Why Work at V+V?

At Visionaries + Voices, you’ll join a team that celebrates creativity, inclusion, and community. Our staff, artists, and supporters are passionate about building a world where artists with disabilities are recognized as essential contributors to our cultural landscape. People are genuinely excited to support our mission—which means you’ll be walking into a role with an inspiring community already behind you.

Perks of joining our team include:

• A collaborative, creative workplace that values diversity and inclusion.
• Opportunities for professional growth in both the arts and nonprofit fields.
• The chance to make a visible impact in the lives of artists and the broader community every day.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to: hr@visionariesandvoices.com