Job Details

Director of Communications and Development

APSI—an organization dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities. We're a compassionate, collaborative team committed to building brighter futures for those we serve.

At APSI, we prioritize a healthy workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered—both personally and professionally.

Why Work at APSI?

We believe in supporting our staff with a strong work/life balance and meaningful benefits, including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Identity Theft and Privacy Protection
• Identity Theft and Privacy Protection
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Plan
• Pet Insurance
• Vacation / Sick / Holiday Time
• Bereavement / Jury / Military Leave
• Family and Medical Leave / Paid Family and Medical Leave / Military Family Leave
• Leave of Absence Policy
• Travel Reimbursement
• Free Parking
• 401k plan plus company match

What You'll Do – Key Responsibilities

The Director of Communications and Development reports to the Executive Director. This position provides strategic and operational leadership in managing the organization's internal and external communications, fundraising, board and donor engagement, team management, and government/funder relations ensuring the organization's long‑term success consistent with APSI Mission, Vision, and Values.

1. Communications:

• Plan and execute internal and external communications for a broad range of audiences;
• Manage and create content for newsletters, website, and social media with direct reports;
• Assist with special events and presentations to a broad range of audiences;
• Monitor legislative and regulatory proposals;
• Coordinate agency action on policy issues with Executive Director;
• Identify and assist in creating internal and external training resources.

2. Development

• Lead all contributed revenue efforts, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and special events or campaigns;
• Cultivate funding opportunities and donor relationships;
• Foster an understanding of philanthropy within organization, including staff, board, and other supporters;
• Oversee development operations, including CRM management and gift processing;
• Track and act on key performance indicators, and identify donor trends and patterns to develop strategy for long‑term growth;
• Ensure compliance with funder requirements, fundraising regulations, and ethical standards.

3. Partnership and Community Engagement:

• Actively participate in building strong partnerships with stakeholders, including DD county boards, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, provider organizations, businesses, other government agencies, and policymakers;
• Actively participate in representing APSI at external partnerships, collaborations, and coalitions;
• Ensure appropriate communication regarding pertinent needs and issues with APSI leadership, program staff, and other stakeholders as appropriate.

4. Organizational Leadership and Management:

• Collaborate with leadership team to promote organizational growth and excellence, with a vision for continual improvement within team and across organization, prioritizing transparency and shared responsibility for results;
• Lead execution of strategic plan goals within team, and collaboratively develop new strategic plan periodically;
• Exercise fiscal responsibility and oversight within team;
• Supervise and mentor direct reports, fostering a positive work environment for a collaborative and high‑performing communications and development team;
• Assist in building and maintaining staff morale to support organization‑wide efforts;
• Demonstrate active engagement by providing insight in internal work groups and meetings that help sustain and develop APSI's Mission, Vision and Values.

5. Other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, non‑profit management, or a related field; equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Preferred three (3) years of experience in the field of non‑profit development/fundraising or a related field, including experience with fundraising campaigns, events, and donor engagement.

Skills That Shine

• Passion for programs and services provided by APSI;
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in an open and diverse work place;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking experience;
• Professional in attitude and presentation;
• Proficient with various technology applications including Microsoft Office products, design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, etc.) and electronic management databases (Network for Good, Bloomerang, etc.);
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects and initiatives at the same time;
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Must be willing to travel throughout the state of Ohio and have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and auto insurance;
• Demonstrate proactive problem solving skills;
• Demonstrate leadership and professionalism through crises, changes, and other unexpected events;
• Maintain and demonstrate a positive attitude regarding APSI services and persons APSI serves.

Join Us

If you're ready to be the welcoming face of APSI and contribute to a mission that matters, we'd love to meet you. This is more than a job—it's a chance to make a real impact every single day.