Area Executive Director (Columbus, OH)

Company: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Location: Columbus
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

At ALSAC you do more than make a living; you make a difference. We like people who are different…because we’re different, too. As one of the world’s most iconic and respected nonprofits, we know what it’s like to stand out. That’s why we’re looking at you. Your background, perspective, and desire to make an impact set you apart. As we work to help St. Jude cure childhood cancer, we're calling on the game-changers, innovators and visionaries to join our family. Not just for the kids of St. Jude, but also for you. Because at ALSAC, we develop and celebrate our employees. So, bring your whole, authentic self and become part of our shared mission: Finding cures. Saving children.® Job Description Responsible for leading, developing, and driving the comprehensive vision, fundraising, and growth strategies to secure funding (annually $25M to $100M) within a specific area, aligned with the territory strategy. Partners with the territory to identify, cultivate, solicit/close, and steward high-wealth donors, corporations, partnerships, individual volunteers, donors, and supporters with the purpose of growing existing revenue sources and creating new opportunities. Leads and drives results through an integrated cross-divisional team for one of ALSAC’s thirty-one areas, while attracting, developing, and retaining top talent to achieve organizational goals. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Strategic Fundraising Leadership Leads strategic teams responsible for raising $25–$100M annually through diverse channels (annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate donations, events, sponsorships, etc.). Monitors, evaluates, and optimizes resources to meet area revenue goals and KPIs aligned with strategic direction. Chief Fundraising Strategist Serves as the primary strategist for the area, aligning area goals with fundraising programs including market, area, and national campaigns. Develops and implements innovative strategies to drive growth and ensure achievement of fiscal goals efficiently. Relationship Development Provides strategic direction for cultivating and managing relationships with high-wealth donors, volunteers, and corporate partners. Expands existing programs and creates new initiatives to maximize total fundraising revenue. Talent Acquisition & Leadership Development Builds and sustains a high-performing leadership team. Actively recruits, attracts, and retains top talent , ensuring diversity and inclusion across all dimensions. Mentors and coaches leaders to foster growth, engagement, and succession planning. Models organizational culture pillars and demonstrates servant leadership. Operational Excellence Oversees all offices within the assigned area, setting strategic direction and expectations. Tracks performance, analyzes metrics, and provides recommendations to territory leadership. Implements measurable performance indicators to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of fundraising programs. Governance & Compliance Establishes and enforces policies and procedures to improve operational effectiveness. Prepares and manages area budgets within established parameters. Utilizes strong problem-solving skills to proactively address challenges and develop solutions collaboratively. Stakeholder Engagement Maintains positive relationships and ongoing communication with board members, donors, third-party organizations, and volunteers. Represents ALSAC-St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in a manner that reflects positively on the organization. Portfolio Management Develops, maintains, and grows a portfolio of principal and major-level donors and partners within the area. JOB REQUIREMENTS Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred. Experience: Minimum six years in fundraising with progressive leadership responsibilities, including supervision, budgeting, strategic planning, and organizational development. Ability to travel within the assigned region (Ohio and West Virginia), including evenings and weekends as needed. Driver's License: A valid driver's license is required for this role. The position comes with a company car equipped with AAA membership, insurance coverage, a maintenance plan, and a fuel card for convenience. This car is also eligible for personal use, providing you with the flexibility to enjoy its benefits beyond work hours. For more details about this valuable benefit, please inquire during the interview process. Skills: Proven success in attracting and retaining top talent. Strong diplomacy and relationship-building skills with high-wealth individuals and corporate partners. Knowledge of philanthropic communities and community development best practices. Ability to lead through ambiguity and adapt to unexpected challenges. Excellent communication and public speaking skills. Benefits & Perks The following Benefits & Perks apply to Full-Time Roles Only . We’re dedicated to ensuring children and their families have every opportunity to enjoy life’s special moments. We’re also committed to giving our staff excellent benefits so they can do the same. Core Medical Coverage: (low cost low deductible Medical, Dental, and Vison Insurance plans)? 401K Retirement Plan with 7% Employer Contribution Exceptional Paid Time Off Maternity / Paternity Leave Infertility Treatment Program Adoption Assistance Education Assistance Enterprise Learning and Development And more ALSAC is an equal employment opportunity employer. ALSAC does not discriminate against any individual with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status. No Search Firms: ALSAC does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All resumes submitted by search firms to any ALSAC employee or ALSAC representative via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without being contacted and approved by our Employee Experience team and without a valid written search agreement in place will result in no fee being paid if a referred candidate is hired by ALSAC.

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