Development Director

The Development Director is a key leadership role responsible for developing, executing, and overseeing a comprehensive strategy to maximize the impact of those able to provide financial resources to La Soupe. This role ensures a robust pipeline of resources for >$4M annually, provides engaging and effective training, and fosters a culture of deep appreciation and meaningful contribution. Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, this role leads La Soupe’s multi-year fundraising strategy and directly supervises the Foundations & Grants Officer, Donor Engagement Officer, and Events Manager to ensure strategic alignment, high-impact donor engagement, and successful resource development. As a key ambassador of La Soupe’s mission to bridge the gap between food waste and food insecurity, the Director cultivates meaningful partnerships, strengthens stakeholder experiences, and collaborates across departments to ensure integration throughout the organization.

Reports to: Chief Philanthropy Officer

Payroll type: Salary (exempt)

Days/hours work: Available Monday-Friday (8:00-4:00 PM), 40 hours per week

Desired timing of hire: Late March/ Early April, 2026

Job Posting date: 2/13/2026

Locations: La Soupe, 915 E McMillian St, Cincinnati, OH 45206

About La Soupe: La Soupe is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Walnut Hills.  It is the largest chef-led initiative in Ohio that bridges the gap between food waste and insecurity. Our chef-based model utilizes a large volunteer network to rescue perishables from farms, grocers, and wholesalers. Our highly talented Transform Team of chefs and volunteers transforms this food into healthy soups and meals. While La Soupe chefs and volunteers are addressing the immediate needs of food waste and food insecurity, La Soupe dietitians, teachers, and advocates are dedicated to creating sustainable change through our programs that educate and empower communities to waste less and live healthier.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Raise $4M+ in annual revenue through individual and grants/foundation contributions 

  • Set a multi-year fundraising strategy, including segmented donor communications and engagement

  • Elevate board member engagement in meaningful ways

  • Ensure timely and high-quality execution of development initiatives

  • Develop synthesized and specific plans for Events, Grants, Individuals, and Corporate giving

  • Build strong and successful stakeholder relationships focused on longevity; steward a comprehensive stewardship matrix

  • Deepen, expand, and elevate the integration of quality communications with donors, volunteers, community organizations, corporations, and foundations

  • Create insightful dashboards and use data to inform development strategies and communicate impact to stakeholders

  • Evaluate and establish Endowment funding

  • Lead the annual large-scale fundraising event and oversee the impact report

  • Lead and support a healthy, high-performing development team

  • Serve as an organizational ambassador by representing La Soupe at community, recruitment, and professional networking events to increase visibility and engagement

Skills and Education:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree and 5+ years of direct experience in leadership roles in Development.

  • Experienced team player and team leader

  • Demonstrates progressive experience and responsibility in raising awareness and support through cultivation and stewardship

  • Offers a strong, successful history in non-profit fundraising and development, grant writing, donor relations, and Board engagement

  • Possesses outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written

  • Ability to build strategic plans for fundraising through the Moves Management process

  • Organized, self-starter who is flexible, responds quickly, and thinks strategically

  • Knowledge of the Greater Cincinnati Community

Compensation: Commensurate with experience, with a hiring range of $75,000 - $85,000 based on relevant experience, skills, and internal equity.

Benefits:

  • 11+ Paid Holidays, Free Lunch, Free parking, phone stipend

  • Health Insurance with company match for employee and family: Medical, vision, and dental

  • 401(k) plan - no match, life insurance, and AD&D

  • 5 Paid Sick days accruing annually and 3 weeks of annual PTO accrued annually

  • Parental paid leave policy after 1 year of employment.

  • Opportunity to work with the best crew in the city while helping communities

To apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to Jackie Bouvette, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at jackie@lasoupe.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until filled.

La Soupe is committed to work-life balance and will consider candidates interested in FT reduction (32 hours), hybrid, and other flexible arrangements that meet the needs of both the agency and the candidate.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Office role: Must be able to meet routine office physical demands, including climbing stairs, carrying up to 20-pound objects, and possessing the dexterity and vision to operate office computers and equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to humid conditions, fumes, airborne particles, and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Equal opportunity: La Soupe, Inc. values a diverse and inclusive work environment where every team member matters. All qualified applicants for this position will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.