Reports To: President & CEO
Status: Full-Time
Location: Remote (Ohio Preferred)
Direct Reports: Corporate Relations & Engagement Specialist
Position Overview
The Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships is a member of BRITE’s leadership team responsible for advancing organizational growth through strategic partnerships, corporate engagement, philanthropy, and external relations. The Director serves as the strategic owner of BRITEnetwork, BRITE’s ecosystem connecting corporations, startups, investors, utilities, philanthropies, and economic development organizations to accelerate energy innovation and economic impact across the Midwest.
The Director leads the growth and sustainability of BRITEnetwork as a core organizational asset and revenue-generating platform. The role develops corporate and philanthropic investment strategies; builds strategic partnerships across the energy innovation ecosystem; oversees major ecosystem convenings; and strengthens BRITE’s visibility as a trusted leader in energy innovation.
As BRITE's primary external ambassador, the Director cultivates relationships that expand the organization's influence, generate sustainable revenue, and advance BRITE’s mission.
Key Responsibilities
BRITEnetwork Strategy & Ownership
Serve as the strategic owner of BRITEnetwork and its continued growth and evolution.
Responsibilities include:
- Establish and execute BRITEnetwork growth strategy and annual revenue goals.
- Lead the development and evolution of BRITEnetwork’s membership structure, pricing, value proposition, benefits, and sustainability strategy.
- Develop and implement strategies for member acquisition, engagement, retention, and expansion across BRITEnetwork’s three membership pathways: Startup Growth, Corporate Engagement, and Economic Impact.
- Identify opportunities to expand BRITEnetwork products, services, partnerships, and programming.
- Monitor network performance and engagement metrics.
- Ensure BRITEnetwork remains aligned with BRITE's mission and strategic priorities
Revenue Growth & Strategic Partnerships
Lead BRITE's revenue growth strategy through fundraising, corporate engagement, and strategic partnerships.
Responsibilities include:
- Cultivate and steward relationships with corporate, philanthropic, government, and community partners.
- Secure corporate, philanthropic, and institutional investments through memberships, sponsorships, grants, and strategic partnerships.
- Lead major sponsorship and fundraising conversations.
- Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities aligned with BRITE's mission.
- Develop and maintain relationships with utilities, corporations, investors, foundations, economic development organizations, and industry stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the President & CEO on high-value partnership opportunities and major donor cultivation.
Grant Strategy & Funding Development
Provide strategic leadership for BRITE's funding strategy.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead BRITE's grant strategy and institutional funding pipeline.
- Identify grant opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
- Build and maintain relationships with foundation and institutional funders.
- Determine go/no-go decisions for grant opportunities.
- Provide strategic direction to external grant consultants and oversee the development of competitive proposals and funder reports.
- Review and provide strategic guidance on grant proposals, reports, and funding opportunities.
Ecosystem Engagement, Thought Leadership & Convenings
Position BRITE as a recognized leader within the energy innovation ecosystem by cultivating strategic relationships, expanding visibility, and leveraging convenings to advance organizational goals.
Responsibilities include:
- Represent BRITE at conferences, industry events, and ecosystem convenings.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with ecosystem leaders across industry, startups, investors, and economic development organizations.
- Identify opportunities that elevate BRITE’s visibility through partnerships, speaking engagements, thought leadership, and strategic communications.
- Monitor industry trends and emerging opportunities that support BRITE’s mission and growth priorities.
- Provide strategic direction for BRITE’s Annual Summit, BRITEnites, webinars, and other ecosystem convenings, ensuring alignment with partnership, fundraising, and engagement goals.
Team & Consultant Management
Provide leadership and oversight to staff and external partners.
Responsibilities include:
- Supervise the Corporate Relations & Engagement Specialist.
- Manage external consultants supporting Development, Marketing & Communications.
- Establish annual goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
- Ensure alignment across staff, consultants, and organizational objectives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience required.
- 8-12 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, corporate partnerships, business development, stakeholder engagement, membership organizations, economic development, energy innovation, or related fields.
- Demonstrated success securing significant corporate, philanthropic, and sponsorship investments.
- Experience managing membership-based organizations or networks.
- Existing relationships throughout Ohio's innovation, energy, economic development, or business ecosystems strongly preferred.
- Strong public speaking, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
- Energy innovation experience is strongly preferred.
Salary Range
$100,000-$125,000 annually, commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
Travel Requirements
Travel throughout Ohio and the Midwest is required, typically 2 – 5 days per month, with periods of increased travel based on fundraising, partnership development, and event activities.