Application Guide
How to Apply for Executive Director
at Abortion Fund of Ohio
🏢 About Abortion Fund of Ohio
Abortion Fund of Ohio has been a cornerstone of reproductive freedom in Ohio for over three decades, uniquely combining direct financial support for abortion access with grassroots advocacy and education. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that operates in a politically contested environment, making a tangible impact on the lives of Ohioans seeking care.
About This Role
As Executive Director, you will lead the organization through a critical period of heightened demand and political challenges, overseeing day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and fundraising. This role is impactful because you will directly sustain and expand access to abortion care while navigating a volatile legal landscape.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a check-in with senior staff on urgent client needs or legal updates, followed by a donor call or grant proposal review. Afternoons often involve strategic planning with the board, media prep for a new policy threat, and end-of-day financial oversight. Evenings might include speaking at a coalition event or virtual fundraiser.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Abortion Fund of Ohio Is Looking For
- A seasoned nonprofit leader with 5+ years of senior experience, including direct staff supervision and a track record of scaling operations.
- A proven fundraiser who has successfully raised $1.5M+ annually through major donor cultivation, grants, and campaigns, with experience in politically sensitive fundraising.
- A financial strategist skilled in budgeting, forecasting, and building sustainable systems for a remote, lean team.
- A passionate advocate for Reproductive Justice who thrives in high-stakes, politically contested environments and can serve as a compelling spokesperson.
📝 Tips for Applying to Abortion Fund of Ohio
Highlight specific examples of fundraising success, especially major donor cultivation and grant management, with dollar amounts and growth percentages.
Demonstrate your experience working in politically contested environments, such as advocating for reproductive rights in restrictive states.
Show how you've built or improved organizational systems (e.g., financial reporting, HR policies) in a remote or small nonprofit setting.
Tailor your cover letter to explicitly name Ohio's political landscape and how your leadership will address current challenges like the 2023 abortion ban.
Include concrete examples of coalition building and media engagement, as the ED is the primary spokesperson.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your deep commitment to Reproductive Justice and understanding of Ohio's specific barriers to abortion access.", 'Proven ability to lead fundraising efforts that sustain a $1.5M+ budget, with examples of donor cultivation and grant writing.', 'Experience managing a remote team and building organizational infrastructure for growth.', 'Your readiness to serve as a public face in a politically contested environment, including media and coalition work.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Ohio's current abortion laws, including the 6-week ban and ongoing legal challenges.
- → Read AFO's recent annual reports and financials to understand their revenue streams and program impact.
- → Study AFO's public statements and media coverage to grasp their messaging and key controversies.
- → Learn about key partners like the Abortion Care Network and ACLU of Ohio to understand the coalition landscape.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid vague statements about 'passion for reproductive rights' without showing specific knowledge of Ohio's context.
- Don't underestimate the political sensitivity; avoid language that could be perceived as partisan or divisive.
- Don't overlook the remote work aspect; failing to address how you'll lead a distributed team is a missed signal.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Abortion Fund of Ohio!