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.

🎯 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

1

Highlight specific examples of fundraising success, especially major donor cultivation and grant management, with dollar amounts and growth percentages.

2

Demonstrate your experience working in politically contested environments, such as advocating for reproductive rights in restrictive states.

3

Show how you've built or improved organizational systems (e.g., financial reporting, HR policies) in a remote or small nonprofit setting.

4

Tailor your cover letter to explicitly name Ohio's political landscape and how your leadership will address current challenges like the 2023 abortion ban.

5

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.
Visit Abortion Fund of Ohio's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you navigate fundraising in a state with active legislative attacks on abortion access?
2 Describe a time you managed a budget shortfall or scaled a nonprofit's operations.
3 What is your approach to supervising a remote team and maintaining organizational culture?
4 How do you prioritize competing demands, like direct service vs. advocacy, in a resource-constrained environment?
5 Tell us about a successful coalition you built or a media crisis you managed.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Abortion Fund of Ohio!