Lifewise columbus citywide director

About You

You love Jesus. You love kids. You are a high-capacity leader who multiplies impact through others. You don’t just tell compelling stories, you develop leaders who can do the same. You thrive on building teams, coaching high performers and driving results across a broad region. You know how to cast vision, align teams and execute with excellence. You recognize that your sphere of influence is a mission field and are able to articulate how God is moving through and around you. You can connect people with ideas through conversation and influence them towards action. You can create excitement in people and then help them find ways to get involved in making a difference. At the end of the day, you can influence others to get things done. Most importantly, you know this isn't just your career. It's a chance to do something meaningful. A chance to serve others. And a chance to make a life-changing impact on students with the gospel.

About the Job

The Columbus CityWide Director role requires an entrepreneurial, growth minded individual with two primary areas of focus: Program Growth and Advancement. We are looking for a high-capacity individual who possesses the strategic vision to integrate these two pillars simultaneously. Program Growth includes developing grassroots community interest while building a network of local and regional leaders to help amplify the LifeWise message across the city. Advancement focuses on developing new and managing current donor relationships and high-level strategic partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an ambassador and spokesperson throughout the city, introducing people to the concept of LifeWise and guiding teams through the process of launching a LifeWise program.
• Oversee existing LifeWise programs and ensure health and stability of those programs.
• Connect with existing networks of ministries, churches, and organizations, as well as recruiting local volunteers to help cultivate grassroots community interest and start local programs.
• Conduct regular "LifeWise 101" informational meetings throughout the city to raise awareness, grow community support and identify local leaders.
• Lead the entire fundraising lifecycle—from identifying new partnership opportunities and leads within the city to final presentation and closing.
• Proactively identify new philanthropic leads by leveraging city-wide professional networks and community connections.
• Deliver compelling, vision-driven presentations to C-suite executives, high-net-worth individuals, and high capacity community groups.
• Host and lead multiple events throughout the year, ensuring high-quality attendee experiences and clear, effective financial invitations.
• Build long-term, high-trust relationships with existing partners, moving them toward transformational, multi-year commitments.
• Meet or exceed significant annual revenue targets through individual solicitations and strategic statewide events.

Qualifications

• A mature personal Christian faith consistent with the LifeWise Academy Statement of Faith
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Comfortable with routinely shifting demands
• Self-Starter/Entrepreneur- the ability to thrive in an autonomous environment.
• Maintain high daily activity without the need of daily supervision.
• Exceptional public speaking and interpersonal skills; high emotional intelligence.
• Extensive experience in fundraising, sales or advancement leadership
• Experience in management and people leadership
• Proficiency in Salesforce (or similar CRM tool) and Google Workspace

Salary and Benefits

From $80,000 per year

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for qualified employees

Retirement plan, including employer match

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: Columbus, OH

LifeWise Academy's hiring practices and EEO Statement are fully in compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" section of employment discrimination laws for religious organizations and permits them to give employment preference to members of their own religion. LifeWise Academy is in that category.