Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)

Location: Cleveland, OH (Hybrid)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

About JumpStart Inc.

JumpStart is a nonprofit venture development organization whose mission is to drive economic vitality by connecting entrepreneurs to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. We envision Ohio as a premier destination for entrepreneurs—where businesses thrive and inclusive, high-impact support systems help communities grow.

Our team is passionate, driven, and deeply committed to transforming entrepreneurial potential into measurable economic impact. JumpStart is a place where big ideas meet disciplined execution—and where meaningful work and fun can coexist.

The Opportunity

JumpStart Inc. is seeking an innovative, strategic, and mission-driven leader to serve as our first-ever Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). This is a pivotal executive role responsible for shaping and leading all revenue generation efforts that support JumpStart’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the CRO will own and execute a diversified revenue strategy that includes philanthropic funding (individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities) as well as earned revenue from entrepreneurship programs, services, sponsorships, and partnerships.

This role is ideal for a market-informed, relationship-driven leader who can clearly articulate impact, build trust with funders and partners, and align revenue growth with mission and programmatic outcomes. The CRO will lead the Development and Marketing teams and work in close partnership with the Chief Services Officer to ensure revenue strategy and program innovation are fully aligned.

Key Responsibilities

Revenue Strategy & Leadership

• Serve as the executive accountable for all revenue generation across the organization, including philanthropy, government funding, sponsorships, contracts, and earned revenue

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year revenue strategy aligned with JumpStart’s mission, strategic plan, and financial sustainability goals

• Partner with the CEO and executive leadership team to establish annual revenue targets, long-term growth strategies, and performance benchmarks

• Ensure appropriate systems, resources, and accountability structures are in place to support revenue growth

Philanthropy & Institutional Funding

• Lead all philanthropic fundraising efforts, including individual giving, major gifts, corporate support, foundations, and institutional funders

• Guide donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and relationship management in partnership with the CEO and Advancement team

• Strengthen and diversify funding sources to reduce reliance on any single revenue stream

Earned Revenue & Program Partnerships

• In close collaboration with the Chief Services Officer, co-lead the development, pricing, packaging, and scaling of revenue-generating programs, services, and partnerships

• Identify, structure, and negotiate contracts, public-private partnerships, and joint ventures tied to JumpStart’s ecosystem and programming

• Align market demand, partner needs, and organizational capabilities to drive sustainable earned revenue growth

Strategic Partnerships & External Engagement

• Build and lead a comprehensive partnerships strategy with corporations, philanthropies, government agencies, investors, academic institutions, and community stakeholders

• Serve as a senior ambassador for JumpStart in cross-sector partnerships and high-level forums

• Elevate JumpStart’s visibility, credibility, and revenue opportunities through external engagement

Team Leadership & Impact Measurement

• Lead and mentor the Development and Marketing teams to ensure cohesive, compelling, and data-informed external engagement

• Leverage market insights, data, and audience segmentation to improve outreach, engagement, and conversion

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and results across revenue-facing functions

Qualifications

• Willingness to live and work in Greater Cleveland

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in revenue growth, strategic partnerships, or business development

• Experience generating at least $500,000 in annual revenue

• Strong background in nonprofit, economic development, civic innovation, or other mission-driven sectors preferred

• Proven ability to lead complex partnership strategies and senior-level relationships

• Strong business acumen with a deep understanding of mission-aligned revenue models

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills

Working Conditions

• Travel required for local and out-of-state meetings, conferences, and events

• Occasional modest physical activity related to office and event needs

Our Values

At JumpStart, we live our values every day:

• Accountability – We deliver on commitments and own results

• Entrepreneurial – We embrace opportunity, innovation, and change

• Equity – We are committed to inclusive economic outcomes

• Energy – We bring focus, grit, and enthusiasm to our work

• Collaboration – We work together to maximize impact

• Humility – We listen, learn, and lead with openness

Equal Opportunity Employer

JumpStart Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. This posting does not list every responsibility and may evolve as organizational needs change.