Senior Director of Development The Ohio State University
- The Ohio State University
- Columbus, Ohio
- Full Time
Position Overview
The Senior Director of Development will understand the mission, needs and value proposition of the university and the College of Social Work and build relationships with prospective donors to increase philanthropic support. Donors such as alumni and friends will be identified by listening for opportunities to align their interests and passions with opportunities to donate to the university. This position leads a team focused on Development & Alumni Relations work in the College of Social Work.
The aim of the role is to actively manage a portfolio of prospective donors to be asked for gifts of $100,000 and above. Preparation for the ask will include creative and strategic utilization of resources to determine the prospective donors capacity for giving, build their interest, raise their sights, sustain their engagement and obtain a gift. Success in the position will be guided by annual metrics such as number of monthly meetings, number of gift commitments, and dollars raised. Central resources such as a robust donor database and reporting and analytics tools exist to help the role achieve goals and manage an allocated budget.
The Senior Director reports to the Interim Executive Director of Development and serves and works closely with the Colleges Dean and their leadership team. This position operates with a high degree of independence to make decisions, solve problems, negotiate, and adapt to shifting priorities. Expectations include stellar communications and interactions with constituents, collaboration with colleagues across Advancement and the university and Wexner Medical Center, diplomacy, and discretion. This role requires frequent workweek travel including approximately one or two overnight trips per month, regular in-state travel and occasional evening and weekend work.
All members of Advancement are part of creating a culture that inspires an exceptionally multifaceted and talented team and are expected to exhibit The Ohio State Universitys Shared Values . The Office of Advancement is committed to acting with kindness, respect, and int e grity at all times and welcoming our colleagues ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.
About the College of Social Work
The College of Social Work, through excellence in teaching, research, and service, prepares leaders who enhance individual and community well-being, celebrate difference, and promote social and economic justice for vulnerable populations. The college fosters social change through collaboration with individuals, families, communities and other change agents to build strengths and resolve complex individual and social problems. As an internationally recognized college, we build and apply knowledge that positively impacts Ohio, the nation, and the world. Social work has a long and rich tradition at The Ohio State University.
Duties and Responsibilities
75% - Fundraising
Identifies, qualifies, and cultivates a portfolio of prospective major gift donors. Pursues connections and discovers donor values, capacity, interests and passions; Ensures quality and positive momentum within assigned portfolio to convert prospects to donors; Builds context for gift proposals, develops and implements strategic gift solicitations; Maximizes opportunities to steward donors to further enhance relationships.
20% - Management
Provides management of team members through leadership, coaching and mentorship to develop fundraising skills; Contributes to Advancement team strategies and helps drive initiatives through completion; Provides support for the continued trajectory of increase in new fundraising activity and philanthropic receipts to achieve college goals while driving enhancement of current and creation of new innovative programs; Recruits, trains, evaluates, motivates, and coaches employees of various backgrounds and identities; establishes and monitors goals, provides performance feedback and coaching, and supports professional development; completes annual performance management procedures; manages performance issues; is responsible for using independent, consistent and fair judgement in exercising authority; develops procedures, assigns and prioritizes work, and ensures that the resources needed to accomplish work are provided.
5% - Miscellaneous
Completes special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
Metrics and Collaboration
The annual performance of all fundraisers at Ohio State is measured by the number of qualifications, cultivations, solicitations and commitments/dollars raised the individual accrues over each fiscal year. Each fundraiser may have different expectations regarding these figures based upon, but not limited to, their experience level, unit size, prospect portfolio, past performance, etc. Goal setting is done with the individuals manager prior to each fiscal year to assure transparency, consistency and alignment.
All fundraisers at Ohio State are encouraged and expected to collaborate with their colleagues across the institution and can be counted as Secondary on a gift in the solicitation, commitment and dollars raised phases of the development cycle. A secondary fundraiser can be considered when a team is working on a multi-unit gift, the fundraiser is a subject matter expert in an area critical to the solicitation or a fundraiser has a pre-existing, meaningful relationship with the donor and their participation helps move the gift forward.
Required Qualifications
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Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education/experience.
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Six (6) years of relevant experience with at least four (4) years of professional fundraising experience (building relationships towards philanthropic end through making calls, conducting face-to-face appointments, creating and presenting proposals, closing gifts) and two (2) years of related experience in marketing, sales, public relations, financial advisement, account management or related field with emphasis on donor cultivation, solicitation and relationship cultivation of individuals/businesses.
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At least two (2) years of management experience.
Desired Qualifications ( Were committed to building a team that reflects a variety of skills and experiences and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)
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At least six (6) years of professional fundraising experience raising the highest level of philanthropic gifts at an organization (preferably five or six figures and above).
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At least six (6) years of professional fundraising experience in higher education or a hospital/health care environment.
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Experience working in other advancement departments such as donor relations and stewardship, donor communications and/or alumni relations.
The Office of Advancement is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes, and advancement practices.
You Need to Know
Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the vibrant , smart, enjoyable, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity provide s exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life-changing research and outreach . Learn more here: .
In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.
To learn more about the Office of Advancement, please visit advancement.osu.edu .
The budget for this position is up to $120,000. The offer for this position will be based on internal equity and the candidate's qualifications.
Function: Development and Engagement
Sub-function: Development
Career Band: Individual Contributor Specialized
Career Level: S4