Director of Development at The Ohio State University

Director of Development at The Ohio State University

Job Type
Full-time
Posting Date
October 5, 2018
Location of Position

Columbus, OH

Company Summary

For 144 years, The Ohio State University's campus in Columbus has been the stage for academic achievement and a laboratory for innovation. It's where friendships are forged. It's where rivalries and revelry are born.

The university's main campus is one of America's largest and most comprehensive. As Ohio's best and one of the nation's top-20 public universities, Ohio State is further recognized by a top-rated academic medical center and a premier cancer hospital and research center. As a land-grant university, Ohio State has a physical presence throughout the state, with campuses and research centers located around Ohio.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Office of Advancement – Scholarship and Student Support

Position Overview

The Ohio State University’s Scholarship and Student Support (SaSS) team works with our university leaders, alumni and donors to provide students an excellent, affordable education and promote economic diversity. SaSS is charged with providing scholarships and support to low- and moderate-income students and reducing college student loan debt. Development officers with the SaSS team work with alumni in Ohio and beyond to establish scholarships and assist in student programs that benefit current and future Buckeyes today and in perpetuity.

As a member of SaSS Advancement team, the successful candidate will build a pipeline of $100k+ prospects through discovery/qualification work. The Director of Development will have a drive for supporting the university’s Access and Affordability mission, building relationships and expanding the culture of philanthropy among the university’s more than 500,000+ donors. Helping donors to find where their philanthropy aligns with the university’s and the unit’s priorities provides for a stimulating, creative, and rewarding work environment.

Why Join Ohio State Advancement Now?

With the recent completion of a record-setting But for Ohio State campaign raising over $3 billion, with $220 million raised by the College, this experienced development officer will be on the ground floor of planning the next campaign and in celebrating the university’s 150th birthday. The time is optimal to join this goal-oriented team as an experienced and motivating leader who enjoys mentoring and leading development officers as well as interacting with deans and faculty to align goals and objectives in conjunction with a new strategic plan for the University, College and Advancement.

“As we approach the university’s 150th birthday, we must re-envision our land-grant role in the modern light of the 21st century.” – President Michael V. Drake, MD

Performance Objectives:

  • During the first 3-6 months:
    • Build relationships with the Scholarship and Student Support team, Research team, Undergraduate Education leadership, etc.
    • Learn the philanthropic priorities of Scholarship and Student Support and how those priorities relate to Access, Affordability and Education
    • Become fluent in discussing scholarships and your assigned Undergraduate Education unit
  • 6-12 months and beyond: 
    • Identify, qualify prospects with a giving capacity of $100K+
    • Create cultivation, stewardship and engagement opportunities with advancement resources for prospects in your portfolio
    • Establish and achieve annual metrics

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 donor’s 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. All members of Advancement are part of creating an inclusive culture that inspires an exceptionally diverse and talented team and are measured on their adherence to the following core competencies: leadership, continuous improvement, teamwork and collaboration, and communication/interpersonal effectiveness.

The Director reports to the Sr. Director of Development and 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.

Position Requirements

Desired:

  • At least three years of professional fundraising experience in higher education or a hospital/health care environment
  • Experience working in other advancement departments such as donor relations and stewardship, donor communications and/or alumni relations
Required Experience

Requires the successful completion of a background check.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • At least three years of professional fundraising experience or professional transferable experience (i.e. managing relationships with required measurable output, making calls, conducting face-to-face appointments, creating and presenting proposals, and other fundamental elements of client relationship or sales-related activities)
Apply Here

Also, please visit http://advancement.osu.edu/ to learn more about the Ohio State University Office of Advancement.

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.