Director, Principal Gifts and Executive Communications at The Ohio State University
Job Type
Full-timePosting Date
October 1, 2018Location 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 Director of Principal Gifts and Executive Communications will be a key partner to the Vice President for Principal Gifts with the strategy, preparation and execution of proposals that will align alumni and friends’, including individuals and organizations, interests and passions with opportunities to support the university and/or Wexner Medical Center at a multi-million dollar gift level ($5M+). They will accompany the Vice President and/or other executives within the Office of Advancement who are working with academic and/or unit leaders to determine needs and proposal focus. This position will be expected to listen to these stakeholders, interpret and create the best communications plan and supporting collateral that will speak directly to these potential donors. Communications will be developed with minimal direction and may come in various forms such as but not limited to feature stories, white papers, briefings, videos, presentations, speeches, etc.
Reporting directly to the Office of Advancement’s Chief Communications Officer, the Director is a member of a proactive team that works to foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, responsiveness and flexibility, enabling the group to address challenges and offer creative solutions. This position will also serve as the primary writer for other Advancement communications needs, specifically those from the University President's office as well as our Corporate and Foundation Relations teams and may be asked to prepare materials for media/public relations purposes. Success will be influenced by their ability to work collaboratively with administrators, development officers and creative directors and designers from varied environments with differing focuses and/or initiatives, and the ability to tackle projects of all sizes on tight deadlines.
All members of Advancement are part of creating an inclusive culture that inspires and 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.
Responsibilities
65%
Collaborating with the Vice President, works directly with the central Principal Gifts team, unit-based development colleagues, and other Advancement executives to create highly customized communications strategies and solutions to effectively cultivate, solicit and steward the university’s highest-capacity alumni and friends, including individuals and organizations. Leads the development of and projects related to a personalized and persuasive communications strategy, message, delivery, and supporting collateral that will influence top donors and prospects to support their area(s) of passion at the university and/or Wexner Medical Center.
Works with subject matter experts throughout the university to gather and confirm information. Aligns work with university, campaign and unit priority and project-specific messaging. Implements university style, voice and tone, and brand standards across all work and coordinates with team members and other partners to ensure 100% accuracy and timely execution. Collaborates with designers when needed to ensure high-impact materials.
30%
Produces executive-level communications and correspondence and serves as the primary writer for other Advancement communications needs to include senior leadership and those from the University President’s office.
Partners with the Corporate and Foundation Relations teams to determine strategies related to and produce communications pieces that speak directly to donors’ and prospects interests in funding opportunities that move the university forward.
5%
Other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
Desired:
10 years of professional experience in persuasive writing for senior-level executives for the purposes of business development and/or proposals or solicitations; 7 years of professional experience in higher education or non-profit environment; 5 years of experience with the Adobe Creative Suite, as well as photo and video editing, and digital content creation.
Required Experience
Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience; 7 years of professional experience in persuasive writing for senior-level executives for the purposes of business development and/or proposals or solicitations; 5 years professional experience in higher education or non-profit environment; advanced storytelling, research and customer service skills; demonstrated superior organizational, collaborative, writing and interpersonal skills; possess a comprehensive multimedia skill set, including at least 3 years of experience with the Adobe Creative Suite, as well as photo and video editing, and digital content creation.
In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.
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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.