Director of Development

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University is seeking a Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts for the university and Wexner Medical Center. You will manage a donor portfolio, craft strategic solicitations, and collaborate with colleagues to secure gifts of $100,000+.

The role requires extensive relationship-building, outstanding communication, and travel both in-state and beyond. You will report to the Senior Director of Development and advance key university priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination education/experience.
• Four years of relevant fundraising experience with donor cultivation and solicitations.
• Two years in marketing/sales/public relations/financial advisement with emphasis on donor relations.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and cultivates a portfolio of prospective major gift donors.
• Prepares proposals and secures gifts at $100,000 and above.
• Manages staff and collaborates across Advancement and university teams.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree

Fundraising

Donor cultivation

Relationship building

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Current Employees and Students

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Job Title

Director of Development

Department

Advancement | Development General

Position Overview

The Director of Development will understand the mission, needs and value proposition of the university and Wexner Medical Center and the university, and build relationships with prospective donors to increase philanthropic support. Donors such as alumni, friends, and/or grateful patients will be identified by listening for opportunities to align their interests and passions with opportunities to donate to the university and the Wexner Medical Center.

The aim of the role is to actively manage a portfolio of prospective donors to be asked for major 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.

The Director reports to the Senior 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.

All members of External Affairs are part of creating a culture that inspires an exceptionally multifaceted and talented team and are expected to exhibit The Ohio State University’s Shared Values . The Office of Advancement is committed to acting with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times and welcoming our colleagues’ ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.

About the Wexner Medical Center and the Heart and Vascular Center

One of the nation’s leading academic health centers, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center offers health care services in virtually every specialty and subspecialty in medicine. Thousands of patients come to us each month for treatments and services they can’t find anywhere else. Our clinical areas of distinctiveness are Cancer, Heart, Neurology, Transplantation, Diabetes, Musculoskeletal, Digestive Diseases and Critical Care. At Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, we’re driving breakthrough health care solutions to improve people’s lives.

Duties and Responsibilities

95% - 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.

Hires, trains and develops, and provides daily management to assigned staff (if applicable).

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 individual’s manager prior to each fiscal year to ensure 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

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination education/experience.
• Four years of relevant experience with at least two 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 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.

Desired Qualifications ( We’re 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)

• At least four years of professional fundraising experience raising the highest level of philanthropic gifts at an organization (preferably five or six figures and above)
• At least four 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

The Office of External Affairs 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 will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life‑changing teaching and research. Learn more here: https://hr.osu.edu/careers/ .

In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.

Additional Information:

To learn more about the Office of Advancement, please visit advancement.osu.edu .

The budget for this position is up to $86,326.27. 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: S3

Location

University Square North (1031)

Position Type

Regular

Scheduled Hours

40

Shift

First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions .

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.