Assistant Vice President, Development

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Development will provide strategic leadership for fundraising efforts across multiple colleges and units at The Ohio State University, including key driver areas with annual goals totaling over $150M. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development, the AVP will enhance the university’s comprehensive fundraising strategy through strong leadership, collaboration, and a focus on achieving goals. This role involves overseeing a broad range of development activities, managing multiple college/unit leaders, and guiding the team in the creation and execution of annual and campaign work plans. The AVP will coach Chief Advancement Officers to maximize their performance, drive donor and prospect strategies, and strengthen partnerships between colleges/units and central advancement teams. Building strong relationships with college deans and academic leaders will be essential to deepening the culture of philanthropy, increasing faculty and staff engagement, and planning for the transition of campaigns. The AVP will also ensure close coordination with leadership across advancement and academic areas. Strong organizational, business, and communication skills, along with a customer service focus and the ability to partner effectively with a wide array of audiences, are critical for success in this role. 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 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Minimum of 14 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with at least 5 years in a leadership or senior management role within a development office, preferably in a higher education or non-profit setting.
• Experience overseeing and providing strategic direction to multiple teams or units within a development organization.
• Experience in fostering partnerships between development teams and other institutional units, ensuring alignment with overall strategic goals.
• 5 years of experience managing teams.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree
• Proven ability to handle multiple, complex fundraising activities simultaneously and coordinate solicitation strategies in a decentralized environment.
• Significant experience working at the executive level and partnering with senior leadership to drive strategic fundraising goals.
• Comprehensive understanding of all facets of advancement, including marketing and communications, alumni relations, donor stewardship, and major gift solicitation.
• Strong public speaking and presentation abilities, with the confidence to engage with high-level stakeholders and represent the institution to the broader community.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership for fundraising efforts across multiple colleges and units including key driver areas with annual goals totaling over $150M.
• Enhances the university’s comprehensive fundraising strategy through strong leadership, collaboration, and a focus on achieving goals.
• Oversees a broad range of development activities, managing multiple college/unit leaders, and guiding the team in the creation and execution of annual and campaign work plans.
• Coaches Chief Advancement Officers to maximize their performance, drive donor and prospect strategies, and strengthen partnerships between colleges/units and central advancement teams.
• Recruits, trains, evaluates, and mentors a diverse team of professionals.
• Sets clear performance expectations, delivers ongoing feedback, and supports professional growth through coaching and development opportunities.
• Oversees performance management processes, addresses challenges with fairness and consistency, and ensures staff have the tools and guidance needed for success.
• Encourages cross-unit collaboration to strengthen overall fundraising efforts for Ohio State.
• Builds strong relationships with college deans and academic leaders to deepen the culture of philanthropy, increase faculty and staff engagement, and plan for the transition of campaigns.
• Plans, directs, implements, and evaluates the overall fundraiser development program, establishing a strategic framework that aligns with annual and campaign objectives.
• Collaborates with central and college/unit leaders to develop and execute training programs that enhance fundraiser management skills.
• In collaboration with the Principal Gifts team, develops and manages a portfolio of principal gift prospects with a capacity of $5M+, serving as the primary prospect manager for assigned portfolio of individuals.
• Leads strategy development, cultivation, and solicitation efforts to secure transformational gifts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive