Director of Development, Buckeye Connected Communities

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

2d • $85,300 • Onsite

About The Position

The Development Director for Buckeye Connected Communities will understand the mission, needs and value proposition of the university and the Ohio State University Alumni Association 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. The Director will manage a team of fundraising and engagement professionals focused on increasing philanthropic support to OSUAA and Buckeye Connected Communities.

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 Buckeye Connected Communities 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 External Affairs 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 or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four (4) years of relevant experience with at least two (2) 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.

Nice To Haves

• At least four (4) years of professional fundraising experience raising the highest level of philanthropic gifts at an organization (preferably five and six figures and above).
• At least four (4) 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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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 (if applicable).
• Completes special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University
• working in the vibrant, smart, enjoyable, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio
• exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life-changing teaching and research

What This Job Offers

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