Director of Development, College of Arts and Sciences

The Ohio State University•Columbus, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Development for the College of Arts and Sciences builds relationships with prospective donors to increase philanthropic support for The Ohio State University and the college. The role actively manages a portfolio of prospective donors for major gifts of $100,000 or more, aligning donors’ interests and passions with giving opportunities. The Director uses institutional resources, donor research, strategic proposals and solicitations to develop donor interest, secure gifts and steward relationships. Performance is measured annually using activity and fundraising metrics, including qualifications, cultivations, solicitations, gift commitments and dollars raised. The Director reports to the Senior Director of Development and works with a high degree of independence to make decisions, solve problems, negotiate and adapt to changing priorities. The position collaborates with colleagues across Advancement, the university and Wexner Medical Center, and calls for strong communication, diplomacy and discretion. It involves frequent workweek travel, including approximately one or two overnight trips per month and regular in-state travel, as well as occasional evening and weekend work. The Director may hire, train, develop and manage assigned staff, if applicable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Four years of relevant experience.
At least two years of professional fundraising experience involving relationship-building for philanthropic purposes, including calls, face-to-face appointments, proposals and closing gifts.
Two years of related experience in marketing, sales, public relations, financial advisement, account management or a related field, with emphasis on donor cultivation, solicitation and relationship cultivation with individuals or businesses.

Nice To Haves

At least four years of professional fundraising experience raising the highest level of philanthropic gifts at an organization, preferably five- or six-figure gifts and above.
At least four years of professional fundraising experience in higher education or a hospital or health care environment.
Experience in other advancement departments, such as donor relations and stewardship, donor communications or alumni relations.

Responsibilities

Identify, qualify and cultivate a portfolio of prospective major gift donors.
Build connections with prospects and discover their values, giving capacity, interests and passions.
Maintain quality and positive momentum in the assigned portfolio to convert prospects into donors.
Develop the context for gift proposals and create and implement strategic gift solicitations.
Steward donors to strengthen relationships and support future engagement.
Meet annual performance metrics, including qualifications, cultivations, solicitations, gift commitments and dollars raised.
Collaborate with colleagues across the institution, including Advancement, the university and Wexner Medical Center.
Hire, train, develop and provide daily management to assigned staff, if applicable.
Complete special projects and other assigned duties.