Director of Development, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (FAES)

The Ohio State University•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Director of Development builds relationships with prospective donors to increase philanthropic support for The Ohio State University and the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (FAES). The role manages a portfolio of prospective donors for major gifts of $100,000 and above, identifying donor interests, passions, and giving capacity; cultivating engagement; preparing strategic proposals and solicitations; and securing gifts. Performance is guided by annual metrics, including meetings, gift commitments, and dollars raised. The position uses central donor database, reporting, and analytics resources and manages an allocated budget. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Director works with a high degree of independence in decision-making, problem-solving, negotiation, and adapting to shifting priorities. The role calls for strong communications, collaboration across Advancement, the university, and Wexner Medical Center, as well as diplomacy and discretion. It requires frequent workweek travel, including approximately one or two overnight trips per month, regular in-state travel, and occasional evening and weekend work. The position is designated as standby under the university's Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy. The Director identifies, qualifies, and cultivates prospective major gift donors; develops strategic gift solicitations; and stewards donors to strengthen relationships. The role may also hire, train, develop, and manage assigned staff, if applicable. The position completes special projects and other assigned duties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Four years of relevant experience.
At least two years of professional fundraising experience, including building philanthropic relationships through 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, emphasizing donor cultivation, solicitation, and relationship cultivation with individuals or businesses.

Nice To Haves

At least four years of professional fundraising experience raising an organization’s highest-level philanthropic gifts, preferably five- or six-figure gifts and above.
At least four years of professional fundraising experience in higher education or a hospital/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 relationships and discover prospective donors’ values, capacity, interests, and passions.
Maintain positive momentum in the assigned portfolio and convert prospects to donors.
Develop gift proposals and implement strategic gift solicitations.
Steward donors to strengthen relationships and support future giving.
Collaborate with colleagues across the institution and contribute to multi-unit fundraising efforts.
Hire, train, develop, and provide daily management to assigned staff, if applicable.
Complete special projects and other duties as assigned.