Position Overview

The Assistant Director of Development will understand the mission, needs and value proposition of the university and the Office of Student Life 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 aim of the role is to actively manage a portfolio of prospective donors to be asked for gifts of up to $99,000 and to build a pipeline of major gift donors for the future. Preparation for the ask will include creative and strategic utilization of resources to determine the prospective donors 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.

The Assistant 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, frequent collaboration with colleagues across the college, Advancement and the university and Wexner Medical Center, diplomacy, and discretion. A curious person who is not afraid to pick up the phone and be entrepreneurial will do well as an Assistant Director. This role requires frequent monthly travel and occasional evening and weekend work both in-state and out. The role also offers a flexible schedule including remote work agreed upon with the Senior Director.

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 Universitys 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.

Department Overview

The vision of the Office of Student Life is to be the premier student affairs division in the country; student- and staff-centered with cross-cutting experiential learning and a dedication to facilitating an environment that is inclusive, supportive and welcoming. We believe that every student has a unique background and set of needs that drives each program and service we offer. Together, we empower our students and team members to engage, learn and thrive at Ohio State, and beyond.

Duties and Responsibilities

85% - Fundraising

Identifies, qualifies, and cultivates a portfolio of prospective 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.

10% - Other

Maximizes opportunities to steward donors to further enhance relationships. Attends college and/or university events to engage with prospects and donors.

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 individuals manager prior to each fiscal year to assure transparency, consistency and alignment.

All fundraisers at Ohio State are encouraged and expected to collaborate with their colleagues throughout the University, Medical Center and within the Office of Student Life. Collaboration efforts can include but are not limited to: working with another academic unit or the Medical Center to collaborate on a gift from a donor, collaborating internally with the research office, faculty members and leadership to learn and discuss priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Two years of professional fundraising experience or professional transferable experience (i.e. managing relationships with required measurable output, making calls, conducting face-to-face appointments, creating and presenting proposals, and other fundamental elements of client relationship or sales-related activities).

Desired Qualifications (Were 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)

• Four years of professional fundraising experience raising the highest level of philanthropic gifts at an organization.
• 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 Advancement is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes, and advancement practices.

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

The budget for this position is up to $57,352.49. 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: S2

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About The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 57,000 in Columbus), the Wexner Medical Center, 14 colleges, 80 centers and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions.

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