Director of Development (College of Food, Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

Position Overview

The Director of Development will understand the mission, needs and value proposition of the university and the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (FAES) 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 major gifts of $100,000 and above. 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 and manage an allocated budget.

The 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, 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 Advancement are part of creating an inclusive culture that inspires an exceptionally diverse and talented team and are measured on their adherence to the following core competencies: leadership, continuous improvement, teamwork and collaboration, and communication/interpersonal effectiveness. All members are also expected to exhibit The Ohio State Universitys Shared Values which include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect.

About the College of Food Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

If you arent already we guarantee you will be passionate about the food environmental and agricultural industry once you join the team. CFAES and our community are uniquely positioned to take on critical challenges such as sustainable food security and safety environmental and ecosystem sustainability the intersection of human animal and environmental health and the tensions and opportunities created between rural and urban communities and industries. The Land Grant mission of improving the lives of individuals families and communities is central to our work. One of the ways we accomplish this mission is through engaging alumni of our programs across our three campuses: Columbus Wooster and statewide through OSU Extension.

Duties and Responsibilities

95% - Fundraising

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.

Hires, trains and develops, and provides daily management to assigned staff (if applicable).

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 across the institution and can be counted as Secondary on a gift in the solicitation, commitment and dollars raised phases of the development cycle. A secondary fundraiser can be considered when a team is working on a multi-unit gift, the fundraiser is a subject matter expert in an area critical to the solicitation or a fundraiser has a pre-existing, meaningful relationship with the donor and their participation helps move the gift forward.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education/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.

Desired Qualifications (We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)

• At least four (4) years of professional fundraising experience raising the highest level of philanthropic gifts at an organization (preferably five or 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

• Experience in agriculture or agriculture related fields

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.

Commitment to Inclusion

The Office of Advancement is committed to active allyship in addressing and dismantling the inequities created by systemic racism and implicit, long-held bias. We pledge to act with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times; trust ourselves and our colleagues and empower their whole identities; and hear and see our colleagues ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.

You Need to Know

Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the diverse, smart, enjoyable, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life-changing teaching and research. Learn more here: https://hr.osu.edu/careers/.

In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.

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

The budget for this position is up to $79,500. 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: S3