Director of Development, College Of Engineering

Position Overview

The Director of Development will understand the mission, needs and value proposition of the university and the College of Engineering 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 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 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.

About the College of Engineering

Since The Ohio State University was born in 1870, engineering has been central to its land grant mission. Then and now, Buckeye Engineers make the world a better place. Ohio State Engineering is where education, discovery and economic development collaborate to innovate.

Home to a top-ranked engineering program, Ohio State provides an unparalleled learning environment and career preparation alongside an unforgettable student experience. With access to 15 majors, world-class faculty and facilities, and a wide array of hands-on learning and research experiences, the opportunities are endless with Ohio State Engineering.

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.

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.

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

5% - Miscellaneous

Completes special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s 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

• 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