Senior Director of Development - Major Giving

Senior Director of Development - Major Giving

Company: Ohio University

Job Location: Athens, 45701-2979

Category: Development and Fundraising

Type: Full-Time

Business Title
Senior Director of Development - Major Giving

Applications Accepted From
Public: Open to the Public

Special Instructions to Applicants
DEPARTMENT WILL BE FILLING UP TO 2 POSITIONS supporting the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts or the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
To apply, please complete and submit the online application and be prepared to attach 3 separate documents: current resume, cover Letter, and a list of 3 professional references with current contact information, including email addresses. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please apply by 11:59 p.m. EST on the close date.

This position is eligible for the following benefits
medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.

Posting Number: 2016350T

Department Summary

The Senior Director of Development, Major Giving serves as the lead major gifts officer for assigned colleges or units at Ohio University, working within University Advancement to build and manage a robust portfolio of prospective major donors. This role is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual, corporate, and foundation prospects; developing strategic development plans; coordinating donor stewardship efforts; and collaborating with internal teams such as Gift Planning, Annual Giving, and Corporate and Foundation Relations. The Senior Director also manages development travel, organizes key events, and fosters alumni engagement to advance unit-specific and university-wide philanthropic goals.

In addition to direct fundraising, the Senior Director acts as a strategic advisor and liaison between academic/unit leadership and potential supporters. This includes aligning development priorities with university and unit strategic plans, coordinating proposal development and cultivation activities, and overseeing relationships with faculty, staff, and external relations personnel. The role emphasizes collaboration, strategic planning, and proactive engagement to build sustainable donor pipelines and secure significant financial commitments in support of Ohio University's mission.

Position Profile

Works collaboratively to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward principal gifts from critical, high profile prospects/donors that will enhance university-wide priorities. Designs and implements strategic fundraising plans through collaboration for academic units, regional campuses and complex markets. Manages constituency programs. Cultivates relationships with alumni, donors, foundations, and corporations to support the University's mission. Ensures the University has the resources necessary for growth and engages the community to advance its long-term goals.

Level Summary

Leads significant programs or functions with a high level of strategic importance. Works as a technical leader to address highly challenging processes with broad and significant implications for the University. Collaborates closely with senior management to deliver impactful business results and long-term strategies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provides subject matter expertise to internal and external stakeholders. May have a limited number of direct reports.

Fiscal Responsibilities

May manage budget in work area or multiple project budgets.

Problem Solving

Resolves highly complex problems, often with no clear precedent.

Independence of Action

Self-directed with minimal supervision and high decision-making autonomy.

Communication and Collaboration

Leads major collaborations and represents the University at higher levels.

Physical Requirements

This role is primarily desk-based and involves extensive use of desktop computers. Occasionally, the job may require travel to attend meetings and programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 10 or more years of related professional experience, or equivalent education and experience.

Department
Development

Pay Rate: Target hiring range for this role is $80,593 to $108,801 and the final offer will be commensurate with the candidate's education and experience in relation to the minimum qualifications for the position.

Total Compensation Estimator (For Full-Time Benefits Eligible Employees)

Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:
https://www.ohio.edu/hr/compensation/total-compensation-estimator

Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.
See details on what we offer in one place and compare different options for retirement and insurance.
Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.

Pay Grade
20

Pay Range
$80,593.00-$138,208.00

FLSA Status
Exempt

Job Category: Administrative at-will appointment

Job Family
Development & Inst. Advancement

Job Sub Family
Major Gifts

Job Level
IC5

Job Open Date
05/08/2026

Posting End Date: 06/15/2026

Planning Unit: Vice President for University Advancement

Work Schedule
Standard working hours are Monday - Friday,8:00A - 5:00P,
May be based in either the Dublin or Athens office, with the expectation of being on the Athens campus on a regular basis and as needed and as requested by the supervisor.

Months
12 month

Campus: Athens

Expected hours worked per week
40.0

Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position.
Bo Richardson, richarr3@ohio.edu 740-593-1908