Senior Director of Development, Fisher College Of Business

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The Senior Director of Development will understand the mission, needs and value proposition of the university and the Fisher College of Business (FCOB) 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 Senior Director reports to the Executive 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 a culture that inspires an exceptionally multifaceted and talented team and are expected to exhibit The Ohio State University’s 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.

About the Fisher College of Business

Fisher College of Business is located at the northern entrance of Ohio State's main campus. The 370,000 square-foot complex is the largest multi-building project ever undertaken by the university and one of the few fully integrated management education campuses in the nation. Fisher College of Business has a rich research tradition and engages through the college and the Graduate School in programs at the undergraduate, master and doctoral levels. The nationally ranked Fisher College of Business is one of 15 colleges within the university, with approximately 9,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students.  

At Fisher College of Business, we believe business leadership requires a distinct and nuanced set of skills for a business world that is changing at the fastest pace ever seen. Central themes of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, global awareness, and principled leadership—are essential to what distinguishes Fisher graduates when they enter the work force. These themes provide a consistent backdrop for our curriculum and programs and guide our thought leaders. These ideas are essential for a singularly engaging and impactful experience on our campus, and for success beyond it. Because at Fisher, we do not produce business graduates. We produce business leaders.

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.

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 individual’s 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

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education/experience.

• Six (6) years of relevant experience with at least two (4) 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’re 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)

• At least six (6) years of professional fundraising experience raising the highest level of philanthropic gifts at an organization (preferably five or six figures and above)

• At least six (6) 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.

You Need to Know

Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the vibrant, 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 $105,000. 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:                     S4

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.