Senior Director of Development

Job title: Senior Director of Development
Organization: The Ohio State University
Location: Columbus, Ohio

Job Description

Senior Director of Development
College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH

Position Overview

The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is searching for a new Senior Director of Development to join its dynamic team as a leader. This position will be responsible for maintaining and expanding relationships with major donors and will play an important role as the College seeks to grow from a $30M annual fundraising operation.

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Senior Director will lead a growing team of fundraisers to harness the power of 45,000 alumni and friends who are the soul of the college. From our fifth generation farmers to our partners in industry, the college is a family and the Advancement team works very well together to help that family find creative ways to support the CFAES mission. As a key member of the college’s Advancement leadership team, the Senior Director will demonstrate collaboration in building partnerships with internal stakeholders, industry, and individual donors. In addition to leading a fundraising team, the Senior Director will carry a portfolio that will likely be split with 60% individuals and 40% corporations. A partial portfolio of prospects will be inherited upon entry into the position.

The CFAES Advancement team operates under these core values:  Collaboration, Excellence, Innovation, Integrity, Relationships First, and Transparency. Individuals who are fulfilled by the process of matching donors with their gifts, and are passionate about the agriculture industry, the environment and areas such as food security and bioenergy are encouraged to apply.

More About the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

CFAES has identified three Signature Areas that align Ohio’s highest needs with the college’s greatest strengths. They are:  1) Food Security, Production and Human Health; 2) Environmental Quality and Sustainability; and 3) Advanced Bioenergy and Biobased Products. Setting the standard of excellence in these areas means propelling Ohio State to be the preeminent U.S. university in the agbiosciences.

The CFAES environment is complex.  It demands the ability to think strategically, creatively and collaboratively; to thrive in a world focused on continuous improvement; and to prioritize your work in order to accomplish your metric fundraising goals. In return, you will be inspired daily by innovation and be supported by and contribute to a strong and extensive network of talented Advancement professionals in University Development.

To learn more about this amazing college, please visit www.cfaes.osu.edu.

Why Join Ohio State Advancement Now?

With the recent completion of a record-setting But for Ohio State campaign raising over $3 billion, with $155 million raised by the College, this experienced development officer will be on the ground floor of planning the next campaign and in celebrating the university’s 150th birthday.  The time is optimal to join this goal-oriented team as an experienced and motivating leader who enjoys mentoring development officers as well as interacting with deans and faculty to align goals and objectives in conjunction with a new strategic plan for the University, College and Advancement.

“As we approach the university’s 150th birthday, we must re-envision our land-grant role in the modern light of the 21st century.” – President Michael V. Drake, MD

General Expectations for the role:

During first 3 months

  • Get to know team through 1:1s and as a group. Work with the team to identify college advancement priorities and how to achieve them.
  • Build relationships and plans with Advancement and College partners such as gift planning, corporate relations, donor relations, foundation relations, development communications, and annual giving.
  • Build relationships with internal partners such as the Industry Liaison Office, Technology Commercialization Office and Corporate Engagement Office.
  • Establish rapport with College academic leaders, prospects, donors and volunteers.
  • Begin discovery/qualifications work towards meeting performance goals/metrics.

During first 3-6 months

  • Implement lead generation and cultivation strategies.
  • Establish solicitation strategies for individual portfolio.
  • Work with development team for best practice solicitation strategies and portfolio assignments.
  • Begin implementation and set dates for solicitation strategies.

During first 6-12 months

  • Begin implementation and set dates for solicitation strategies.
  • Work with Dean and team to build vision and strategy coordinated with college goals and priorities.
  • Continue work towards meeting team and individual performance goals/metrics.

Experience Required/Desired:

  • The baseline of experience we are seeking is six years asking for and closing major gifts at the $100,000+ level (preferably in higher education) along with a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of supervisory experience.
  • Demonstrated success in alumni-based fundraising, and industry fundraising, will help you hit the ground running.
  • The ability to travel and work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends is essential.

You Need To Know
Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the diverse, smart, safe, fun and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for a land grant institution where you will truly feel the impact of this role while procuring transformational gifts. Learn more here: https://hr.osu.edu/careers/.

Closing Statement
The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.

How to Apply
Please visit www.advancement.osu.edu to find out more about University Advancement and apply online at: http://osujoblinks.com/r1nu.

Questions may be directed to Steph Mizer, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition and Management at mizer.43@osu.edu.