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Job Title:

Senior Executive Director of Development, University Development

Department:

Advancement | Development Constituency Fundraising

Position Overview

The Sr Executive Director (ED) of Development will provide strategic leadership for fundraising efforts across multiple colleges and units at The Ohio State University, with annual goals anticipated to be in the range of $50 million, with potential for growth based on strategy and evolving need.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development, the ED will enhance the university’s comprehensive fundraising strategy through strong leadership, collaboration, and a focus on achieving goals. This role involves overseeing a broad range of development activities, managing multiple college/unit leaders, and guiding the team in the creation and execution of annual and campaign work plans. The ED will coach fundraising leaders to maximize their performance, drive donor and prospect strategies, and strengthen partnerships between colleges/units and central advancement teams. Building strong relationships with college deans and academic leaders will be essential to deepening the culture of philanthropy, increasing faculty and staff engagement, and planning for the transition of campaigns. The ED will also oversee capital fundraising initiatives and ensure close coordination with leadership across advancement and academic areas. Additionally, the ED serves as a member of the Associate Vice President’s leadership team and represents Advancement on university committees as needed. Strong organizational, business, and communication skills, along with a customer service focus and the ability to partner effectively with a wide array of audiences, are critical for success in this role.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

45%

Provides strategic leadership for fundraising efforts across multiple colleges and units with annual goals totaling up to $50M with potential for growth based on strategy and evolving need. Enhances the university’s comprehensive fundraising strategy through strong leadership, collaboration, and a focus on achieving goals. Oversees a broad range of development activities, managing multiple college/unit leaders, and guiding the team in the creation and execution of annual and campaign work plans. Coaches fundraising leaders to maximize their performance, drive donor and prospect strategies, and strengthen partnerships between colleges/units and central advancement teams.

Recruits, trains, evaluates, and mentors a diverse team of professionals. Sets clear performance expectations, delivers ongoing feedback, and supports professional growth through coaching and development opportunities. Oversees performance management processes, addresses challenges with fairness and consistency, and ensures staff have the tools and guidance needed for success. Encourages cross-unit collaboration to strengthen overall fundraising efforts for Ohio State.

30%

Builds strong relationships with college deans and academic leaders to deepen the culture of philanthropy, increase faculty and staff engagement, and plan for the transition of campaigns. Plans, directs, implements, and evaluates the overall fundraiser development program, establishing a strategic framework that aligns with annual and campaign objectives. Collaborates with central and college/unit leaders to develop and execute training programs that enhance fundraiser management skills.

Works closely with the Associate Vice President to track and analyze development officer performance, portfolio management, and pipeline growth. Develops and implements new strategies to enhance fundraising effectiveness, ensuring alignment between colleges/units and central partner support. Facilitates collaboration to optimize resources, strengthen prospect engagement, and drive overall fundraising success. Serves as a member of the Associate Vice President’s leadership team and represents Advancement on university committees as needed.

20%

In collaboration with the Principal Gifts team, develops and manages a portfolio of principal gift prospects with a capacity of $5,000,000 and above, serving as the primary prospect manager for assigned portfolio of individuals. This may include prospects from the colleges or units the role oversees. Leads strategy development, cultivation, and solicitation efforts to secure transformational gifts.

5%

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with at least 5 years in a leadership or senior management role within a development office, preferably in a higher education or non-profit setting.
• Experience in fostering partnerships between development teams and other institutional units, ensuring alignment with overall strategic goals.
• 5 years of experience managing teams.

Desired Qualifications (We are 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)

• Master’s Degree
• Experience overseeing and providing strategic direction to multiple teams or units within a development organization.
• Proven ability to handle multiple, complex fundraising activities simultaneously and coordinate solicitation strategies in a decentralized environment.
• Significant experience working at the executive level and partnering with senior leadership to drive strategic fundraising goals.
• Comprehensive understanding of all facets of advancement, including marketing and communications, alumni relations, donor stewardship, and major gift solicitation.
• Strong public speaking and presentation abilities, with the confidence to engage with high-level stakeholders and represent the institution to the broader community.
• Knowledge of Ohio State University processes and procedures.

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.

Additional Information:

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

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: People Leader – Managerial

Career Level: M4

Location:

University Square North (1031)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

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

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