Senior Fundraiser

The Senior Director of Development will understand the mission, needs and value proposition of the university and the College of Social Work and build relationships with prospective donors to increase philanthropic support. Donors such as alumni and friends will be identified by listening for opportunities to align their interests and passions with opportunities to donate to the university. This position leads a team focused on Development & Alumni Relations work in the College of Social Work.

The aim of the role is to actively manage a portfolio of prospective donors to be asked for 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 Interim Executive Director of Development and serves and works closely with the College’s Dean and their leadership team. This position 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.

The College of Social Work, through excellence in teaching, research, and service, prepares leaders who enhance individual and community well‑being, celebrate difference, and promote social and economic justice for vulnerable populations. The college fosters social change through collaboration with individuals, families, communities and other change agents to build strengths and resolve complex individual and social problems. As an internationally recognized college, we build and apply knowledge that positively impacts Ohio, the nation, and the world.

Social work has a long and rich tradition at The Ohio State University.

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.

20% - Management

Provides management of team members through leadership, coaching and mentorship to develop fundraising skills;
Contributes to Advancement team strategies and helps drive initiatives through completion;
Provides support for the continued trajectory of increase in new fundraising activity and philanthropic receipts to achieve college goals while driving enhancement of current and creation of new innovative programs;
Recruits, trains, evaluates, motivates, and coaches employees of various backgrounds and identities; establishes and monitors goals, provides performance feedback and coaching, and supports professional development; completes annual performance management procedures; manages performance issues; is responsible for using independent, consistent and fair judgement in exercising authority; develops procedures,…