Director of Development

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Job Title:

Director of Development (Multiple Vacancies)

Department:

Advancement | Development General

Position Overview

The Director of Development will understand the mission, needs and value proposition of the Wexner Medical Center and the university, 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 or Wexner Medical Center.

The aim of the role is to actively manage a portfolio of prospective donors to be asked for major gifts. 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 Director reports to the Senior 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 an inclusive culture that inspires an exceptionally diverse and talented team and are measured on their adherence to the following core competencies: leadership, continuous improvement, teamwork and collaboration, and communication/interpersonal effectiveness.

About the Wexner Medical Center

One of the nation’s leading academic health centers, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center offers health care services in virtually every specialty and subspecialty in medicine. Thousands of patients come to us each month for treatments and services they can’t find anywhere else. Our clinical areas of distinctiveness are Cancer, Heart, Neurology, Transplantation, Diabetes, Musculoskeletal, Digestive Diseases and Critical Care. At Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, we’re driving breakthrough health care solutions to improve people’s lives.

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.

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.

Performance Objectives

First month

Become familiar with the overall structure, resources, and priorities of the team.

Develop an understanding of campaign/capital funding priorities for the university and the Wexner Medical Center.

Build relationships with central Advancement and medical center partners including prospect development, estate and gift planning, corporate relations, donor relations, foundation relations, development communications, events and annual giving.

First 2-3 months

Begin to actively fundraise by meeting with existing and prospective donors. You will inherit a cultivated pool of alumni who are ready for gift conversations.

Implement lead generation (including cold calling) and cultivation strategies, engaging appropriate partners as necessary.

Incorporate best practice solicitation strategies for portfolio assignments.

First 12 months

Continue building a portfolio of qualified prospects. Start to travel extensively.

Move the prospects through the donor engagement process.

Continue working towards meeting team and individual performance goals/metrics by soliciting and closing major gifts.

Participate in professional development to continue learning best practices and strategies.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination education/experience.

Four (4) years of relevant experience with at least two (2) 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 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

At least four (4) years of professional fundraising experience raising the highest level of philanthropic gifts at an organization (preferably five or six figures and above)

At least four (4) 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.

Commitment to Inclusion

The Office of Advancement is committed to active allyship in addressing and dismantling the inequities created by systemic racism and implicit, long-held bias. We pledge to act with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times; trust ourselves and our colleagues and empower their whole identities; and hear and see our colleagues’ ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.

You Need to Know

Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the diverse, 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: .

In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.

Explore our extensive benefits

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Work-life: Flexible and remote work arrangement opportunities where applicable, childcare program, and access to educational, athletic and cultural events.

Retirement: State pension and alternative options with competitive employer contributions, as well as optional supplemental plans.

Health: Medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and wellness programming.

Time off: Paid vacation and sick time, parental and medical leave plus 11 paid holidays. Short and long-term disability options also available.

Financial: Tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, adoption assistance and discounts with preferred vendors and university partners.

Wellness: Lifestyle spending account, employee assistance program, health reimbursement account, and employee wellness program.

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