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Development Senior Director, Buckeye Connected Communities
Advancement | Alumni Association
The Senior Director of Development, Buckeye Connected Communities leads strategy and proactively administers the long and short-term goals for philanthropy and engagement for all Buckeye Connected Communities of the Ohio State Alumni Association. They provide strategic direction of engagement, donor relations, stewardship, advancement connections and annual giving for affinity groups. They will also be responsible for carrying a manageable portfolio of high-profile prospects, affinity groups and leaders to maximize their engagement and philanthropic impact ($50k-$250k).
This position builds strong relationships with all aspects of affinity engagement, volunteer management and unit partner strategies. The Senior Director partners with unit colleagues across Athletics, academic and health sciences colleges, as well as the Wexner Medical Center and the James. They will strategically develop, assess, message, and document meaningful opportunities that will strengthen university affinity groups, build our Buckeye Connected Communities and provide ongoing guidance and performance feedback to engagement & annual giving staff in all colleges/units. They set metrics, benchmark research, and develop best practices and tools and manage program needs including data tracking and performance.
Reporting to and assisting the Executive Director of Buckeye Connected Communities, the Senior Director will supervise a team of engagement and fundraising professionals who operate with a high degree of independence decision making capabilities judgment and discretion. This position will be proficient with MS Office programs and regularly utilize the customer relationship management system to include the timely input of prospect/donor information and will exhibit flexibility and adaptability to shifting priorities and demands to include occasional evening and weekend work.
All members of External Affairs 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 External Affairs 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.
Department Overview
The Ohio State Alumni Association’s mission: Through time and change, we enrich firm friendships across our alumni and Buckeye communities to advance the university. With a vision of being the heart of the alumni community inspiring and cultivating engaged citizens throughout their Buckeye journeys, our organizational purpose is to build a community of lifelong champions. We represent the alumni association of the future and believe in elevating the alumni and Buckeye community experience.
As an association, we are a shared service across Advancement as the experts in engagement and the constituent journey. We are one team aligning engagement and philanthropy, responsible for creating advocates on behalf of Ohio State. The organization is supported by 60+ employees, a Board of Directors, and Alumni Advisory Council.
Duties and Responsibilities
45%
Serves as a senior fundraiser for the Alumni Association by managing a portfolio of prospects, affinity groups, and volunteer leaders, with an emphasis on gifts of $100,000 and above. Strategically collaborates with unit‑based fundraisers and engagement teams to align engagement strategies with fundraising priorities. Identifies, qualifies, and cultivates high‑potential affinity groups and individual leaders by developing a strong understanding of donor values, capacity, interests, and philanthropic motivations. Actively manages portfolio momentum to advance prospects to solicitation and commitment. Designs and executes targeted solicitation, engagement, and stewardship strategies to strengthen relationships and maximize philanthropic impact. Partners closely with university colleagues to guide alumni engagement at both the university‑wide and college‑specific levels and serves as a subject matter expert on the OSU Alumni Association, providing insight into alumni populations.
25%
Provides direction and leadership and administers the long and short-term strategies for Buckeye Connected Communities focused on the university. Sets metrics and benchmarks, monitors giving trends, manages program needs including data tracking and performance, and ensures all relative data is captured in TAS. Researches and develops best practices and tools. Collaborates with colleagues across Advancement colleges/units and Wexner Medical Center to develop, assess, message, and document meaningful opportunities that will strengthen university affinity groups and provides ongoing guidance and performance feedback to engagement & annual giving staff in other colleges/units.
25%
Oversees a team of advancement consultants who serve as a conduit of information and strategy between unit leadership, fundraisers, stewardship, and engagement staff to advance the collaborative effort of moving philanthropic gifts forward. 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 judgment in exercising authority; develops procedures, assigns and prioritizes work, and ensures that the resources needed to accomplish work are provided.
5% Works closely with University Marketing and Advancement Communications to develop communications and activities in support of strategies. 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 in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Six (6) years of relevant experience with at least four (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 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.
Two (2) years of management experience.
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)
Master's degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Eight (8) years of relevant experience At least one year of professional fundraising experience in higher education or a hospital/health care environment.
Experience in a variety of advancement functions such as donor relations and stewardship, donor communications and/or alumni relations.
The Office of External Affairs is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes, and advancement practices.
In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.
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: Careers at Ohio State
Additional Information
To learn more about the Office of External Affairs, please visit Advancement Careers
The budget for this position is up to $115,750.00. 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 Consultant
Longaberger Alumni House (0022)
Regular
40
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.
